When the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Baltimore Ravens, it’s more than just a game. It’s war on the gridiron. This AFC North rivalry is filled with bone-crushing hits, dramatic turnovers, and jaw-dropping plays. Both teams bring out the best—and the worst—in each other.
TLDR:
The Steelers edged out a tight win over the Ravens with a killer fourth quarter performance. Kenny Pickett made big-time throws when it mattered most. The Ravens had early momentum, especially on defense, but couldn’t hold on. Player stats showed a gritty, defensive slugfest with a few game-changing moments.
Quarterback Showdown
Kenny Pickett started slow but finished strong. He completed 18 of 30 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown. What stood out was his calm under pressure in the fourth quarter. He converted two big third downs and found George Pickens in the end zone for the go-ahead score.
Lamar Jackson had flashes of brilliance but also some costly mistakes. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 208 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also ran for 67 yards, keeping the Steelers’ defense on edge. But his red zone interception in the third quarter flipped the momentum.
Run Games: Grit and Grind
Neither team lit up the scoreboard through the run game, but each back had their moments.
- Najee Harris (Steelers): 17 carries, 78 yards. He pounded the defensive line and was key to chewing the clock late.
- Jaylen Warren (Steelers): 8 carries, 39 yards. Showed bursts of speed outside the tackles.
- Gus Edwards (Ravens): 12 carries, 52 yards. Moved the chains in the first half.
- Justice Hill (Ravens): 7 carries, 29 yards. Solid but not spectacular.
Overall, both teams gained less than 120 rushing yards, keeping the game tight and physical.
Receiver Metrics: Who Shined?
The game-turning moment? It came from George Pickens.
- George Pickens (Steelers): 6 catches, 130 yards, 1 TD. Pickett’s go-to guy when it mattered most.
- Diontae Johnson (Steelers): 4 catches, 46 yards. Moved the chains a few times.
- Zay Flowers (Ravens): 7 catches, 68 yards. The most consistent Ravens wideout, but no score.
- Mark Andrews (Ravens): 5 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD. A top red zone threat, as always.
Pickens’ deep threat ability proved to be the X-factor late in the game.
Defense: Stats That Tell the Real Story
It was brutal in the trenches—classic Steelers-Ravens.
Steelers Defensive Highlights:
- T.J. Watt: 2 sacks, 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble. A menace all game.
- Minkah Fitzpatrick: 6 tackles, 1 INT. Showed up with big-time plays downfield.
- Cameron Heyward: 1 sack, strong run support. Controlled the line of scrimmage.
Ravens Defensive Highlights:
- Roquan Smith: 9 tackles, 1 sack. Sideline-to-sideline energy.
- Kyle Hamilton: 1 INT, 4 tackles. Great first-half presence, cooled in the second.
- Patrick Queen: 6 tackles, strong blitzes throughout.
Both defenses forced turnovers and brought the pressure. But Pittsburgh’s fourth-quarter pressure tipped the scale.
Key Moments That Shifted the Game
Let’s break down the turning points. These moments defined the game:
- 2nd Quarter INT by Fitzpatrick: Stole momentum right before halftime.
- Lamar Jackson’s red zone INT in the 3rd quarter: Killed a promising Ravens drive.
- Pickens’ 57-yard TD catch: Game clincher in the fourth quarter.
The game tilted on just a few key plays—Ravens had chances but failed to capitalize.
Special Teams Impact
Special teams made some noise too!
- Chris Boswell (Steelers): 3/3 field goals, including a 50-yarder. Mr. Reliable.
- Justin Tucker (Ravens): 2/2 field goals, long of 47. Still elite.
- Punt game: Pressley Harvin III (Steelers) pinned Baltimore inside their 10 twice.
Field position battles were fierce and favored the Steelers slightly in crunch time.
3 Fun Facts from the Game
- This was the 34th time these two teams played a one-score game since 2000. Classic nail-biters!
- Steelers have now won four straight over the Ravens at home.
- Pickett’s 4th quarter QB rating? A perfect 158.3. Ice in his veins!
Trending Players: The Ones to Watch
🔼 Trending Up
- George Pickens: Emerging star in clutch moments for the Steelers.
- T.J. Watt: Every game, he looks like a Defensive Player of the Year.
- Zay Flowers: Consistent playmaker, just needs more red zone targets.
🔽 Trending Down
- Ravens WR Corps (other than Flowers): Lacked separation and impact.
- Steelers O-line: Allowed too much pressure, especially early on.
- Lamar’s ball security: 3 turnovers in last 2 division games. Needs cleanup.
The Final Score
Steelers 23, Ravens 20
Steelers did just enough, while the Ravens left points on the table. It was a gritty, emotional win that may have playoff implications later in the season.
Final Thoughts
This game had everything. Late drama, huge hits, big plays, and good old AFC North blood-boiling rivalry. The Steelers proved again that they’re built for close battles. The Ravens showed fight but couldn’t finish stronger. Can’t wait for the next chapter in this fierce feud.