The Baltimore Ravens propelled themselves into the divisional round of the NFL playoffs with a commanding 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. The Ravens' dynamic duo, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, delivered a formidable ground game that left the Steelers reeling. This defeat marks another chapter in the Steelers' ongoing playoff struggles, extending a record for the most regular-season wins over an eight-year stretch without a playoff victory to 80.
The Steelers found themselves in familiar territory, trailing 21-0 at halftime, a recurring theme in their recent losses. This trend has seen them outscored 81-37 and outgained by 1,032 to 565 yards in the first halves of their past five defeats. The Ravens capitalized on this early advantage, starting with a 95-yard opening touchdown drive, the second-longest in the Super Bowl era. This set the tone for a dominant first half, where they amassed 298 rushing yards, setting a franchise postseason record.
Lamar Jackson was instrumental in this offensive surge, gaining 75 yards before contact on his 13 carries in the first half. His agility and speed posed significant challenges to the Steelers' defense. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry showcased his prowess with a remarkable performance, rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns. His efforts set a new Ravens playoff record and further cemented his place in history as the third-oldest player to record 150 rushing yards in a playoff game at 31 years and seven days old.
The Steelers' defense struggled to contain the Ravens' ground attack, which saw Jackson and Henry combine for 164 rushing yards in the first half alone. Jackson's 82 rushing yards on 14 carries marked his highest since October, illustrating his resurgence at a critical juncture. The Ravens' effective ground game overwhelmed the Steelers, contributing to their second-largest halftime deficit in playoff history.
Pittsburgh's ongoing playoff woes are underscored by their performance dating back to the 2016 AFC Championship loss against the New England Patriots. Since then, they have been outgained by 641 yards and outscored by a combined 96 points. These statistics highlight the challenges the Steelers face in converting regular-season success into postseason triumphs.
For the Ravens, this victory secures their advancement to the divisional round for the third time in five years. Their ability to execute a robust rushing attack bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming rounds. The synergy between Jackson and Henry provides a potent offensive threat that will be challenging for future opponents to counter.
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