Sunday afternoon delivered a massive statement game in the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens crushed the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17 in a game that was never really close. Baltimore’s defense shut down Pittsburgh’s offense while Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry carved up the Steelers’ defense all day long.
Derrick Henry’s Monster Performance
The game belonged to Derrick Henry from start to finish. Pittsburgh had no answer for the Ravens’ running back, who rushed for 162 yards and controlled the clock. Every time the Steelers tried to mount a comeback, Henry would break off another big run and kill their momentum.
Henry’s dominance wasn’t just about the numbers — it was about the way he imposed his will on Pittsburgh’s defense. The Steelers knew he was coming and still couldn’t stop him. That physical beating wore them down as the game went on.
Lamar Jackson’s Efficient Day
Lamar Jackson didn’t need to do anything spectacular. He just needed to manage the game and make plays when they were there. Jackson finished with 207 passing yards and three touchdowns while avoiding mistakes.
His connection with Mark Andrews was on point all day. Andrews caught two touchdown passes and consistently moved the chains on third down. When you combine Jackson’s efficiency with Henry’s power running game, Pittsburgh had no chance.
Pittsburgh’s Offense Never Got Going
Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense looked completely out of sync. They managed just 243 total yards and couldn’t sustain drives when it mattered most. Wilson threw two interceptions — including a pick-six to Marlon Humphrey that basically ended any hope of a comeback.
The Steelers were missing star receiver George Pickens due to injury, and it showed. Nobody could get open consistently. The offensive line struggled to protect Wilson. And the running game was completely shut down by Baltimore’s front seven.
What This Means for the AFC North Race
This loss drops Pittsburgh to 10-5 while Baltimore improves to 11-4. The Ravens now have a clear path to winning the division with just two games remaining. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has to regroup quickly or risk falling into a Wild Card spot.
The Steelers still control their own destiny for a playoff spot. But this performance raised serious questions about whether they can compete with elite teams come January. They’ve now lost five of their last seven games and look nothing like the team that started 4-1.
Baltimore, on the other hand, looks dangerous heading into the playoffs. Their defense is playing at an elite level. Derrick Henry is unstoppable. And Lamar Jackson is making smart decisions with the football. That’s a recipe for playoff success.
nice!!! Not even close.