Last Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin referred to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson as “Mr. Jackson,” a gesture that highlighted the respect between a Super Bowl-winning coach and a two-time NFL MVP. However, this respect didn’t translate into success for Jackson, as the Steelers managed to edge out the Ravens 18-16, creating more distance in the AFC North standings. With this defeat, Jackson now holds a 1-4 record against the Steelers, who are known as his team’s fiercest rival.
Reflecting on the game, Jackson expressed his confusion over the ongoing struggles his team faces against Pittsburgh. He completed 16 out of 33 passes, totaling 207 yards along with one touchdown and one interception. In a critical moment with just over a minute left, Jackson aimed for a two-point conversion, only to see his pass thwarted by the Steelers’ defense.
Statistically, Jackson’s struggles against the Steelers are evident; he has thrown eight interceptions and only five touchdown passes in five career matchups with them. Despite not having as many explosive plays, the Steelers capitalized on turnovers and maintained control of the game, reflecting Tomlin’s strategic acumen.
Pittsburgh’s advantage was also showcased through its defensive performance and strategic play. The Ravens, leading the league in penalties, committed 12 fouls for a total of 80 yards, which hindered their ability to maintain momentum. Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the need to minimize penalties, which has been a recurring issue this season. Jackson noted that a key factor in Steelers-Ravens matchups often comes down to possession—something that ultimately eluded the Ravens in this game.
Kicker Chris Boswell was a significant asset for the Steelers, successfully making six field goals, while Ravens’ kicker Justin Tucker faced challenges, missing two early attempts yet managing to hit a long-range kick later in the game. Harbaugh expressed confidence in Tucker’s capabilities, emphasizing the need for consistency going forward.
In summary, the Ravens struggled against their rivals due to a combination of turnovers, penalties, and missed opportunities, while the Steelers seized on these weaknesses to claim a crucial victory. While Jackson’s past success against teams is tempered by this rivalry, his determination and skill suggest a promising future as he works to turn the tide in future matchups.
Hopefully, this close encounter will motivate Jackson and the Ravens to refine their strategy and address the issues discussed, leading to greater success in upcoming games. The team’s resilience and ability to learn from setbacks can pave the way for improvement as they navigate the remainder of the season.