Lamar Jackson has never been one to shy away from making history, whether it’s setting records or rewriting the quarterback playbook. In a season that has seen him further evolve as both a passer and a runner, Jackson delivered a performance that showcased exactly why he remains one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson’s ability to run early and often in their Week 5 matchup turned the game into a masterclass of offensive strategy, elevating both his own play and the overall effectiveness of the Baltimore Ravens offense.
The Steelers, a team known for their physical defense and tactical prowess under head coach Mike Tomlin, came into the game with a plan to stifle Jackson’s unique skill set. However, Jackson’s ability to use his legs—often early in the game and with impressive frequency—proved to be the Steelers’ undoing. The strategy of keeping Pittsburgh on their toes with both designed runs and improvisational scrambles was a key factor in the Ravens’ commanding 24-10 victory.
### The Game Plan: Utilizing Jackson’s Running Ability Early
Lamar Jackson’s running ability is what sets him apart from most quarterbacks in the NFL, and it is something the Ravens have learned to build their offense around. While Jackson has always been a threat on the ground, his running game this season has evolved, blending traditional designed runs with the improvisation that made him a league MVP in 2019. Against the Steelers, Baltimore capitalized on his multifaceted skill set, particularly in the first half.
From the opening series, Jackson’s legs were a focal point. The Ravens mixed in read-option plays, zone-read runs, and occasional quarterback sneaks to keep the Steelers’ defense guessing. Jackson ran the ball frequently—often on key third-down situations or when it seemed like the Ravens were on the verge of stalling. The early use of Jackson’s legs not only moved the chains but also forced Pittsburgh to adjust their defensive strategy on the fly, ultimately making them more vulnerable to the passing game.
Jackson’s first few runs set the tone for the game. By the time the first quarter came to a close, Jackson had already accumulated 40 yards on the ground, an eye-opening stat that indicated the Steelers’ defense had not yet found an answer. His runs weren’t just to gain yardage but also to exploit the Steelers’ defensive alignment, which in many cases involved focusing heavily on stopping the run from the running backs.
### Making the Steelers Play Catch-Up
One of the key components of Jackson’s early running attack was its ability to dictate the tempo of the game. The Ravens’ offense is often at its best when it can establish the run early, and Jackson’s contributions were pivotal in achieving this goal. The more Jackson was able to run, the more the Steelers’ defense became worn down, and it allowed Baltimore to maintain control of the ball for extended periods of time.
Jackson’s ability to consistently gain positive yardage with his legs also put pressure on the Steelers’ defensive line, which struggled to contain him throughout the first half. On numerous occasions, Jackson broke free for sizable gains, both on designed runs and on broken plays where he used his vision and speed to evade defenders. This wear-and-tear on the Steelers’ front seven allowed the Ravens to wear them down, opening up passing lanes for Jackson and creating a balanced offensive attack.
By continuously threatening with his legs, Jackson forced the Steelers’ defense to spread out more than they wanted, diluting the effectiveness of their pass rush. The Ravens would eventually exploit these gaps in coverage with quick passes to Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and Zay Flowers, all of whom benefitted from the added space Jackson’s mobility created.
### Extending Plays and Breaking Contain
Beyond designed runs, one of Jackson’s greatest strengths is his ability to break free of the pocket and extend plays. Against the Steelers, he used this skill to his advantage several times, particularly when the pocket broke down or when the Steelers’ defensive linemen couldn’t maintain their rush lanes.
In the second quarter, Jackson scrambled for a 15-yard gain on a critical third-and-8 situation. The Steelers’ defense had covered the receivers well, but Jackson’s improvisation kept the play alive. His vision allowed him to exploit open space, and his elusiveness turned what should have been a sack into a big gain. Plays like this are where Jackson’s ability to run early and often paid the biggest dividends, forcing the Steelers to scramble to adjust and continually resetting the game’s momentum in Baltimore’s favor.
The Steelers, who typically thrive on creating chaos in the backfield and getting after the quarterback, were stymied by Jackson’s mobility. His ability to step up in the pocket and navigate through pressure with such poise made the Pittsburgh defense appear uncoordinated at times, scrambling to deal with both Jackson’s arm and legs.
### Breaking the Steelers’ Defensive Schemes
One of the unique challenges in facing a quarterback like Jackson is that defensive coordinators have to constantly balance their approach. The Steelers tried to deploy different coverages and defensive schemes to counteract Jackson’s running, such as spying him with linebacker Alex Highsmith or having safety help over the top, but Jackson’s unpredictability made those adjustments hard to execute.
When the Steelers would try to spy Jackson with a linebacker, Jackson’s ability to read the defense and find running lanes created confusion. He exploited misalignments and forced the Steelers’ defenders into tough situations. His speed in open space, combined with his agility, allowed him to evade tacklers and continue his assault on the ground. Even when the Steelers’ defensive line managed to collapse the pocket, Jackson’s vision allowed him to slip through tight spaces and pick up key yards.
By the time the second half began, the Steelers’ defense was clearly worn out, and the Ravens continued to lean into Jackson’s running ability. On one key drive, Jackson ran four times, including a 12-yard scramble that set up a touchdown to help extend the Ravens’ lead. Each of these runs not only helped the Ravens score but also served to wear down Pittsburgh’s defense and control the clock, keeping their offense off the field.
### The Impact of Jackson’s Running on the Passing Game
As Jackson ran early and often, his success on the ground opened up opportunities in the passing game. The Steelers were forced to play softer coverage, wary of Jackson’s mobility, and this provided more space for the Ravens’ wide receivers and tight ends. Jackson’s runs not only kept the chains moving but also shifted the Steelers’ defensive focus toward stopping the quarterback run, which in turn gave Jackson more favorable matchups in the passing game.
In the third quarter, Jackson’s ability to keep the defense honest allowed him to connect with Andrews on a critical third-and-6 conversion that extended a drive and led to another Ravens touchdown. The Steelers’ defense, while talented, simply couldn’t keep up with Jackson’s dual-threat nature.
### Conclusion: Lamar Jackson’s Offensive Mastery
Lamar Jackson’s ability to run early and often against the Pittsburgh Steelers showcased his growing mastery of the quarterback position. His legs, once considered his most dangerous weapon, have become an integral part of the Ravens’ offensive identity, and his performance against Pittsburgh served as a reminder that he is not just a quarterback who can run—he’s a quarterback who uses his running ability to make every aspect of the game harder for opposing defenses.
Against the Steelers, Jackson executed a well-timed and calculated rushing attack that kept the defense off-balance and allowed the Ravens to control the tempo. His runs did not just serve as yardage gains but as a tactical tool that opened up new avenues for his teammates and set up key passing plays.
As the Ravens continue to build around Jackson, his ability to run early and often will remain a central component of their offensive strategy, one that forces opponents to adapt and never quite know what’s coming next. The Steelers found that out the hard way, and any future team facing Jackson will likely face similar difficulties when trying to contain his multidimensional skill set.