The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-22 on Sunday, gaining control of the AFC North at M&T Bank Stadium. This victory not only provided the Steelers with a one-game lead over the Ravens but also alleviated some pressure on head coach Mike Tomlin amid ongoing speculation about his future. Meanwhile, the Ravens, who have struggled to recover from a 1-5 start, face significant questions as coach John Harbaugh risks enduring just his second losing season in a decade.
At 41 years old, quarterback Aaron Rodgers showcased a remarkable performance, completing 23 of 34 passes for a season-high 284 yards and a touchdown. This was his best outing since joining the Steelers. Beyond the statistics, he displayed agility in evading the Ravens” pass rush. He notably dodged a potential sack from linebacker Mike Green, demonstrating a youthful nimbleness. Rodgers also scored a touchdown on a 1-yard bootleg run and connected on deep passes, including a 52-yarder to receiver DK Metcalf. While he may not possess the speed of Lamar Jackson, he proved he can still make plays.
Conversely, Jackson”s performance raised concerns. After missing three games due to a hamstring injury and dealing with additional knee, ankle, and toe issues, he finished the game with 19 completions on 35 attempts for 219 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. He rushed only seven times, a stark contrast to his previous playing style. Jackson thrives when he can keep defenses guessing, and for the Ravens to reclaim their competitive edge, they must integrate his running ability into the offense more effectively.
It is puzzling that the Steelers have placed their trust in a veteran quarterback without adequately equipping him with the necessary offensive weapons. Although they traded for Metcalf, they subsequently dealt away George Pickens, leaving their passing game reliant on Metcalf and short passes to running backs and tight ends. Rodgers targeted Metcalf on a significant number of his passes, while other targets failed to make substantial contributions. This limited offensive diversity could hinder the Steelers” playoff aspirations against robust defenses.
Defensively, the Steelers” struggles continued as they allowed 218 rushing yards to the Ravens, following a previous game where they conceded 249 rushing yards to the Bills. This defensive inconsistency poses a significant threat to their postseason hopes, as successful playoff teams traditionally excel in both running the ball and stopping it.
Looking ahead, the Ravens will have another opportunity to challenge the Steelers later in the season when they face off in Pittsburgh on January 4. However, the Steelers appear to have a more manageable path to secure the division title, with their upcoming schedule including games against the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns, while the Ravens must navigate tough matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals and the AFC-leading New England Patriots.
Overall, while the Steelers celebrate their crucial victory, the Ravens must regroup and reassess their strategy to keep their playoff hopes alive.
