Baltimore Ravens (3) – Pittsburgh Steelers (6): 28-14
The Ravens enforce the law at home against their division rival Steelers.
After a regular season where everyone had their victory, the Ravens pocketed the beauty thanks to a great Derrick Henry. In steamroller mode, the runner did not miss his return to the playoffs.
Opposite, the Steelers took 30 minutes before starting their match. Trailing by 21 points at halftime, Russell Wilson and his teammates were unable to perform a miracle.
The key moment: Justice Hill's touchdown
There are a few seconds left before the end of the half. Isaiah Likely was just found by Lamar Jackson. On the next play, Pittsburgh puts pressure, but the Ravens quarterback will play the magician. By finding Justice Hill, he definitively knocks out the Steelers, who will not come back.
MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tune in on Prime! pic.twitter.com/iYlYVAfgku
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 12, 2025
The MVP: Derrick Henry
His last playoff game was 3 years ago with the Titans. For his return, he had fun.
His statistics are impressive with 26 carries, 186 yards, or 7.2 yards per game. Enhancing the work of his offensive line, he scored 2 touchdowns to crown his performance. In addition to his statistics, he exudes this impressive power that still amazes us. Minkah Fitzpatrick can attest to this, just before Rashod Bateman's touchdown. He also forces 12 missed tackles, which is prodigious in the playoffs.
His second touchdown for 44 yards in a buttery defense gives some breathing room to his team which needed it after the Steelers' first touchdown. A complete match that just needs to be confirmed in the next round.
The flop: TJ Watt
Defense is the Steelers' strong point, especially the defensive line
However, in this match, the Steelers defensive line was blocked well, especially TJ Watt. The pass rusher still plays 60 snaps, but records no sacks. Above all, he did not make a single successful tackle, even missing 2. A zero impact which has consequences on the defensive exposure against the threats on the ground of the Ravens attackers.
A match to forget for the one who is one of the favorites for the title of defensive player of the year.
The stat: 299
This is the number of yards rushed by the Ravens, including 186 for Derrick Henry alone. The Ravens knew how to manage the clock perfectly with these yards gained. With these yards on the ground alone, John Harbaugh's men exceed the number of yards gained in total by the Steelers.
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken's game plan was executed perfectly. With 40 minutes of possession in the game, they completely exhausted the Steelers.
Film of the match
From their first offensive series, the Ravens impose their rhythm. From powerful runs, to small passes through feints and rackets, Lamar Jackson (16/21, 15 races, 256 yards, 2 TDs) and his teammates exhaust the Steelers defense. At the conclusion of a series of 13 plays and 95 yards, Rashod Bateman found himself on the receiving end. His 10th touchdown of the season.
The Steelers fail to produce, and finally win a first attempt 3 minutes from the end of the first half. But, Baltimore is stepping on the accelerator. Derrick Henry doubles the lead, and already has 100 yards rushing before halftime. Then, the incredible Lamar Jackson turns into a magician to find Justice Hill to conclude a first period close to perfection.
At 21-0 at halftime, Pittsburgh rebels. Russell Wilson finally attacks the depth, and on one of his long passes, Van Jefferson is at the conclusion. Najee Harris finally shows up, and the Steelers will even score a second long-distance touchdown, by George Pickens (5 REC, 87 yards, TD). Unfortunately for them, in the meantime, Derrick Henry had put the Ravens back on track with a rushing touchdown.
The last quarter will remain silent for both teams. The Steelers do not convert a 4th attempt with 15 yards to gain. The Ravens will be content to abuse the races of Lamar Jackson, Justice Hill or Derrick Henry. In the end, it was an Eagles-style tush push from Mark Andrews that validated the Ravens' success.
And now ?
The Ravens await their opponent in Divisional RoundEdit. It will be the Bills or the Texans, winners of the Chargers a few hours ago.
Another positive regular season for Mike Tomlin at the head of the Steelers. But the work that awaits him in the offseason will be immense. The current level is very high. On the other hand, the potential of this team is enigmatic. Many questions will arise, starting with the identity of the quarterback for 2025.
