In a thrilling playoff showdown at M&T Bank Stadium, the Baltimore Ravens powered past their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a commanding 28-14 victory. With stellar performances from Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the Ravens showcased their dominance in the postseason.
Ravens’ Unstoppable Duo
- Derrick Henry: The Pro Bowl running back set a Ravens playoff record with 186 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including a breathtaking 44-yard run. Henry’s top speed of 20.6 mph highlighted his explosive power, making him a key force in the win.
- Lamar Jackson: The Ravens quarterback added 82 rushing yards and threw a 15-yard touchdown to Rashod Bateman, leading the team to a franchise postseason record of 298 rushing yards. Jackson also surpassed Steve Young to become the all-time NFL postseason rushing leader among quarterbacks.
Steelers’ Struggles Continue
The Pittsburgh Steelers failed to overcome their postseason woes, marking their fifth playoff loss since 2017. Despite a spirited third-quarter rally that cut the deficit to 14, the Steelers’ inability to stop the Ravens’ rushing attack and Jackson’s read-option plays sealed their fate.
- Key Mistakes:
- A critical decision by Coach Mike Tomlin to punt on 4th-and-inches allowed the Ravens to extend their lead with a 13-play, 85-yard rushing drive.
- The Steelers’ slow start continued, as they were outscored 21-0 at halftime, marking a troubling trend in their playoff performances.
What’s Next for the Ravens?
With this win, the Ravens advanced to the divisional round for the third time in five years. Their next opponent depends on the outcome of the Bills vs. Broncos game:
- At Buffalo Bills if the Bills win.
- Vs. Houston Texans if the Broncos pull off an upset.
Highlights from the Game
- Promising Start: The Ravens opened with a 95-yard touchdown drive, capped by Bateman’s score, setting the tone for the game.
- Record-Breaking Performances: Both Henry and Jackson delivered franchise-defining moments, proving their postseason caliber.
- Steelers’ Late Rally: Despite trailing by 21 points, Pittsburgh showed flashes of hope in the third quarter but fell short.
Player Stats to Watch
- Derrick Henry: 186 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- Lamar Jackson: 82 rushing yards, 1 passing TD
- Quinshon Judkins: 1 rushing TD
- Steelers’ Quinn Ewers: 2 passing TDs, 283 yards, 1 interception
Fan Takeaways
The Ravens’ performance solidified their playoff credentials, while the Steelers’ defeat highlighted lingering issues. Fans can catch the Ravens’ next game and follow their playoff journey via Amazon Prime Video or check NFL updates for kickoff times.
Final Score: Ravens 28, Steelers 14
With their biggest rivals out of the picture, the Ravens are poised for a deep postseason run. Can Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry lead Baltimore to a Super Bowl?
Stay tuned for the divisional round and witness history in the making!
