The Baltimore Ravens delivered a dominant performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a decisive wild-card playoff game, showcasing their formidable prowess on both offense and defense. The Ravens emerged victorious, advancing to the divisional round for the third time in five years. The dynamic duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry spearheaded Baltimore's offensive assault, combining for 164 rushing yards in the first half alone. This victory not only highlighted the Ravens' strength but also underscored the Steelers' ongoing playoff struggles, as they extended their record for the most regular-season wins in an eight-year stretch without a playoff victory.
Lamar Jackson demonstrated his agility and speed, amassing 75 yards before contact on his 13 carries during the first half. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry's impressive performance included reaching a top speed of 20.6 mph on a 44-yard touchdown run, marking his longest postseason touchdown sprint. Henry's efforts set a new Ravens playoff record with 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his status as the third-oldest player in NFL history to achieve over 150 rushing yards in a playoff game.
The Ravens' offensive strategy was evident from the outset, as they executed a 95-yard opening drive, the second-longest of its kind in the Super Bowl era. This strong start set the tone for the game, leaving the Steelers struggling to find their rhythm. The Ravens' total of 298 rushing yards established a new franchise postseason record, underscoring their dominance on the ground.
Pittsburgh faced significant challenges throughout the game. The absence of their No. 1 receiver, Zay Flowers, due to a knee injury, hindered their offensive options. Consequently, the Steelers found themselves outscored 81-37 and outgained 1,032-565 in the first halves of their past five losses. Despite a determined effort in the third quarter to narrow the Ravens' lead to 14 points twice, Pittsburgh could not bridge the gap.
Rashod Bateman's contribution was notable for Baltimore, as his presence on the scoreboard continued a remarkable trend. The Ravens remained unbeaten in regular-season games when Bateman scored a touchdown, boasting an 8-0 record. Jackson further contributed to this streak with 82 rushing yards on 14 carries, his highest since October.
The Steelers' playoff woes continued, with their 21-point halftime deficit ranking as their second-largest since facing a 25-point deficit against the Cleveland Browns in a previous wild-card loss. While Pittsburgh managed to muster 14 points in the third quarter, they could not close the gap any further.
Leave a Reply