The Pittsburgh Steelers posted an epic victory over the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday afternoon at Accrisure Stadium. The highest-paid defense in the league put together an impressive effort against the NFL’s number-one offense. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were supposed to change the Ravens’ fortunes against the Steelers. After a very small sample size of one game, it did not work. The Steelers have now won eight of nine against their hated rivals.
Ravens Dynamic Duo Comes Up Short In Pittsburgh Again
Jackson played better but fell to 1-4 when facing Mike Tomlin. Jackson accounted for over 250 yards and a passing touchdown. It was an uneven effort by the two time MVP but he came within a failed two point conversion of tying the game with under two minutes to play. Jackson missed several open receivers and seemed to be pressing. The struggle is real for Lamar, the Steelers defense understands how to defend him and they are able to do it primarily without the zero blitz.
Henry, who was supposed to take the pressure off of Jackson fumbled on the second play of the game that set up the first of six Chris Boswell field goals. It was the first time he lost a fumble since 2022. He only rushed for 65 yards on 13 carries but he did score a touchdown in the first half that gave the Ravens their only lead on Sunday 7-6. John Harbaugh and Todd Monken abandoned the running game in a one score game and chose to put the ball in Jackson’s hands for 37 of their 52 offensive snaps.
Steelers Sanctuary Podcast Nails Key Elements To Ravens Offensive Implosion
If you follow the Steelers Sanctuary Podcast on Buzzsprout or YouTube the possibility was raised that the Ravens might outsmart themselves. The prediction was right on the money. As the game progressed, the number one offense became increasingly one dimensional and the Steelers defense was prepared. They ratcheted up the pressure gradually and sped up the clock in Jackson’s head which made him increasingly erratic.
The podcast team also correctly identified that Justin Tucker would miss a key kick as the difference in the game. The Steelers Sanctuary crew was half right. Tucker missed two field goals that ultimately cost the Ravens a tie for first place in the AFC North. Boswell’s second six field goal effort of the seasons secured his status as the best kicker in the NFL. It also confirmed that Tucker is no longer the reliable weapon the Ravens have counted on for a decade.
Steelers Are Still Improving
The Steelers did not play a perfect game to beat the Ravens at Accrisure Stadium. The defense was very good and it was their best game of the season. Henry and Jackson both produced big plays including a 31 yard scamper by Henry. The scary thing for the rest of the NFL is that an A- effort completely shut down the number one offense. It can get better and that should give Patrick Mahomes something to ponder as a Christmas day showdown approaches.
The Steelers offense produced its worst effort under Russell Wilson. They were miserable on third down, and he failed to produce a touchdown against the worst pass defense in the league. Tomlin and Arthur Smith finally unleashed the Justin Fields package and it was effective. An ill timed slide at the end of the game almost opened the door for the Ravens. George Pickens was sublime, but the glaring issues the Steelers have at receiver were evident as Wilson found it increasingly difficult to find an alternate option.
Final Thoughts
The best news is that a substandard offensive performance and above average defensive showing lengthened the black and gold’s AFC North lead to two and half games with seven to play. The Steelers also control their own destiny in the race for home field advantage in the AFC playoffs. Pittsburgh has not hosted a playoff game since 2020 and has not been the number one seed in the AFC since 2004. Steelers fans should rejoice and the NFL should beware, because Tomlin’s group has not played their best football, yet.
What do you think Steelers Sanctuary fans? Tune into our podcast on Monday and Thursday at 6:30 and let us know what you think. You can also catch The Good, The Bad and The Ugly show on Tuesdays at 6:30. If gambling is your thing, Legendary NFL Picks goes live on Fridays at 7pm. You can also follow us on X: @steelringspod or comment on my X: @thebubbasq.