The Baltimore Ravens showcased their prowess on Saturday night with a convincing 34-17 win over their long-time rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had three touchdown passes, but the star player couldn’t shake off the disappointment of one key interception made during the fourth quarter.
"I was mad until the game was over. I'm lying. I'm still mad. The game is over and I'm still hot," Jackson shared post-game, reflecting on the interception which occurred early in the final period. The Ravens had the chance to extend their lead at the Pittsburgh 11-yard line but fell short when Jackson inadvertently threw the ball to Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick due to a miscommunication with wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Despite Jackson’s frustration, the interception did not derail the game entirely for the Ravens. Just two plays later, their defense struck back hard when cornerback Marlon Humphrey achieved a pick-six, allowing Baltimore to widen the gap and secure the victory. Jackson contended, though, the interception “could have been the difference” on another day, emphasizing the high standards he constantly holds for himself.
This win was significant not just for the scoreboard but also for playoff implications. With the victory, the Ravens improved to 10-5 and secured their position among the playoff contenders, tied with the Steelers atop the AFC North.
Both teams, now standing at 10-5, face tight playoff races. The Steelers lead the division due to tie-breakers, leaving both teams with high stakes as the season nears its conclusion. It means they cannot clinch playoff spots immediately but have everything to gain or lose depending on their remaining games. If both the Ravens and Steelers finish the season 11-6, the playoff bid could swing either way based on divisional records.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh praised his team’s resilience but acknowledged the need to avoid mistakes, pointing out Jackson's interception as something to review closely. Team dynamics were also on display as the running game took shape. While Jackson was the star of the offense, the mix of play-calling shows how varied strategies can lead to success.
For the Steelers, the game brought some surprises as well, especially concerning the running backs. Starting running back Najee Harris only played 17 snaps, much to fans' surprise, as he’s been integral to their offense throughout the season. Backup Jaylen Warren outperformed him, logging 40 snaps and demonstrating his capability to carry the load. Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the unexpected development, stating, "It probably was just the flow of the game. We had every intention of being inclusive and utilizing all our backs..." confirming Warren’s gainful performance influenced the decision.
Warren had 12 carries for 48 yards and caught five passes for 44 yards, illustrating how the Steelers might be transitioning to more of a committee approach for their ground game. Harris finished with nine carries for 42 yards, which begs the question: what does this mean for the Steelers moving forward?
The rivalry between these two teams is as fierce as ever, with this matchup underlining why fans anticipate every moment. Heading toward Week 17, neither team can afford to be complacent. With the Chiefs on the horizon for the Steelers and the Browns for the Ravens, the stakes could not be higher.
The combination of playoff positioning and fierce competition illustrated why the Steelers-Ravens rivalry maintains its status as one of the most intense matchups in the NFL. The final few weeks of this season will determine not just playoff spots, but also which team emerges victorious from this storied rivalry.
Both teams will undoubtedly be examining their performances closely, fine-tuning their strategies going forward. For the Ravens, Jackson will be key as they move to the next game, needing to channel the regret of this week’s interception as motivation. The Steelers too must rethink their backfield usage as they approach their final matchups. Football fans will surely be glued to their screens.
