Pittsburgh – The Ravens faced off against the Steelers on Sunday in a tense AFC North rivalry game, ultimately falling short with an 18-16 loss as Pittsburgh’s defense again proved problematic for Lamar Jackson and his team.
The Steelers showcased a strong defensive performance, limiting Jackson and the NFL’s top-ranked offense to season lows in both points and total yards, allowing only 18 points while benefiting from the Ravens’ penalties and turnovers. Chris Boswell was instrumental for Pittsburgh, tying the franchise record with six field goals.
Despite a late touchdown connection between Jackson and Zay Flowers, the Ravens were unable to complete the two-point conversion that could have tied the game after narrowing the gap. Jackson completed 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards, including a touchdown and an interception, while Derrick Henry made history by tying the franchise record for rushing touchdowns with 15, although he only managed to gain 65 yards.
The rivalry between the two teams has seen a trend with the Steelers winning seven out of the last eight encounters, and each of the last nine contests being decided by seven points or less. Jackson’s struggles against Pittsburgh are notable, as he now holds a 1-4 record as a starter against them, despite his impressive season overall.
Head coach John Harbaugh and Jackson both pointed to penalties as significant setbacks during the match. The Ravens started the game on a low note, with an early fumble by Henry and missed field goals from Justin Tucker, who hadn’t previously missed multiple kicks in a game since 2022.
In a season filled with potential, the Ravens can still draw from their strengths, aiming to overcome the challenges presented by the Steelers. This setback serves as a learning opportunity, allowing them to address their miscues and rebound stronger in future matchups.
As the season progresses, there remains hope that the Ravens can refine their performance and capitalize on their strengths, with the potential to come back from this defeat and build a path toward playoff contention.