The Ravens expect to see both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.
The Steelers lost four straight games to end the regular season and did not score more than 17 points in any of those contests. They are looking for an offensive spark, and while Wilson has been the starter since Week 7, the Ravens expect to see Fields get snaps in the wild-card playoff game.
Fields' running ability makes him a dual threat, and he had two carries for 17 yards to ice Pittsburgh's 18-16 victory over Baltimore in Week 11. Fields started the first six games this season and the Ravens believe he could enter the action at various points during Saturday's game as a change of pace.
"I'm definitely expecting it, just because they've got two starting-caliber quarterbacks," Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr said. "They've won games with both of them.
"The first game, even though he didn't start against us, he came in and made some critical plays that ultimately in our eyes cost us the game. We've got to be prepared to see both of them, not just Justin as a runner, but him as a thrower as well because he is a quarterback."
All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton said the defense has allocated time in practice this week to prepare for the different styles of Wilson and Fields.
"I think our coaches have done a good job this week just kind of sprinkling in different personnel and having the right people for those looks," Hamilton said. "The scout team has been doing a great job giving us what we need.
"It's obviously something that you have to gameplan for because Justin is a threat when he comes in the game with his legs and also can throw the ball, too. Practicing that a little bit will help us if it does happen in the game."
Wilson also uses his mobility to extend plays, so the defense will be on high alert trying to keep both quarterbacks contained in the pocket.
"The game plan really doesn't change much for either one," Orr said. "Play sound, disciplined football and we like our chances."
Brandon Stephens Could Have a Busy Night
Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens has been targeted the fifth-most among all cornerbacks in the NFL this season, per Pro Football Focus. That trend continued in the regular-season finale against Cleveland, when Stephens surrendered six catches for 74 yards on nine targets, while no other Raven was targeted more than four times.
Marlon Humphrey was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time after a career-high six interceptions. Rookie corner Nate Wiggins has been steadily raising his game and turned his first career interception into a pick-six against the Browns.
That could leave Stephens as the cornerback that Pittsburgh tests most often, and Orr thinks Stephens will embrace that challenge. He could see a lot of Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.
"B-Steve prepares just as hard as anybody on our team," Orr said. "The thing I love about-Steve is, he has the mentality that you want to have as a professional athlete, and especially as a DB in this league. He's one-play, next play, whatever happened whether it was a good play, bad play, moving on."
Orr said both he and Head Coach John Harbaugh were particularly impressed with Stephens' focus in practice on Wednesday.
"We're happy with B-Steve," Orr said. "We love that teams are trying to challenge him. We know he's up for the challenge. He'll be prepared, locked in. We're confident. We're excited. I'm ready to see him go ball out come Saturday. He's been looking good for us, honestly the whole year in my opinion."
Todd Monken Isn't Focused on Head Coach Interview Requests
Given the success of the Ravens offense, it's no surprise that Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken is getting interest from teams with head coach vacancies.
The Jacksonville Jaguars confirmed that Monken is on their interview request list, and the Chicago Bears have also reportedly requested to interview Monken.
Monken, who also went through this some at the end of last season, was asked about how much those requests play into his frame of mind this week.
"None. Everything is about the Steelers," Monken said.
Monken, who was a head coach for three years at Southern Mississippi, was asked whether he would be interested in being a head coach in the NFL.
"Well, it's flattering, but again, like I said, it's a compliment to the other coaches that are a big part of how we game-plan as a collaboration, to the organization," Monken said.
"That's why I wanted to be a Baltimore Raven. From top to bottom, [the organization is] first class [and has] the best head coach in the NFL. We have tremendous players and a tremendous staff. That's what it says. It doesn't say anything about me. It says about who we have – who we have inside the building – and what matters most is Saturday. I promise you that."
