PITTSBURGH — In a tense matchup that evolved from a defensive struggle into a high-speed contest, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26-24, securing the AFC North title by a razor-thin margin as Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal.
Chris Boswell, who had been reliable throughout the season, faltered in a critical moment, missing his first extra point in over two seasons with just 55 seconds remaining, leaving the Steelers with a slim two-point lead. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson converted a crucial fourth down to Isaiah Likely with 14 seconds left, setting the stage for Loop”s ill-fated kick.
The Steelers briefly regained the lead with 3:49 left in the game when Kenneth Gainwell rushed for a touchdown, but that score came at a cost. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had to call a timeout after communication issues with his helmet, forcing him to switch equipment just before the critical play. Shortly after, the Steelers found the end zone.
While Pittsburgh managed to stifle the Ravens” rushing game after a strong start from Derrick Henry, Jackson exploited gaps in the Steelers” secondary, connecting with speedy receiver Zay Flowers for two explosive touchdowns of 50 and 64 yards.
In a dramatic finish, the Steelers retook the lead with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Calvin Austin III with just under a minute left on the clock. Despite the touchdown, Boswell”s missed extra point proved to be a significant moment as the Ravens attempted to rally.
For the Ravens, the loss leaves them with uncertainty heading into the offseason. Loop”s missed kick as time expired raises questions about the future of coach John Harbaugh and Jackson, especially after a season that saw them fall short of playoff contention, finishing with a record of 8-9.
This season marks Harbaugh”s third with a losing record in 18 seasons, a stark contrast to their preseason expectations. The Ravens will also need to address Jackson”s contract, which will see his salary cap hit rise significantly this offseason.
Flowers” performance stood out, scoring his first go-ahead touchdown since Week 14. This game marked the fourth consecutive week he found the end zone after a lengthy drought of 12 weeks without a touchdown.
Notably, Jackson”s time to throw on that 50-yard touchdown pass was 5.37 seconds, the longest he had for any touchdown in the season, showcasing his ability to evade pressure from the Steelers” defense.
Meanwhile, the Steelers will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against the Houston Texans on January 12.
As the Ravens reflect on their missed opportunities, they must confront a series of tough decisions that could reshape the franchise moving forward.
