After three delays, multiple COVID-19 positive tests and plenty of conspiracy theories to boot, the Steelers and Ravens will be playing Wednesday afternoon at 3:40 p.m. ET at Heinz Field.
Brian McCarthy, director of Public Relations for the National Football League, made it short and sweet on his verified Twitter account letting fans know the game is going to happen.
One of the reasons the game will be played? No Ravens players tested positive prior to the game, marking the first time in 10 days no positives have come from the Ravens’ roster. This per Adam Schefter of ESPN:
What might be the biggest story of this game is the game is being played in Week 12. Sure, it was delayed three times, and, yes, no one is used to Wednesday afternoon football, but if the NFL was forced to create a Week 18 it would equate to a ripple effect throughout the entire NFL.
Thankfully the league didn’t have to do that, and in the process kept their 16-game season, and their 7-team playoff system in place, for now.
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday afternoon.
We’re about to start the 2020-21 season and almost all the bloated contracts signed in 2016 and 2017 have expired. Teams have been more careful lately and for the most part deals average 1-3 years in length.
That doesn’t mean we still don’t get a bad contract negotiated every once in a while. One thing that has changed since 2016 is the introduction of the supermax contract. What was supposed to be a vehicle to keep star players from leaving the franchises that drafted them has barely stopped them. Not only that, but the ones that were signed have completely backfired on teams.
With most of the spending power in 2020 free agency all gone, here is a list of 25 of the most difficult contracts to trade.
As if there weren’t enough players missing the Week 12 game, the Steelers add another name.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are supposed to play in Week 12 at some point. It was supposed to be on Thanksgiving night, then Sunday afternoon, then Thursday night and now Wednesday afternoon.
As we wait for kickoff, you can rattle off some big name players who will be out of the lineup for both the Ravens and Steelers. Players like:
Lamar Jackson Calais Campbell Stephon Tuitt James Conner Matthew Judon
Just to name a few. Well, you can add another big name player to the list, and that would be Steelers veteran center Maurkice Pouncey. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team is placing Pouncey on the Reserve/COVID-19 List prior to the 3:40 p.m. ET kickoff.
Steelers are placing C Maurkice Pouncey on the Reserve/COVID list before today’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, per source.
Pouncey missing the game will have big time ramifications for the Steelers’ offense. Not only has he had a tremendous season after a down year in 2019, but the Steelers no longer have the insurance policy of Stefen Wisniewski who they signed in the offseason via free agency.
Wisniewski spent the majority of his time in Pittsburgh on Injured Reserve after injuring his pectoral muscle in Week 1, and when he was taken off IR he was released. He was eventually picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs, his former team.
The Steelers now will turn to J.C. Hassenauer at center, and seemingly no proven depth behind the former Alabama product. Did you expect anything else prior to this Week 12 game between AFC North rivals?
Stay tuned to BTSC for more on this story as well as the latest news surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for some afternoon football at Heinz Field.
Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday after the game was rescheduled twice. This is the second matchup between the two AFC North rivals this season, with Pittsburgh claiming the first battle in Week 8 by a 28-24 margin. The Steelers remain undefeated at 10-0 after a dominant win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the other sideline, the Ravens are 6-4 on the season, though Baltimore lost in overtime to the Tennessee Titans in their last contest.
Kickoff is at 3:40 p.m. ET. William Hill Sportsbook lists Pittsburgh as a 10-point home favorite, while the over-under for total points is set at 42.5 in the latest Ravens vs. Steelers odds. Before locking in any Steelers vs. Ravens picks, make sure you see the latest NFL predictions from SportsLine’s proven projection model.
Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The staff at BTSC share their thoughts and predict the outcome of Steelers vs. Ravens in Week 12.
From the beginning (1996), Steelers and Ravens never lacked drama. Mary J. Blige will not get her ‘‘No More Drama” wish here in Week 12. Records don’t matter. The COVID List or the IR does not matter. There will be plenty of passion, blood and guts on display here. The contributors at BTSC have recorded their thoughts and predictions. Let’s go see who’s closest to the mark and furthest from reality. Last time, Mark Davison (24-0) and Michael Beck (24-7) came closest to the mark.
Who will it be with bragging rights this week?
Michael Beck
I have a hard time believing the Steelers won’t be success against this depleted and distracted Ravens team. This has all the makings of a route. The Ravens are playing with offensive and defensive lines that just aren’t up to snuff. He who controls the line of scrimmage controls the game. Tomlin will show mercy and pull the starters in the second half.
Steelers 31, Ravens 0
Geoffrey Benedict
The Steelers faced a really tough game against Baltimore earlier this season, with Baltimore at home after a bye, boasting a 7-1 record in those games. That record is 7-2 now. Ben Roethlisberger is finding his timing and rhythm, and you don’t want to be a prime time opponent of Ben Roethlisberger when he’s on his game.
Steelers 31, Ravens 13
Bryan Anthony Davis
This 2020 Steelers team is more capable of drowning out the noise than any other version in recent years. The Ravens are going to try to throw them off with gadgetry and surprises. If they are ready for anything, the Steelers will win. But the Ravens will still be noisy,
Steelers 30, Ravens 20
Mark Davison
The National Football League calendar offers some great days throughout the year to be thankful for. Firstly we have the best day of the year which is Super Bowl day. Secondly, I believe the NFL draft day is a very important day to celebrate. Last but not least is Thanksgiving day football. As a fan we are treated to three games of football to watch. Living in Australia right now it is a very different experience on turkey day. Australians can wake up at 5:00AM and watch the first football game and then cruise into the 2nd game at 8:30AM. The keen fans will watch all Three games and this year Steelers fans down under will have a great opportunity to watch our fellas play on the big stage. I am beyond excited to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers VS Baltimore Ravens. Hopefully one day I will take part in throwing the pig skin and eating till I fall asleep on American soil. Until that happens I am forever thankful to be a part of Steeler Nation and Behind The Steel Curtin.
Steelers 37, Ravens 17
Anthony Defeo
Back when I still had respect for the Ravens, I thought they might squeak out a close victory to keep their playoff hopes alive and well. However, now, with everything Wang Harbs has tried to pull over the last few days, the Steelers would be crazy not to have motivation to win this game and big.
Steelers 30, Ravens 10
Jeff Hartman
Believe it or not, when I was predicting this game before the COVID-19 issues, and the game being played on a short week, I had this being a higher scoring affair. I thought the Steelers would win, by a score of 33-24, but now I actually don’t think this game will be as high scoring as originally thought. No Lamar Jackson, no Mark Andrews and many linemen missing should limit the scoring. The hope would be the Steelers are in full control of this game and can run the clock out in the 4th quarter.
Steelers 30, Ravens 17
Matty Peverell
Short and simple from me this week, Steelers stay undefeated this week regardless of whether they play the Ravens or not. The Steelers are better organized, better performing, have a better roster, a better QB, much better Defense, definitely better receivers, much much, much, better coach and organization…and without a doubt the best fans – because the Steelers are the world’s team (yes buy your shirts here at BTSC). So with that, they’d better bloody win on Sunday if they play now I’ve said all that!
Steelers 28, Ravens 13
Big Bro Scho
Well now. It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for this game. That’s what waiting six extra days has felt like…FOREVER! The ups and downs of the game being on again off again has made me very angry, and I am guessing it has made the Steelers angry too. It might be good that Lamar Jackson is on the COVID list and RGIII will be taking the snaps, because Lamar would not want to be back there with an angry Cam Heyward bearing down on him. The offense finds it’s rhythm quickly and the defense brings the pain as they take all their frustrations out on a depleted Raven’s team.
Steelers 33, Wang Harbs & Co. 13
Dave Schofield
When this game was set to be played almost a week ago, I was looking for a high-scoring affair with the Steelers almost reaching 40 points and holding the Ravens in the 20s. But with the number of players missing in the trenches for Baltimore, I see this more as the defense coming out, playing angry, and dominating this game. The Ravens might get a couple long field goals and maybe a garbage-time touchdown. But the Steelers offense won’t have to score that much to win this one.
Steelers 27, Ravens 13
K.T. Smith
This is the one, right? The first loss. The Ravens are desperate, fighting for their playoff life. They will play their best game of the season to avoid falling out of the race. Sweeping the Ravens is a rare event and they’re just too good to fall to 6-5. And the Steelers can’t possibly get to 11-0.
Forget that garbage. Here we go!
Steelers 27, Ravens 20
Shannon White
I am beyond sick and tired of hearing about COVID as it pertains to the Baltimore Ravens. Funny how the Steelers keep getting the short end of the stick every time an upcoming opponent fails to follow protocol apparently. That doesn’t stop the so called experts from disrespecting Ben Roethlisberger and his teammates for a supposedly favorable schedule. If I am thoroughly frustrated by all the nonsense, I can only imagine what the Steelers are feeling about the situation. Thankfully the Steelers roster is filled with veteran leadership capable of channeling anger into focused intensity. The Steelers are the more complete team, even when both rosters are healthy. The game will be closer than it should be, if for no other reason than they always are with these two teams.
Steelers 27, Ravens 21
What is your prediction? Which BTSC contributor is most on the money? Let us know in the poll and the comment section below!!
In the spirit of brotherly love, siblings Dave and Rich Schofield break down all things surrounding the black-and-gold.
The rosters for Wednesday’s possible game between the Steelers and Ravens look nothing like that of the two reams that played a month ago. But even though the pandemic altered the look of this game, we must never forget that it’s still the Steelers and Ravens. This will be just one of the subjects that will be discussed in the latest installment on the BTSC family of podcasts, The Scho Bro Show.
As always, it sure is a good time to get on the airwaves and discuss the Black-and-Gold. On this show, Dave and Big Bro Scho break down all things Steelers, still talk stats, and also answer questions from fans!
Check out the rundown of the show:
News and Notes
Despite all the changes, it’s still Steelers vs. Ravens
Steelers Q&A
Dave and Rich walk you through everything you need to know regarding the Black-and-Gold.
If you haven’t heard, we have a YouTube channel, and the main reason for this is to increase the sound quality on our shows. But if you’re a visual learner you can watch the show below. Be sure to subscribe to our channel.
If you missed the live show, be sure to check out all episodes on the following platforms:
The pair of Pittsburgh Steelers coaches who were originally thought to miss Week 12 will be on the sideline Wednesday afternoon.
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak within the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, the Pittsburgh Steelers had issues of their own. Several players were put on the Reserve/COVID-19 List, and two coaches were told they couldn’t be on the sideline due to an illness.
The NFL doesn’t require the same transparency with coaches as they do with players, but if fans were thinking the loss of Matt Canada, quarterbacks coach, and Danny Smith, special teams coordinator, would play a role in Week 12, I have good news for you.
Just a day after Canada was cleared to be on the sideline and coach vs. the Ravens, Wednesday Smith was also cleared and will be on the sideline for the 3:40 p.m. ET kickoff at Heinz Field.
#Steelers Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith (illness) has been cleared to return to his coaching responsibilities. He will resume his duties today against the #Ravens.
With every delay of this game fans of the black and gold were frustrated with the entire process. When it was thought the Ravens who started their outbreak would be cleared to play it cause anger and rage to run through Steelers Nation. However, the same delays have kept the Steelers’ coaching staff in tact.
Will Canada and Smith being on the field make a difference? That depends on who you are talking to. Some will suggest Canada is a pseudo offensive coordinator, and his absence on the sideline would not just leave more responsibilities to Randy Fichtner, but also leave Ben Roethlisberger without a trusted set of eyes diagnosing plays on the sideline.
Smith, who is a coordinator, certainly will be a welcome sight for Steelers’ special team units as they continue to improve as the season progresses. When playing against a depleted Baltimore Ravens roster, the special teams have to be prepared for anything. Onside kickoffs, fake punts and plenty of different pressures on the kicking units.
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the Ravens on Wednesday afternoon.
When it became clear that the New Orleans Pelicans were going to trade veteran guard Jrue Holiday this offseason, there was no shortage of teams lining up to submit their offers. With so many contenders eager to acquire Holiday, the Pelicans had plenty of leverage, and were able to drive up the price.
The Milwaukee Bucks ended up being willing to pay it, giving up Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and a substantial package of picks in what eventually became a four-team deal. Some teams ultimately backed out, however, including the Brooklyn Nets. For one, they didn’t want to give up so many picks — not surprising given that team’s history — but another factor was their trust in Caris LeVert.
In particular, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving didn’t want the shooting guard included in any package, according
The Miami Heat made a stunning run to the Finals last season, where they ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. And though injuries played a large role in that defeat, it was also clear that they need another star if they want to consistently compete for titles with this group.
It’s no secret that the Heat have been active in that search. Back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is their main target, though there are a few roadblocks to their path to signing him in free agency. For one, he still might sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, which would keep him in the Midwest for the foreseeable future. Plus, the Heat giving Bam Adebayo a max extension this offseason will make it more difficult to manage the salary cap aspects of such a deal
