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.”