Baltimore Brings the Heat, Outclasses Pittsburgh in Playoff Showdown
Baltimore witnessed a display of sheer dominance Saturday night as the Ravens overpowered their long-time rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a resounding 28-14 win in the NFL wild-card round.
From the very start, the Ravens asserted their will with a powerful rushing attack. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry proved to be an unstoppable force against the Steelers defense, with Henry finishing the night with an impressive 186 rushing yards. This performance marked a postseason record for the Ravens team.
Pittsburgh started the game cautiously, but the Ravens quickly seized control. They drove 95 yards on their opening possession without throwing a single pass, concluding with a touchdown run by Henry. The Ravens continued to keep the pressure on, leading 21-0 at halftime after Jackson connected for another touchdown through the air.
The Steelers attempted to rally in the second half, as veteran quarterback Russell Wilson threw a touchdown pass to Van Jefferson, cutting the Ravens’ lead to 21-7. However, the Ravens responded instantly with another touchdown run from Henry, putting them back on easy street with a 28-7 lead.
Although the Steelers showcased some life with another touchdown, a long pass to George Pickens, it wasn’t enough to close the gap. The Ravens’ defense stiffened when it counted, forcing the Steelers into tough situations and maintaining control of the game.
The atmosphere in M&T Bank Stadium was electric, especially as Jackson took the game’s final knee amidst chants of “M-V-P!” echoing throughout the stands. Jackson’s charisma and Henry’s relentless running were pivotal, demonstrating why they are considered among the best in the game.
Following the game, Henry praised his quarterback’s performance, stating, “He does it every week so it’s no shock to us.” Tomlin, the Steelers’ head coach, acknowledged Jackson’s impact, saying his unique talent made the difference for the Ravens, who now advance to the divisional round with confidence.
Meanwhile, in Houston, the Texans also made waves in the night’s earlier matchup, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12 despite a bumpy start. The Texans held firm after a shaky first quarter, exploding for all 32 of their points in the next three quarters and sealing their spot in the next round.
Both teams are eagerly looking ahead, eyeing further victories as they step into the next phase of the playoffs.
