On Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens made a strong statement with their 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking their first significant win against their long-time rivals this season. The match at M&T Bank Stadium proved pivotal as it not only boosted the Ravens' chances of securing their position but also tied them with the Steelers at 10-5, confirming both teams' presence in the playoffs.
From the outset, the Ravens showcased their dominance on the ground, rushing for 220 yards. This was the most the Steelers had allowed since the Ravens' impressive 249 yards two years prior, illustrating how effectively they managed to control the line of scrimmage. Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ quarterback, led the charge, contributing significantly with both his passing and rushing abilities throughout the game.
Kyle Hamilton, the all-pro safety for the Ravens, emerged as a key figure on defense, finishing the match with eight tackles, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble. His heightened awareness on the field, particularly against wide receiver Calvin Austin III, culminated in several pivotal plays, one of which resulted in a turnover on downs right at the end of the third quarter. Hamilton's improved position as deep safety under defensive coordinator Zach Orr has sharpened the Ravens' vulnerability to deep passing plays, helping them rise to 10-5 this season.
The Ravens’ ability to execute under pressure was also evident when the Steelers attempted to mount comebacks. Even with some defensive lapses allowing the Steelers to achieve 117 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns, the organization came together through strategic defensive stops when they mattered most.
Ironically, the game was not void of controversy. During the broadcast, Tom Brady, now working as FOX’s lead color analyst, faced significant backlash for misidentifying players and making vocal errors during the game. These included incorrectly naming Najee Harris as Najeh Davenport—a former Steelers running back. X users criticized Brady's performance, questioning his fit as a commentator. Brady’s history of being one of football’s greatest never transitioned smoothly to the booth. This week’s errors left many missing the prior analyst, Greg Olsen.
Reflecting on the game, Ravens defensive players expressed their relief and excitement about the victory. "You know how we feel about them boys and how they feel about us," said David Ojabo, marking the emotional barometer within this rivalry contest. The Ravens' success served to bolster their morale as they prepare for the postseason, encapsulating energy typical of late-season games. Ojabo, who was playing against the Steelers for the first time, emphasized the emotional weight of such games, dubbing it "warfare" prior to the encounter.
Key individuals from both teams were quick to recognize the significance of the outcome. Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith admitted afterward, "I think they were controlling the line of scrimmage. We didn’t do a good job controlling the line of scrimmage today. Embarrassing, to say the least." This unflinching honesty revealed the difficulties the Steelers faced during the match, as their defensive line struggled to hold back the Ravens’ powerful offensive rush.
Despite certain points of the game being lopsided, Ravens’ center Tyler Linderbaum voiced the sentiment shared among the players, asserting, "Our biggest concern is just finding a way to win... the competition is going to get harder and harder." With playoffs approaching, the mood among the Ravens is one of focus and determination—keeping eyes on the ultimate goal amid inevitable challenges.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has entrenched strategies aimed at maximizing turnovers and neutralizing the opponents’ strongest assets. This week, he emphasized hitting first and asking questions later, distinguishing the result against the Steelers substantially from past performances against similar rivals. Ironically, this emphatic win rendered the Ravens resilient after suffering four consecutive losses to the Steelers—a streak they needed to break. Coach Mike Tomlin of the Steelers acknowledged, "When you don’t control the run game... you can’t really control the game. Too many missed tackles, errors... that's just a combination for not winning this game."
With their victory confirmed, the Ravens returned to the locker room, contemplating not just the playoff berth but how they would build upon this momentum. They navigated through the blows dealt by the Steelers and emerged victorious, symbolizing progress and growth as they head toward the postseason. The game not only solidifies their standing but serves as a warning to upcoming competitors: the Ravens are resilient, even when faced with historical losses, motivated to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
