In what was a hard-fought, emotionally charged AFC playoff game, the Baltimore Ravens showed why they remain one of the most formidable teams in the NFL. Behind a dominant performance from quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, the Ravens overpowered their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing a 28-14 victory and advancing to the next stage of the playoffs.
The game was filled with playoff intensity from start to finish, as these two historic franchises clashed once again in the postseason. Both teams have rich legacies, and their rivalry has often been a battle of physicality, toughness, and grit. However, in this particular contest, it was the Ravens’ dynamic duo of Jackson and Henry that proved too much for Pittsburgh’s defense to handle. With key contributions both in the air and on the ground, the Ravens offense showed just how dangerous they can be when both facets of their game are clicking. Here’s a breakdown of how the Ravens dominated their AFC North rivals on the road to the next round.
### Lamar Jackson: A Masterclass in Playoff Quarterbacking
Lamar Jackson’s playoff reputation has often been a topic of debate, but in this game, he delivered a performance that silenced any lingering doubts. Jackson has been the cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense for years, with his unique blend of arm strength, vision, and incredible mobility making him one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL. Against the Steelers, Jackson showed exactly why he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league.
**Poise in the Pocket**
Jackson has been criticized in the past for not always being the most accurate passer in the postseason. But on Sunday, he displayed remarkable poise in the pocket, hitting his targets with precision and confidence. His passing numbers were impressive: 21 completions on 29 attempts for 245 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, he made several key throws under pressure. Whether it was threading the needle on a tight window or calmly surveying the field to find open receivers, Jackson’s passing game was in full rhythm.
One of his standout throws came in the second quarter when he found Mark Andrews on a 17-yard touchdown pass to give the Ravens a 14-7 lead. Jackson’s ability to read the defense and deliver the ball accurately, even when facing heavy pressure from the Steelers’ defense, was a key factor in the Ravens’ success. It was a moment that reminded everyone why Jackson won the MVP award in 2019 and why he remains a top-tier quarterback.
**Playmaking with His Legs**
Of course, Jackson’s mobility is what makes him such a special talent. While he didn’t have to rely on his legs as much as in some of his previous games, he still picked up critical first downs with his scrambling ability. On several occasions, when the pocket broke down, Jackson managed to make Steelers defenders miss, gaining crucial yards and extending drives. One of the most memorable moments came in the fourth quarter when Jackson scrambled for a 12-yard gain to convert a crucial third down, keeping the clock moving and the Steelers’ defense on the field.
His ability to make plays with his legs has always been a hallmark of his game, and against a Steelers defense that thrives on pressuring the quarterback, it was a major asset. While Jackson didn’t rush for a touchdown in this game, his ability to evade the rush and find open lanes was integral to keeping the Steelers on their heels.
### Derrick Henry: The Steamroller Continues to Roll
If Lamar Jackson was the artist, then Derrick Henry was the sledgehammer. The Ravens’ star running back put on a performance that was reminiscent of his dominant years in Tennessee, running over and through the Steelers’ defense with ease. Known for his power, vision, and ability to wear down opposing defenses, Henry’s bruising style was a perfect complement to Jackson’s playmaking ability.
**A Powerful Ground Game**
Henry finished the game with 147 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns, showing why he remains one of the most feared running backs in the league. His first touchdown came in the second quarter, a hard-nosed 6-yard run where he powered through three Steelers defenders to break the plane of the end zone. That run, which put the Ravens up 14-7, was a textbook example of Henry’s ability to break tackles and wear down a defense.
As the game wore on, Henry’s physicality took its toll on the Steelers’ defense. The Ravens leaned heavily on their ground game, using Henry to keep the Steelers’ offense off the field and control the tempo of the game. With each carry, Henry seemed to get stronger, wearing down defenders who were often left dragging him forward for extra yards. His 147-yard performance is a testament to his unique blend of size, speed, and vision, and it played a key role in the Ravens’ offensive success.
**Toughness and Leadership**
Henry’s toughness was on full display throughout the game. In the third quarter, with the Ravens holding a slim 14-7 lead, Henry broke off a 36-yard run to put the Ravens in scoring position. His ability to turn what could have been a modest gain into a big play was a reminder of why he is one of the most physically dominant backs in the NFL. On that run, Henry showed both patience and explosiveness, allowing his blockers to set up a lane before bursting through the hole with his trademark power.
By the fourth quarter, the Steelers were visibly worn down. Henry’s ability to wear down defenses late in games is one of his defining characteristics, and in this game, he wore down Pittsburgh’s front seven with punishing runs. His second touchdown came with just under three minutes left in the game, a 4-yard run that sealed the victory and sent the Ravens to the next round of the playoffs.
### Ravens Defense: Holding Strong Against Steelers’ Offense
While Jackson and Henry were the stars on offense, the Ravens’ defense also played a crucial role in the victory. Pittsburgh’s offense, led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, has been inconsistent this season, and that trend continued on Sunday. The Ravens’ defense, particularly the secondary and pass rush, did an excellent job of stifling Roethlisberger’s attempts to create big plays.
Roethlisberger was held to just 215 yards passing and struggled to find any rhythm throughout the game. The Ravens’ defense made life difficult for the Steelers’ offense, forcing them into third-and-long situations and applying constant pressure on Roethlisberger. While the Steelers managed to score two touchdowns, the Ravens defense stood strong when it mattered most, limiting Pittsburgh’s offensive opportunities and never allowing them to take control of the game.
### Conclusion: The Ravens’ Balanced Attack Dominates the Steelers
In the end, the Ravens’ 28-14 victory was a complete team effort, with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the way on offense and the defense playing a key role in shutting down Pittsburgh’s attack. The Ravens’ offensive game plan was clear: control the clock, wear down the defense, and rely on their playmakers to come through when needed. Jackson’s poise and playmaking ability, combined with Henry’s punishing style, proved to be a combination the Steelers couldn’t stop.
With this victory, the Ravens have advanced to the next round of the AFC playoffs, where they will face even tougher competition. However, if Jackson and Henry continue to play at this level, and the defense keeps performing at a high standard, the Ravens will be a dangerous team in the postseason. It was a statement win, not just because of the rivalry, but because it showcased the Ravens’ ability to dominate on both sides of the ball. The AFC playoffs are wide open, and the Ravens have sent a clear message: they are ready for whatever comes next.
