World News – AU – « I don’t think anyone got his number, » Steelers found ways to slow Lamar Jackson down

It pulsates every time the reigning Most Valuable Player of the NFL holds the ball in his hands, a kinetic energy powered by the unique ability of the Baltimore quarterback, one of the most teams in the set Liga have struggled to capture, let alone stop.

But something happens when Jackson faces the Pittsburgh Steelers. The electricity that so easily comes against others disappears. Jackson’s overhand too. He gave it away three times in Pittsburgh last season when Baltimore relied on defense and Justin Tucker’s steadfast right leg to survive overtime.

Earlier this month, Jackson committed a crime that piled over 150 feet. He also threw a pick-6 on Baltimore’s first possession, threw an ill-advised interception to start the second half that sparked Pittsburgh’s comeback from a 10-point deficit, and fumbled in the red zone twice when the Steelers denied AFC North captured with a 28-24 victory.

Pittsburgh rookie linebacker Alex Highsmith – whose leap after diving into cover gave the Steelers the jolt they needed – then raised his eyebrows when he suggested Pittsburgh knew what was to come. One comment Highsmith’s mentor, perennial Pro Bowler T. . J. . Watt, who jokingly resisted when the rematch was due on Thanksgiving

« I’ll have to speak to Alex about giving the media all of his tips, » Watt said on Tuesday. « It’s unacceptable. ”

Jackson passed the ball 95 times in two career games against the Steelers. Seven times those touches ended with the ball in the hands of someone wearing black and gold. Jackson has 17 sales in 1. 273 touches against everyone else.

Even so, Defense Coordinator Keith Butler insists that his unit didn’t find out about Jackson somehow, and even throws out one of his favorite modifiers, which betrays his southern heritage as evidence.

« No, we don’t have his number, » said Butler. “Daggum, the boy is a great football player. He was an MVP last year. I don’t think anyone has their number. ”

Butler pointed out that the Steelers still surrendered 457 yards to the Ravens in their first game of the season. It’s true, but the NFL’s only undefeated team (10-0) forced Jackson to make the negligent mistakes he usually avoids.

His second pass went straight to Pittsburgh’s linebacker Robert Spillane, who sprinted 33 yards to the end zone.

By the end of the first quarter, the Ravens had the ball deep in Steeler’s territory and had a chance to take the lead. Jackson stepped in the pocket, hoping to avoid pressure. Instead, he saw the ball burst free after being hit by Pittsburgh’s linebacker Bud Dupree. It rolled into the waiting arms of Steeler’s linebacker Vince Williams to end the threat.

Jackson was at four to the end of the fourth quarter, running from Pittsburgh 8 to fourth and third place. He was close to the line to win, and when he reached the ball out for an initial descent it splashed and the Steelers finally held on.

« You have to put him in situations where he feels uncomfortable, » said Cam Heyward. « Whether there is pressure to put him behind the sticks . . . (but) it is not an indication of how the game will play this time. ”

It can’t be that the ravens (6-4) want to revive their season. Baltimore has lost three out of four and is dealing with a significant COVID-19 outbreak. Running backs Mark Ingram and J. . K. . Dobbins failed after a positive test. While Gus Edwards is still available – starting Tuesday night at least – less playmaker likely means Jackson will have the ball in his hands even more than usual.

« It’s not like we’re letting go of the accelerator in any way, » said Watt. « You are watching the last game, they ran 200 meters on us . . . many of the departures were not acceptable. We saw the film and we weren’t happy with the way we played from that perspective. ”

They were just really happy with the result, typical of a defense that only allowed fourth place in yards but first in sacks, takeaways and points against. You can push them around a little. Just don’t expect them to break. They have dynamic edge rushers, a strong presence in the middle of the defensive line, and playmakers in the backend.

Jackson is dangerous because he can play with his arms or legs on any level. Pittsburgh has, perhaps as much as any team, the talent and experience to provide an answer wherever it turns.

« We’ve been playing together (for a while) and we’re very comfortable, » said Stephon Tuitt, who fired Jackson twice in November. 1.

« We know how we play and we benefit from each other, from the rush to the defensive to great stops at great receivers. ”

Still, the Steelers remain cautious. Her performance against Jackson was the exception, not the rule. They are well aware that they are just a hop, skip and a jump away from becoming food for his burgeoning highlight role.

« He’s finding some escape routes, » said Watt. « We understand he’s an MVP player . . . We have to make sure that if he gets out the games don’t break us. ”

NOTES: TE Vance McDonald returned to training Tuesday, removed from the COVID-19 list two weeks after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. … The team promoted TE Kevin Rader to the active squad and placed TE Zach Gentry on an injured reserve (knee). . … WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) was limited. … CB Joe Haden (knee) has not trained.

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Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL