The Baltimore Ravens orchestrated a dominant rushing performance to secure a 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their opening playoff game. Their ground game amassed a staggering 299 yards, spearheaded by Derrick Henry’s impressive 186-yard contribution, which included two touchdowns. This resounding win sets the stage for their divisional round matchup, likely against the Buffalo Bills unless an unexpected upset alters the playoff landscape.
The Ravens established their dominance early, capitalizing on their first possession with a methodical 95-yard drive culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Rashod Bateman. Their commitment to the run was unwavering, as demonstrated by a subsequent 13-play drive comprised entirely of running plays, resulting in Henry’s first touchdown of the game. Before halftime, Jackson showcased his elusiveness, escaping pressure to connect with Justice Hill for another touchdown, extending the Ravens’ lead to 21-0 and surpassing 300 yards of total offense. The stark contrast in first-half performance was evident in the first down differential, heavily favoring Baltimore at 19-2.
Despite the substantial deficit, the Steelers showed signs of life in the second half. Starting deep in their own territory at the 2-yard line, quarterback Russell Wilson engineered a drive sustained by three crucial third-down completions, ultimately finding Van Jefferson for a 30-yard touchdown. However, the Ravens swiftly responded with Henry’s explosive 44-yard touchdown run, reinstating their comfortable lead. The back-and-forth scoring continued as Wilson connected with George Pickens for another Steelers touchdown, narrowing the gap once more.
The final quarter witnessed a shift in momentum as the Ravens’ offensive production waned. The Steelers, striving to close the gap further, launched a drive that ultimately stalled on fourth down, extinguishing their hopes of a comeback. Pickens’ touchdown reception proved to be the final score of the game, solidifying the Ravens’ victory.
Beyond Henry’s exceptional rushing performance, Lamar Jackson contributed significantly to the Ravens’ offensive success, accumulating 81 rushing yards and completing 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards. This balanced attack proved too much for the Steelers to overcome.
The Ravens now await their divisional round opponent. While the Buffalo Bills are the most probable adversary, a potential upset in the Bills’ game against the Denver Broncos could lead to a matchup against the Houston Texans. The Ravens’ dominant running game and balanced offensive approach position them as a formidable force in the playoffs, regardless of their next opponent.
The Ravens’ victory exemplified their commitment to a run-heavy offense, effectively controlling the game’s tempo and keeping the Steelers’ defense off balance. Henry’s powerful running style, combined with Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities, presented a multifaceted challenge that the Steelers struggled to contain. The first half showcased the Ravens’ offensive prowess, accumulating a substantial lead and dominating time of possession.
The Steelers, while displaying resilience in the second half with two touchdown drives, ultimately couldn’t overcome the early deficit and the Ravens’ persistent ground attack. Wilson’s efforts to ignite a comeback were commendable, but the Steelers’ defense couldn’t consistently stop the Ravens’ running game, which proved to be the deciding factor.
This playoff victory underscores the Ravens’ identity as a run-first team, a strategy that has proven highly effective throughout the season. Their ability to establish the run opens up opportunities in the passing game, making them a difficult team to defend. Looking ahead to the divisional round, the Ravens’ formidable running game will undoubtedly be a key factor in their pursuit of a deeper playoff run.
The Ravens’ commitment to the run is a testament to their offensive line’s strength and their running backs’ talent, particularly Henry’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. This powerful running game sets the tone for their offense, allowing them to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
The Steelers’ struggles in this game highlighted their difficulties in stopping the run, a weakness that ultimately proved costly. Their inability to contain Henry and Jackson’s rushing prowess allowed the Ravens to dictate the game’s flow and maintain a comfortable lead.
As the Ravens move forward in the playoffs, their success will likely hinge on their ability to continue their dominant rushing performance. Their commitment to this style of play has proven successful thus far, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt their strategy against future opponents. Their potential matchup against the Bills presents a significant challenge, as the Bills possess a potent offense of their own. However, the Ravens’ strong running game and Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability give them a legitimate chance to advance further in the playoffs.
