The Baltimore Ravens concluded their season with a heartbreaking 26-24 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. Here”s a breakdown of how each position performed in this pivotal game.
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson had a commendable performance, particularly in the second half when the Ravens were trailing. He completed 11 of 18 passes for 238 yards and threw three touchdown passes, including impressive strikes of 50 and 64 yards in the fourth quarter. Jackson also connected with tight end Isaiah Likely for a 26-yard gain, which led to rookie Tyler Loop”s missed 44-yard field goal attempt as time expired. Despite a shaky start, Jackson rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Grade: A
Running Backs
Derrick Henry carried the ball 20 times for 126 yards, showcasing his power throughout the game. However, the Ravens struggled to find a reliable pass-blocking running back, as Rasheen Ali”s performance was lacking. Backup Keaton Mitchell appeared fatigued during the contest and lacked the necessary acceleration, although he did manage a notable kickoff return late in the game. Grade: B
Offensive Line
The Ravens accumulated 137 rushing yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The offensive line performed adequately in the first half, but the Steelers tightened their defense in the second half, effectively stifling Henry”s efforts. Baltimore has faced ongoing challenges with pass protection this season, and Jackson”s ability to evade pressure made the line”s performance appear better than it was. Pittsburgh recorded three sacks and five quarterback hits. Grade: C+
Receivers
Zay Flowers shone with four receptions for 138 yards, including touchdowns of 50 and 64 yards in the fourth quarter. It was puzzling to see linebacker Patrick Queen covering him on the long touchdown pass. The rest of the receiving corps contributed as usual, with tight ends Mark Andrews and Likely each adding two catches to the mix. Grade: C
Defensive Line
The Steelers were able to establish their running game, which eased the pressure on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh”s Jaylen Warren rushed 14 times for 66 yards, and it seemed the Ravens” defense wore down as the game progressed. The Ravens struggled to apply pressure in the second half. Brent Urban and John Jenkins were effective in goal-line situations but overall, the interior line needs to improve. Grade: C
Linebackers
It was unusual yet fitting that middle linebacker Roquan Smith ended the game with only three tackles. He was exploited by the Steelers” tight ends and receivers, who frequently found openings in the Ravens” coverage. While the linebackers performed well in the first half, they showed signs of fatigue later on. Weakside linebacker Simpson had eight tackles, demonstrating solid play since stepping in for the injured Teddye Buchanan, while Tavius Robinson contributed six tackles, including a sack. The Ravens require a more dominant presence in their front seven. Grade: C
Secondary
The Ravens attempted various coverages, but they continued to struggle with tackling, a recurring issue over the past two seasons. Safety Kyle Hamilton recorded nine tackles, and fellow safety Alohi Gilman added eight, yet several missed opportunities proved costly. Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins, along with safety Malaki Starks, contributed but failed to prevent Rodgers from completing 31 of 47 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a passer rating of 90.2. This was especially alarming considering Rodgers is 42 years old and effectively utilized short passes against the Ravens. Grade: D
Special Teams
Rookie placekicker Tyler Loop had a solid season, but the pressure of attempting a game-winning field goal in the cold proved too much as he missed. Fans hope he can rebound from this setback. Punter Jordan Stout averaged 47.8 yards per punt, providing crucial field position in the first half when Jackson struggled. Mitchell also had a significant 41-yard kickoff return that set up Loop”s failed attempt. Grade: B
Coaching
The Ravens” reliance on Henry has been a concern over the past two seasons. Jackson added a dynamic element to the offense, showcasing his playmaking ability, but the team must upgrade their offensive line to improve pass protection. Defensively, the secondary struggled once again, particularly on the final 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III, indicating a need for adjustments on both sides of the ball moving forward. Grade: C
This game marked the end of the Ravens” season, with significant areas for improvement as they prepare for the next year.
