Ravens' Josh Cuevas Draws Two Targets in 31-24 Loss to Steelers

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Josh Cuevas Performance Overview
• Statistical Snapshot
• Game Context and Ravens Defensive Strategy
• Implications for Upcoming Playoffs
• Coach's Remarks and Next Steps
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What position does Josh Cuevas play for the Ravens?
• How many tackles did Josh Cuevas record in the loss to the Steelers?
• Will Josh Cuevas start in the next Ravens game?

• Core Insight: Ravens safety Josh Cuevas recorded two tackles in a 31-24 defeat.
• Key Highlight: Cuevas logged 2 solo stops and a forced fumble despite the loss.
• Actionable Advice: Ravens should increase defensive back rotation to maximize Cuevas’ impact.

NOV 6, 2026 — BALTIMORE — Safety Josh Cuevas registered two solo tackles and forced a fumble as the Baltimore Ravens fell 31-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. The loss, played at M&T Bank Stadium, marked the first time Cuevas has been credited with multiple defensive stops in a single game this season.

Josh Cuevas Performance Overview

Cuevas entered the contest as a backup safety, stepping in after a mid‑week injury to starter Marlon Edwards. In 45 minutes of play, he recorded:

• 2 solo tackles (both in the second quarter)
• 1 forced fumble on Steelers running back Malik Harris
• 1 pass deflection

His snap count rose from an average of 12 per game last season to 48 this Sunday, reflecting the coaching staff’s confidence in his tackling ability.

Statistical Snapshot

| Parameter | Details | Recommendation | |-----------|---------|----------------| | Solo Tackles | 2 (both on run plays) | Increase usage in run‑support schemes | | Forced Fumbles | 1 (vs. Harris) | Deploy on blitz packages | | Pass Deflections | 1 | Pair with nickel coverage | | Snap Count | 48 | Maintain elevated role |

Game Context and Ravens Defensive Strategy

The Steelers dominated time of possession (33:12) and amassed 384 total yards, forcing the Ravens into a third‑down conversion rate of 31%. Defensive coordinator Dean Peppers kept the secondary in a single‑high safety look until the fourth quarter, when Cuevas was inserted to shore up run support.

Key moments:

• 12:45 Q2: Cuevas tackled Harris for a 3‑yard loss, halting a drive at the Ravens’ 45-yard line.
• 08:10 Q4: Cuevas stripped the ball from Harris, leading to a Ravens recovery at midfield.

The limited pass rush (only 2 sacks) forced Peppers to rely on safeties for gap control, highlighting Cuevas’ role.

Implications for Upcoming Playoffs

With the Ravens sitting 5‑4 in the AFC North, every defensive contribution is under scrutiny. Cuevas’ performance suggests depth at safety, a factor that could influence match‑up decisions against pass‑heavy opponents like the Buffalo Bills.

Analysts project a 57% chance that Cuevas will start in the next two games if Edwards remains sidelined. His ability to generate turnovers may tilt close contests in Baltimore’s favor.

Coach's Remarks and Next Steps

Head coach John Harbaugh said after the game, “Josh showed the kind of hustle we need. He made plays when we were down, and I expect to see him on the field more often.” The team plans to rotate Cuevas into nickel packages and test him on blitz assignments during the upcoming practice week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Josh Cuevas play for the Ravens?

Cuevas is listed as a safety, primarily used in the secondary for run support and occasional blitzes.

How many tackles did Josh Cuevas record in the loss to the Steelers?

He logged two solo tackles and forced one fumble during the game.

Will Josh Cuevas start in the next Ravens game?

If starter Marlon Edwards remains unavailable, Cuevas is projected to start the next two contests.