Ravens snap-count analysis: Devonta Freeman takes center stage at running back in loss to Steelers

Ravens offensive snap counts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 12/5/21

Alejandro Villanueva T 74

Ben Powers G 74

Kevin Zeitler G 74

Lamar Jackson QB 74

Bradley Bozeman C 74

Marquise Brown WR 64

Devonta Freeman RB 51

Mark Andrews TE 50

Devin Duvernay WR 44

Patrick Mekari T 40

Patrick Ricard FB 38

Tyre Phillips T 34

Sammy Watkins WR 34

Rashod Bateman WR 33

Eric Tomlinson TE 25

Latavius Murray RB 14

Josh Oliver TE 8

James Proche WR 6

Nate McCrary RB 2

Tylan Wallace WR 1

Observations: Freeman played a season-high 69% of offensive snaps while Murray played a season-low 19%. Ricard, who was listed as questionable for the game because of foot and thigh injuries, played just 51% of offensive snaps compared to 74% the week before. Watkins and Bateman each played fewer than 50% of offensive snaps for a second straight week. Duvernay has maintained his steady role in the offense no matter who has played around him. The Ravens again called on Phillips to step in for Mekari, and they have stuck with Powers as a full-time starter, even with Ben Cleveland available.

Ravens defensive snap counts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 12/5/21

Anthony Averett CB 60

Chuck Clark SS 59

Marlon Humphrey CB 58

Brandon Stephens FS 55

Tyus Bowser LB 55

Patrick Queen LB 55

Calais Campbell DE 49

Jimmy Smith CB 42

Josh Bynes LB 41

Justin Houston LB 40

Brandon Williams NT 36

Odafe Oweh LB 35

Justin Madubuike DT 26

Chris Board LB 11

Geno Stone SS 11

Justin Ellis DT 9

Tavon Young CB 8

Broderick Washington DT 6

Kristian Welch LB 4

Observations: Queen is back to being an every-down linebacker after he played just 46 defensive snaps combined in Weeks 6 and 7. Smith played more snaps than he had in the previous six weeks combined. If Humphrey is out for the season, will the injury-prone veteran have to step in as a starter, or close to it? Young, meanwhile, played a season-low eight defensive snaps after he was sick all week. Campbell was back to his normal heavy workload after he missed Week 12 in concussion protocol. With Campbell in the lineup, Madubuike saw his defensive snaps cut almost in half. Ellis and Washington also played significantly less than they had against the Cleveland Browns. Bowser was essentially an every-down player for a second straight week. The Ravens again declined to use Malik Harrison at inside linebacker or on the edge, where he’s worked in practice recently.