Ravens Silence Steelers in Wild Card Thriller, Advance to Face Bills

By Will Peralta 

Photo by Will Peralta 

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The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers renewed their bitter rivalry on Sunday night, clashing in a thrilling AFC Wild Card matchup. The Ravens emerged victorious, 28-24, behind a dominant performance from Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

The Ravens’ victory marked their first playoff win over the Steelers since 2009. Baltimore’s win also set up a tantalizing showdown with the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round next weekend.

From the outset, it was clear that this would be a physical, hard-hitting contest between two of the AFC’s most storied franchises. Despite the chippy play, Jackson remained composed, orchestrating a Ravens offense that racked up 394 total yards. The dynamic quarterback completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdown, while also rushing for 81 yards on 15 carries.

Baltimore’s ground game, led by Derrick Henry, proved to be the difference-maker. The Ravens churned out 267 rushing yards, with Henry contributing 186 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns. The Steelers, meanwhile, managed just 29 rushing yards.

The Ravens’ defense, which ranked second in the NFL in points allowed during the regular season, stifled the Steelers’ offense for much of the game. Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson completed 20 of 29 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

Baltimore’s secondary, led by cornerback Marlon Humphrey, held Steelers wide receiver George Pickens to just five receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. The Ravens also limited Pittsburgh’s defense with TJ Watt not recording a single sack in the game.

As the Ravens celebrate their hard-fought victory, they must now turn their attention to the Bills, who dispatched the Denver Broncos 27-24 in their own Wild Card matchup. The Ravens and Bills will clash next Sunday with a spot in the AFC Championship Game on the line.

For the Ravens, the opportunity to advance to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 2012 is a tantalizing prospect. With Jackson leading the charge, Baltimore is poised to make a deep playoff run.

“We’re not done yet,” Jackson said in the post-game press conference. “We’ve got bigger goals ahead of us. We’re going to enjoy this win tonight, but tomorrow, it’s back to work.”

The Ravens’ rivalry with the Steelers may be on hold for now, but the stakes will be just as high next weekend against the Bills. Can Jackson and the Ravens continue their winning ways and advance to the AFC Championship Game? The answer will have to wait until next Sunday.

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