BALTIMORE — Lamar Jackson delivered a commendable performance during Baltimore’s critical matchup of the season. After a rare mistake from the star quarterback, one of his teammates stepped up to change the game’s momentum.
Jackson threw three touchdown passes, and Marlon Humphrey took full advantage of an opportunity in the fourth quarter, scoring on an interception return. This helped the Ravens achieve a 34-17 victory over the Steelers, placing both teams in a tie for the top spot in the AFC North at 10-5. Pittsburgh had a chance to secure the division with a win but was instead left deadlocked with Baltimore, which marked their only second win in the last ten encounters with their rivals. The Ravens successfully clinched a playoff spot, while the Steelers had already secured theirs.
“It’s always exciting to get a pick-6 and clinch a playoff spot against the Steelers. I’m just thrilled that our guys worked hard and executed well,” Humphrey stated. “Historically, they’ve had success against us, but we took care of business today. Our performance may not have been flawless, but it was what we needed to do.”
Russell Wilson managed to throw two touchdown passes, tying the game at 17 with a score 5:14 before the end of the third quarter. However, Jackson quickly retorted with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. Following a turnover on downs by Pittsburgh, a 44-yard sprint by Derrick Henry put the Ravens back in scoring position. Although Jackson’s pass was intercepted for only the fourth time this season, Humphrey stepped up, intercepting Wilson and returning it 37 yards for a touchdown to secure a lead in a rivalry known for its close finishes; the last nine matches had all been decided by a touchdown or less.
“My family is here this week to support my wife and the baby,” Humphrey shared. “I was supposed to pick her up from the hospital soon. So many great things are happening right now.”
With the win, Jackson improved his record against the Steelers to 2-4 as a starter, marking his first home game against them since 2020. “We’ve put in hard work throughout this season, facing ups and downs, but clinching a playoff spot against a strong team like the Steelers means we’re headed in the right direction,” said Jackson. Henry impressively rushed for 162 yards in this game.
Entering the contest with a significant advantage in the turnover margin, the Steelers faced a reversal, as the Ravens capitalized on opportunities. Baltimore recovered three fumbles and made crucial takeaways that shifted the game’s dynamics. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin commented on the shortcomings, stating, “We didn’t manage the run game effectively. When that happens, we need key plays or to dominate the turnover battle — which we failed to do today. We missed recovering some loose balls and turning it over while advancing into their territory didn’t help.”
The scoring opened with Jackson connecting with Isaiah Likely for a 9-yard touchdown. In response, Wilson threw a touchdown pass to MyCole Pruitt. The Steelers seemed to gain control when Wilson ran for a 19-yard gain, but a forceful hit by Ar’Darius Washington knocked the ball loose, leading to a recovery by Kyle Van Noy at the Ravens’ 4-yard line. Baltimore then completed a 96-yard drive, culminating in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman.
Wilson later threw another touchdown pass to Cordarrelle Patterson, tying the game in the third quarter.
In terms of milestones reached during the game, Jackson set a franchise record with his 37th touchdown pass this season, bringing his total passing yards to a personal best of 3,787. Ravens receiver Zay Flowers achieved 100 yards receiving, surpassing 1,000 yards for the season. Henry, now at 1,636 rushing yards, marked his fourth time exceeding 1,500 yards in a season, a feat he achieved only once before during his remarkable 2020 season where he finished with 2,027 yards.
Injury updates reported that Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. sustained a calf injury while wide receiver Ben Skowronek suffered a hip injury. Meanwhile, Ravens running back Justice Hill left the game due to a concussion.
Both teams are set to play on Christmas Day, concluding their stretch of three games within 11 days. The Steelers will host the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Ravens will head to Houston to face the Texans.