BALTIMORE — In a thrilling playoff match, Lamar Jackson handed off to Derrick Henry before veering left, creating confusion for the defense. As defenders shifted toward Jackson, Henry dashed through an open lane for a stunning 44-yard touchdown.
Jackson and Henry’s dynamic play kept the Pittsburgh Steelers on edge throughout the game. Jackson, demonstrating his dual-threat ability, threw two touchdowns in an impeccable first half, while Henry secured two rushing scores, propelling the Ravens to a 28-14 victory. This win allowed Baltimore to progress to the second round of the AFC playoffs.
Baltimore showcased their ground dominance, outpacing Pittsburgh with an overwhelming 299 rushing yards compared to just 29 yards from their opponents. This set a new record for the most rushing yards allowed by the Steelers in a playoff game, breaking the previous record of 232 established 51 years ago.
“My dad’s proud. Jack Harbaugh’s proud right now. He likes to pound the rock,” remarked Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “Derrick Henry was running hard and physical. Lamar initiated the action, carrying the ball effectively in the first few drives.”
The Ravens advanced confidently after leading 21-0 at halftime and managing their game effectively against their AFC North rivals. Baltimore dominated the first half in terms of first downs, with a 19-2 advantage, and orchestrated touchdown drives of 95, 85, and 90 yards.
Henry put up an impressive 186 rushing yards, while Jackson, a two-time MVP still eager for his first playoff breakthrough, made sure the Steelers had to respect both his passing and running. He kept the offense moving seamlessly against a Steelers team that has relied heavily on forcing turnovers throughout the season.
“They understood how to win a football game like this,” Harbaugh noted. “Knowing how is one thing, but executing it is another, and they truly did it.”
This loss capped a challenging season for Pittsburgh, ending with five consecutive defeats, two of which came against the Ravens. It marked another chapter for the Steelers, who have now lost six successive playoff games, often falling short in close contests against teams that are seen as contenders.
