Steelers passing game vs. Ravens pass defense

The Steelers have endured expected growing pains from rookie quarterback Kenny

Pickett, who has thrown just four touchdown passes against eight interceptions. But Pickett is an accurate thrower and has hardly been a disaster since taking over for Mitchell Trubisky. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is his No. 1 option (61 catches on 105 targets, 561 yards) while rookie George Pickens

(13.8 yards per catch) is his most dynamic. Tight end Pat Freiermuth (50 catches on 76 targets) and running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris are also key elements to this passing attack.

The Ravens have allowed efficient passing performances the last two weeks from Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Russell Wilson of the Broncos, so they’ll hope to get back on track against Pickett. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has returned to a Pro Bowl level for the Ravens, who were also happy to have rookie Kyle Hamilton at nickel back against the Broncos after a knee injury sidelined him in Week 12. The Broncos converted on just two of 12 third downs against the Ravens, who rank second overall in third-down defense. They closed out drives despite generating relatively little pressure and giving up more yards than they would have liked when they blitzed. Though outside linebacker Justin Houston still leads the team with nine sacks, defensive end Calais Campbell (5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits) has been the more effective pass rusher in recent weeks. Starting safeties Chuck Clark and Geno Stone played below their usual levels against Wilson, and Stone could soon cede his snaps to Marcus Williams, who’s on track to return as early as this week. The Ravens hope he’ll bring turnovers with him.