Pittsburgh’s defense delivered a strong performance, guiding the Steelers to an 18-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The game highlighted the ongoing struggles of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson against the Steelers, as he fell to a 1-4 record against them as a starter.
The Ravens, who boast the league’s top-ranked offense, faced significant challenges, finishing with season lows in both points and yardage, amassing just 329 yards overall. Key to their struggles were 12 penalties and three turnovers, which thwarted their offensive rhythm and allowed the Steelers’ Chris Boswell to tie the franchise record with six field goals.
Jackson completed 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards, throwing a touchdown but also an interception to Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson in the fourth quarter. The interception proved pivotal as it came shortly after the Ravens seemed poised to take the lead following a turnover of their own.
Despite a late touchdown pass to Zay Flowers that narrowed the score to 18-16, the Ravens’ attempts at a two-point conversion failed. Jackson acknowledged the collective struggle, noting the impact of penalties and turnovers in a division game that required more precision.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the detrimental effect of the miscues that started early in the game, including a fumble by running back Derrick Henry on the second play. Star kicker Justin Tucker faced an uncharacteristic setback, missing two critical field goal attempts in a game decided by just two points.
The Steelers, who have now won seven of their last eight games against Baltimore, have consistently been a tough matchup for Jackson. Each of the last nine contests between the teams has been closely contested, with a margin of victory of seven points or less.
The resilience shown by both defenses in this rivalry game underscores the high stakes involved in matchups between division opponents.
As the teams look ahead, there may still be opportunities for the Ravens to regroup and refine their approach. With Jackson’s proven record and skills, his capability to bounce back remains strong, offering hope for future contests against the Steelers and beyond.
In conclusion, while the Steelers celebrated their victory, the Ravens have the chance to learn from this experience and improve moving forward, highlighting the competitive nature of the NFL.