The Pittsburgh Steelers' first weeks of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have started off strong in 2024, however, the same may not be said for an AFC North division rival. Baltimore Ravens' quarterback and 2023 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has now officially missed four of five days of practice with his team, after they just lost the AFC Title Game to the Kansas City Chiefs. While Jackson has continued to miss team activities, the Steelers and their quarterbacks have been going to work.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' OLB Alex Highsmith sacks Lamar Jackson and forces a fumble during a win against the Baltimore Ravens.
After another disappointing playoff run for Baltimore last season, they find themselves in an uneasy situation. The Ravens had their best shot at another Super Bowl appearance in 2023 as the number one team in the AFC. They were unable to get by Kansas City once again, and their path back to a championship won't be as easy in 2024.
Baltimore hadn't won the AFC North Title since 2019, which was when Jackson earned his first MVP selection. However, the Ravens' recent division title could be downplayed due to the fact that the rest of the quarterback rooms in the division were a complete mess.
The Cleveland Browns continue to have problems with keeping Deshaun Watson healthy, who only appeared in six games last season. The Browns were forced to put guys like Joe Flacco, PJ Walker, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center. The Browns still managed to win 11 games though, and Watson has been present for their current OTA's.
Chris Roling
Steelers' rival Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow at practice.
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals also have suffered through a handful of injuries. Burrow suffered a torn wrist ligament after 10 games into last season which would ultimately end his season. As we all know, the Steelers quarterback room had issues of their own, starting with injuries and ending with poor play. Jackson and Baltimore were the only remaining in the division who had stable quarterback play and availability, yet they were unable to capitalize in the long run.
An AFC North title won't get any easier than it did last year, and the Ravens had their best shot at defeating the Chiefs in the playoffs. Now, all AFC North quarterbacks, including Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are at their teams OTAs, except for Jackson.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during OTAs.
It's not just the fact that Jackson isn't practicing with his team. Jackson remains as the only Baltimore offensive starter who is not at OTAs. Mike Florio and Myles Simmons from Pro Football Talk spoke about Jackson's absence and what it means for the Ravens.
"Joe Burrow, yeah he's coming back from the wrist injury, but he's there. Deshaun Watson can't even throw properly, but he's there. You look at the Steelers, the Steelers beat the Ravens all the time. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are there," Simmons said.
It just seems uncharacteristic as a leader and a quarterback to miss out on voluntary practice, especially as the only starter not showing up. Could the Ravens be in trouble with Jackson and how he performs in 2024?
Steelers' Rival Baltimore Ravens Lost A Lot Of Key Pieces In The 2024 Offseason
Not only are the Ravens dealing with the absence of their MVP, but their defense, which statistically was the best in the NFL last year, has been depleted after a handful of losses. Obviously, the Steelers stole linebacker Patrick Queen from them in free agency. On defense, the Ravens also lost Jadeveon Clowney, Ronald Darby and Geno Stone. Baltimore also lost two starting offensive linemen, Gus Edwards, and Odell Beckham Jr.
Gene J. Puskar / ASSOCIATED PRESS
Steelers' Patrick Queen working on a drill during OTAs.
