AFC Wild-Card Showdown: Ravens Outshine Steelers
In a thrilling clash to close out the first day of the 2024 NFL playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens faced off against their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, dominating the game from start to finish.
Entering the matchup at M&T Bank Stadium, the Steelers were struggling, coming in with four losses in a row, including a narrow 19-17 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. Despite their poor form, the Steelers had previously split their season series with the Ravens, securing a tight 18-16 victory in Week 11 before falling 34-17 in their last encounter.
On the contrary, the Ravens were riding a four-game winning streak, showing impressive form. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had propelled the Ravens offense, scoring 30 or more points in each game and holding opponents to just 43 combined points over that span.
As the game got underway, Baltimore wasted no time establishing dominance, with Jackson making an immediate impact on the ground. He carried the ball 11 times for 64 yards in the first half alone, a remarkable performance considering he had only eclipsed the hundred-yard mark once during the regular season.
First Drive Success
The Ravens’ first drive set the pace, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass to receiver Rashod Bateman, resulting in a 7-0 lead. Following another strong possession, they scored again through a rushing touchdown by Derrick Henry, solidifying their lead at 14-0 with a 13-play, 85-yard drive that saw them run the ball exclusively.
Steelers Struggle Offensively
In stark contrast, the Steelers struggled to find rhythm offensively. With only 9:31 of possession in the first half and just 60 yards of total offense, they faced an uphill battle. Their inability to convert on third downs, along with turnover issues, hampered their performance as they only managed two first downs.
Substantial Momentum Shift
The game continued to tilt in favor of the Ravens, with Jackson’s dual-threat ability wreaking havoc on the Steelers defense. He repeatedly found ways to exploit gaps in the defense, keeping the chains moving and the Ravens offense on the field.
‘Where the hell is the fight?! This is the Pittsburgh Steelers! They’re just going through the motions!’ – Kirk Herbstreit
As the second quarter reached its midway point, the Ravens looked to take complete control, leading 14-0 and driving deep into Steelers territory, pushing the limits on both their passing and rushing attacks.
Looking Ahead
As the game progresses, the Ravens appear poised to advance further in the playoffs, while the Steelers need to find answers quickly if they hope to mount a comeback in the second half.
