On the longest night of the year, the Baltimore Ravens solidified their playoff aspirations by decisively defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17 at M&T Bank Stadium. This victory marked not only the start of the winter solstice but also the Ravens’ first home triumph against their archrivals since 2018, as they clinched their playoff berth with just weeks to spare before the postseason.
With this impressive performance, Baltimore is now tied at the top of the AFC North with the Steelers, who still maintain the edge due to tiebreaker rules based on their conference record. The Ravens displayed their dominance on both sides of the ball, with quarterback Lamar Jackson continuing his stellar year. After the game, Jackson candidly admitted, "I was mad until the game was over. I’m still mad. The game (is) over. I’m still hot.” This frustrated mindset is characteristic of Jackson, who remains relentlessly focused on refining his gameplay even after securing the victory.
Jackson showcased his talent throwing for 207 yards and three touchdowns, making this game another highlight of his standout season. Despite throwing one interception, he remained unfazed, demonstrating consistent poise and efficiency under pressure. "I thought Lamar was fantastic, and that's no little bit of pressure," said head coach John Harbaugh, praising Jackson’s ability to deliver precise throws even during high-stakes moments.
Complementing Jackson’s efforts was running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 162 yards on 24 carries, adding to the Ravens' strong rushing attack. This strong ground game is pivotal for Baltimore, particularly at this time of year. Coach Harbaugh remarked, "It starts right there with No. 22. So it was just (a) really well-executed run game, and (Henry is) a hard runner – the best in the business right there.”
The Ravens' offensive line played exceptionally well, allowing Baltimore to control the pace of the game and punish the Steelers' defense throughout the match. Their ability to execute their game plan effectively bodes well for the playoffs, where the margins tend to be razor-thin. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who caught one of Jackson’s touchdown passes, emphasized the significance of teamwork: "If we show up and do our jobs, we can go far – really far.”
Defensively, the Ravens demonstrated resilience and tenacity, with cornerback Marlon Humphrey sealing the game with a pick-six off Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. Humphrey’s game-changing interception provided Baltimore with the momentum needed to finish strong, shifting the score to 31-17 after Wilson’s earlier mistakes, including a fumble and interception, significantly undermined the Steelers’ efforts.
Defensive cohesion, which had been inconsistent earlier this season, seems to be returning. Humphrey reflected on this growth, saying, "The bar is set really high, and I feel like, obviously, we dropped it earlier. We’re now playing more sound defense, getting turnovers here and there. If you can get two a game, you’re going to be really successful.”
Kicker Justin Tucker, facing one of his most challenging seasons yet, made all of his kicks on Saturday, completing two field goals and four extra points, including a significant 51-yarder just before halftime. "For what it’s worth, I still have the exact amount of confidence I did," Tucker noted, hinting at his gradual return to form after enduring missed opportunities earlier this season.
The Ravens are gearing up for their next challenge as they prepare to face the Houston Texans on Christmas Day, aiming to build on their current momentum. The path to the playoffs looks promising, but players and coaches alike are cautious, emphasizing the need for focus and execution. Jackson noted, "It’s just us really just focusing on the little things...as long as we deal with those things, we know we can move the ball and score points.”
With Baltimore’s playoff position established and their performance intensifying heading toward the postseason, the team can feel the winds of change. Both Jackson and his teammates express eagerness to maintain their current level of play and focus on the minutiae necessary to secure victory as they pursue another Super Bowl title. The Ravens have clearly demonstrated they're not just content with participation; they are aiming for glory.
