Baltimore Ravens (10-5) – Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5): 34-17
The duel at the top of the AFC North kept all its promises. Going blow for blow, the match hung on for a long time. Two teams and two coaches who don't know each other inside out. Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh form the 2nd coaching duo who have met the most in NFL history.
Not always in good spirits against the rival from Pennsylvania, Lamar Jackson (15/23, 3 TD, 1 Int) had the hot hand, especially in the red zone, enhancing the enormous work of Derrick Henry (24 races, 162 yards). The runner was decisive from start to finish. With an average of 6.8 yards per carry, he alternated undermining work with big gains. Baltimore has a double blow, a ticket for the playoffs validated, and a division title which is not validated for the Steelers. Something to spice up the last two weeks of the regular season.
To you to me
As expected, the two teams, who are fighting for their division and psychological ascendancy three weeks before the start of the playoffs, engaged in a fierce fight. After a short observation round synonymous with the exchange of punts, hostilities were opened by the locals. Undermining work from Derrick Henry, in steamroller mode, and a finish from Jackson who easily finds a lonely Isaiah Likely.
Immediate response from Pittsburgh with a perfectly executed drive. Taking advantage of a fumble from Russell Wilson (22/33, 217 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int), the Lamar-Henry duo goes back 96 yards for a conclusion from Rashod Bateman. What follows is a series of yours and mine. Ravens field goal 2 minutes from halftime, Pittsburgh's response on the gong. Wilson finds Patterson to pick up the score, Jackson connects with Mark Andrews to regain control in stride.
Wilson breaks the momentum
The Steelers leave the feeling of having missed the boat. Twice. Well launched and with good offensive momentum in the second quarter, Wilson escapes the leather 4 yards from the goal. Cutting off his team's momentum and missing the opportunity to take control.
Rebelote in the 2nd half. At 24-17 for the Ravens, Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepts the ball, annihilating a break opportunity. We then imagine Pittsburgh taking advantage of it. But only 2 plays later, Wilson sent the ball directly into the arms of Marlon Humphrey who hurried to score the touchdown. Instead of taking control of the game, the Steelers are on their knees.
And they won't come back again. The quarterback can no longer do it and the attack remains blocked. A final field goal from a regained and 100% Justin Tucker completes the success of the purples. A success synonymous with the playoffs.
