In a highly contested match on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers managed to edge out the Baltimore Ravens with a narrow 18-16 victory, further solidifying their position at the top of the AFC North. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recognized Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson with the respectful title of “Mr. Jackson,” acknowledging him as a two-time NFL MVP, yet Jackson continues to struggle against the Steelers, now holding a lifetime record of 1-4 against them.
Despite Jackson’s efforts, completing 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards, including one touchdown and one interception, his team fell short. With just over a minute left in the game and a chance to tie with a two-point conversion, Jackson faced a tough defense as he attempted to make a desperate throw towards the end zone but could not find a way through, leading to Jackson’s frustrations post-game, stating, “It felt like we were taking strides in the right direction, and something happens.”
In a match characterized by defensive prowess and strategic play, the Steelers managed to win despite averaging two yards less per play than the Ravens and being heavily penalized. The Steelers clinched a remarkable victory, driven by a solid plus-three turnover margin and controlling the clock with a time of possession advantage of 36:23. Russell Wilson, the Steelers’ quarterback, played efficiently, completing 23 of 36 throws for 205 yards with one interception.
The Ravens struggled with penalties, leading the league with 92 and committing 12 in this game alone. Jackson acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of ball possession and penal discipline: “We didn’t do a good job of that.” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh echoed this sentiment, admitting that staying out of long-down situations due to penalties hindered their performance.
Kicking was another crucial aspect, with Steelers kicker Chris Boswell making six field goals, proving vital for their win. In contrast, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker experienced challenges, missing two early field goals but later connecting on a 54-yarder. Harbaugh expressed confidence in Tucker’s abilities, saying, “He’s very capable. Just kick them straight and we’ll be good.”
While the Ravens faced disappointment, their resilience and potential for growth remain evident. By addressing their penalty issues and sharpening their performance, they can look forward to bouncing back in future games, keeping hope alive for a stronger season ahead.