BALTIMORE — Following their defeat in last year’s AFC Championship Game, the Baltimore Ravens recognized the need for improvement moving forward, particularly in their offensive execution. This time around, quarterback Lamar Jackson is focused on ensuring that the team does not suffer another early postseason exit. In their recent playoff game, the Ravens showcased a dominant running game which propelled them to a 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, achieving a staggering 299-29 lead in rushing yards.
In a display of grit, Jackson carried the ball 15 times, marking his highest total since the season opener against Kansas City, where he had 16 carries. While maintaining his health throughout the regular season might necessitate a more cautious approach to running, Jackson appears ready to leverage his exceptional agility and speed in the playoffs. “You can’t get over about how tough he is — how physically tough he is, how mentally tough he is,” remarked Ravens coach John Harbaugh. He praised Jackson’s ability to absorb hits and still make crucial plays, highlighting an impressive performance filled with resilience.
In addition to his running, Jackson displayed efficiency as a passer, completing 16 of 21 attempts for 175 yards and two touchdown passes, marking just the second time in seven playoff games that he didn’t throw an interception. The Ravens’ offensive strategy was clear; they leaned heavily on their ground game, recording 50 rushing attempts, which minimized negative plays and sustained drives. A notable moment was a 13-play, 85-yard touchdown march, executed entirely on the ground, showcasing the offense’s ability to control the tempo of the game. This approach contrasted significantly with their previous encounter against Pittsburgh, where they fell short and rushed for only 19 times.
Despite the victory, there’s an acknowledgment that improvements are still needed, particularly in the secondary, where vulnerabilities were exposed. During the second half, quarterback Russell Wilson targeted and succeeded against cornerback Brandon Stephens, one of the team’s weaker links. Additionally, a long touchdown reception occurred against rookie Nate Wiggins, and safety Ar’Darius Washington, while previously solid, was late on coverage, indicating that improvements must be made in defensive assignments.
On a positive note, with the absence of Zay Flowers due to injury impacting the team’s receiving corps, lesser-known players stepped up. Anthony Miller, newly promoted from the practice squad, recorded three receptions after only managing one throughout the regular season. Jackson commended him, noting how important it is for teammates to be ready to contribute.
However, not all performances were flawless, as returner Steven Sims fumbled a punt in the early stages of the game, leading to a recovery but forcing the Ravens to start from their own 5-yard line. Following this incident, Sims demonstrated a hesitance in returning the ball.
In terms of health resilience, the Ravens came through relatively unscathed despite missing Flowers. Jackson reported receiving treatment after sustaining a knee to the back but showed no signs of being hindered. Coach Harbaugh provided an update on Flowers, stating that he is making progress but it would be a matter of assessing his practice availability as the week progresses.
Statistically, the Ravens had an impressive showing, logging more first downs in the second quarter (12) than the Steelers managed throughout the entire game (11).
Looking ahead, Baltimore will face off against the Buffalo Bills in a highly anticipated match-up featuring two MVP contenders: Jackson and Josh Allen. The Ravens previously defeated the Bills 35-10 in their earlier encounter in September. The last playoff meeting between these two teams occurred four years ago, where the Bills triumphed 17-3, advancing to the AFC title game.
