In a dramatic Week 18 showdown, the Baltimore Ravens suffered a narrow 26-24 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh. The loss capped off a challenging regular season for the Ravens, who displayed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in their postseason aspirations.
Quarterback Performance
Quarterback Lamar Jackson showcased his resilience, particularly in the second half, completing 11 of 18 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. His standout plays included touchdown passes of 50 and 64 yards in the fourth quarter. Despite a rocky start, Jackson’s ability to respond under pressure kept the Ravens competitive until the final moments. However, his late-game heroics were not enough to secure a win, as rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a crucial field goal attempt from 44 yards as time expired. Grade: A.
Offensive Struggles
The Ravens’ rushing attack was led by running back Derrick Henry, who rushed 20 times for 126 yards, including a long run of 41 yards. While Henry’s power running was a bright spot, the team struggled to find a reliable pass-blocking running back, as backup Keaton Mitchell appeared fatigued during the game. The offensive line managed a solid average of 5.1 yards per carry, but the Steelers’ defensive adjustments in the second half limited their effectiveness. Grade: B.
The Ravens’ receivers had mixed performances, with Zay Flowers leading the group with four catches for 138 yards, including two impressive touchdown receptions. The tight ends, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, each contributed with two catches, but there were moments of confusion, particularly when linebacker Patrick Queen was mismatched against Flowers. Overall, the receiving corps provided necessary support, but inconsistencies persisted. Grade: C.
Defensive Challenges
On the defensive side, the Ravens faced difficulties containing the Steelers’ offensive production. Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers efficiently moved the ball, completing 31 of 47 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown, resulting in a passer rating of 90.2. The Ravens’ defensive line struggled to apply pressure, allowing the Steelers to gain 390 yards of total offense. Middle linebacker Roquan Smith, who finished with only three tackles, was notably affected by Pittsburgh’s passing attack, which exploited gaps in the Ravens’ coverage. Grade: C.
The Ravens’ secondary continued to demonstrate tackling issues, a recurring problem throughout the season. Safety Kyle Hamilton led with nine tackles, but missed opportunities were evident as the defense allowed several key plays. The failure to tackle effectively contributed to the Ravens’ overall defensive struggles, particularly in the second half when the Steelers capitalized on their mistakes. Grade: D.
Special Teams and Coaching Insights
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop had a challenging end to the game, as his missed field goal attempt overshadowed an otherwise promising season. While punter Jordan Stout managed to average 47.8 yards per punt, providing essential field position, the special teams’ performance ultimately fell short in high-pressure moments. Grade: B.
Coaching decisions have come under scrutiny, particularly regarding the Ravens’ reliance on Henry in the running game and the need for improved pass protection. Jackson’s ability to improvise provided some offensive sparks, but the Ravens’ defense appeared lost, especially during critical plays, such as the 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver Calvin Austin III. A reassessment of strategies may be necessary heading into future seasons. Grade: C.
The Ravens’ efforts against the Steelers highlighted both their strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for the offseason. While Jackson’s performance offers hope, significant adjustments are needed across the team to enhance their competitiveness moving forward.
