The Pittsburgh Steelers edged out the Baltimore Ravens 27-22 on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, seizing control of the AFC North. The victory not only grants the Steelers a one-game lead over the Ravens but also alleviates some pressure from head coach Mike Tomlin amidst speculation about his future with the team. Meanwhile, the Ravens, who are struggling to recover from a challenging 1-5 start, face significant challenges as they attempt to salvage their season.
One of the standout performances came from Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who demonstrated a resurgence on the field. Completing 23 of 34 passes for a season-high 284 yards and a touchdown, Rodgers showcased agility reminiscent of his earlier career. He deftly avoided the Ravens’ pass rush, notably evading a potential sack from linebacker Mike Green. His mobility was evident when he executed a 1-yard touchdown run on a bootleg play and unleashed a 52-yard pass to DK Metcalf to kick off the game.
Despite the impressive performance, doubts linger about the sustainability of Rodgers’ form. While he delivered a standout display, the Steelers’ reliance on their 41-year-old quarterback raises questions about their overall offensive strategy. The team has made bold moves, including acquiring Metcalf as their primary receiver, yet they traded away George Pickens, leaving them with limited options in the passing game.
The Ravens, on the other hand, are grappling with the performance of their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, who has struggled with injuries this season. Jackson, who missed three games due to a hamstring issue and has faced knee, ankle, and toe injuries, completed 19 of 35 passes for 219 yards, with one touchdown and one interception against the Steelers. His attempts to move outside the pocket were limited, and the Ravens’ offense seemed to lack the dynamism required to keep pace with the Steelers.
The Steelers’ defensive struggles were evident once again as they allowed 218 rushing yards to the Ravens, following a previous game in which they conceded 249 rushing yards to the Buffalo Bills. This inconsistency raises concerns about their ability to compete in the playoffs, particularly against robust defenses. The team’s inability to stop the run or establish a strong ground game could be detrimental in crucial postseason matchups.
Despite the setbacks, the Ravens will have another opportunity to face the Steelers this season. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Pittsburgh on January 4, 2025, in what could potentially be a decisive matchup for playoff positioning. The Steelers’ path to securing the AFC North appears more favorable, with upcoming games against the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns, while the Ravens face a challenging schedule, including matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals and the AFC-leading New England Patriots.
As the season progresses, both teams must address their respective challenges. The Steelers need to optimize their offensive arsenal around Rodgers, while the Ravens must unlock Jackson’s potential to re-establish their identity as a formidable team in the playoff race.
