The Baltimore Ravens delivered a resounding 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round, powered by an unstoppable rushing attack. Despite missing Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry orchestrated a historic performance, solidifying the Ravens’ status as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Zay Flowers’ absence forces Ravens to adapt with resilience.
The Ravens entered the game without their top wide receiver, Zay Flowers, who was sidelined with a knee injury suffered in Week 18 against the Browns. Flowers, who posted a stellar 1,059-yard season, has been a key target for Lamar Jackson all year. His absence left many questioning how Baltimore’s offense would perform.
However, Lamar Jackson showed why he remains one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the NFL. “Losing Zay is tough, but this team is built to adapt,” Jackson said after the game. “When one guy goes down, another steps up.” He distributed the ball to seven different receivers, highlighting the depth of the Ravens’ roster and their ability to adjust under pressure.
Ground game delivers a record-breaking performance.
The Ravens’ rushing attack was nothing short of dominant, amassing an eye-popping 299 yards—a franchise postseason record. At the heart of this effort was Derrick Henry, who bulldozed through Pittsburgh’s defense for 186 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns. His explosive runs, including two for over 30 yards, left the Steelers reeling.
“Watching Derrick out there was like watching a freight train with no brakes,” Jackson joked, likening Henry’s performance to Lightning McQueen from Pixar’s “Cars.” Henry’s patience behind the line of scrimmage and ability to find gaps in the Steelers’ defense were crucial to Baltimore’s success. His performance tied him with Hall of Famer Terrell Davis for the most postseason games with over 150 rushing yards, further cementing his legacy as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
This dominant ground game also opened up opportunities for play-action passes and read-option plays, keeping Pittsburgh’s defense off balance throughout the game. The Ravens controlled possession for an astounding 39 minutes and 33 seconds, completely dictating the tempo.
Lamar Jackson shines under playoff pressure.
Lamar Jackson, often scrutinized for past playoff performances, delivered one of his most efficient games yet. He completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 81 yards. His ability to avoid turnovers and manage the game was pivotal in Baltimore’s win.
Jackson’s connection with tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Rashod Bateman helped fill the void left by Flowers. Andrews, who has been a red-zone threat all season, added another layer of unpredictability to Baltimore’s offense. Jackson’s leadership and versatility silenced critics and reaffirmed his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
Steelers falter as Mike Tomlin faces mounting pressure.
The loss marked the Steelers’ sixth consecutive playoff defeat, raising questions about the tenure of head coach Mike Tomlin. While Tomlin’s record of never having a losing season is impressive, his team’s inability to perform in the postseason has become a recurring issue. Pittsburgh’s defense, once known for its physicality, was outmatched, allowing an average of 6.1 yards per carry.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, brought in to stabilize the offense, struggled to find consistency, completing just 54% of his passes and failing to lead a scoring drive in the first half. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense, once the cornerstone of their identity, was unable to contain Baltimore’s relentless rushing attack. “We didn’t execute, plain and simple,” Tomlin said after the game. “That’s on all of us, and we have to evaluate everything in the offseason.”
Comparisons to Andy Reid’s departure from the Eagles have begun to surface, with some wondering if Tomlin’s voice has grown stale in Pittsburgh. While his legacy remains intact, the Steelers may need a fresh approach to return to championship contention.
What’s next for the Ravens: A Super Bowl run in sight.
With the win, the Ravens advance to the divisional round, where tougher competition awaits. The availability of Zay Flowers remains a critical storyline, as his return could provide a significant boost to Baltimore’s passing game. In the meantime, the Ravens will likely continue to lean on their league-best rushing attack, led by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.
Defensively, the Ravens showed flashes of dominance against the Steelers, with standout performances from players like Nnamdi Madubuike, who recorded two sacks and deflected a key pass. If Baltimore can maintain this balance between offensive firepower and defensive resilience, they will be a formidable opponent for any team.
The Ravens’ momentum and depth make them one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs. With Derrick Henry breaking records and Lamar Jackson silencing critics, Baltimore is proving they are more than just contenders—they are legitimate threats to take home the Lombardi Trophy. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await their next challenge, as the Ravens continue their march toward Super Bowl glory.
