BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens clinched their playoff spot with a decisive 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, leveling both teams at 10-5 and showcasing the tenacity of their squad after struggling against their archrivals.
Lamar Jackson was instrumental for the Ravens, throwing three touchdown passes—including two to tight end Mark Andrews—and demonstrating his ability to lead the team against formidable opposition. The win was particularly sweet for Baltimore, having lost eight of their last nine encounters with Pittsburgh, as defensive back Marlon Humphrey added to the victory by returning an interception for touchdown.
Jackson found himself under pressure during the game but managed to remain focused, completing 15 of 23 passes for 207 yards. His performance propelled the Ravens to victory as they prepared for their upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. "I feel like we've been busting our behind all season long, had ups and downs throughout this whole season, but to clinch a playoff against a great team like that's great," Jackson expressed following the game, relishing the impact of the win.
Conversely, the Steelers, who had originally entered the game with hopes of clinching the AFC North division title, now face pivotal challenges. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes but was responsible for key turnovers, including one interception returned for six points by Humphrey. Wilson said afterward, "The one thing I’m not going to do is keep my head down. We got so much great confidence in who we are and what we can do... we just got to buckle down and get back to work."
Derrick Henry shined as well, rushing for 162 yards on 24 carries and proving to be the quintessential tool for the Ravens' running game. Utilizing more zone read plays than usual, the tandem of Jackson and Henry kept the Pittsburgh defense guessing, paving the way for substantial gains. "It was cool to get a pick-6, but clinching a spot in the playoffs, to beat the Steelers, I’m just happy... we just took care of business," Humphrey remarked, embodying the Ravens' mentality coming off this monumental win.
Despite the loss, the Steelers remain hopeful about playoff contention. Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the difficulties his team faced during the game, stating, "We didn't control the run game. We never did... and they had a pick-6. The rest is history, as they say." Although the Steelers secured their playoff spot, failures against divisional rivals have leaders pondering what needs to be fixed heading down the stretch.
Key players such as wide receiver Rashod Bateman continued to step up for the Ravens, scoring yet another touchdown, solidifying his role as Jackson’s reliable target. Meanwhile, the Ravens' defense displayed intensity, evidenced not only by Humphrey’s return touchdown but also through dynamic plays by rookie Roger Rosengarten, who aided his team’s stability against Pittsburgh's renowned defense.
Looking forward, both teams have pivotal games on the schedule with the Steelers facing the Kansas City Chiefs post-Christmas and the Ravens preparing to clash with the Texans. The upcoming contests will serve as determining factors for their playoff paths and seeding. Each team possessing the unique ability to beat any foe they face on any day just amplifies the suspense leading to the end of the regular season.
The fierce rivalry between these two teams added another chapter to its storied history now, with the Ravens reclaiming temporary bragging rights as they head toward postseason aspirations.
