Anticipation mounts as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host their arch-rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a critical AFC North showdown on Saturday. With so much at stake – a chance to clinch a playoff berth and pull even with the Steelers atop the division – all eyes will be on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The former MVP has uncharacteristically struggled in his career against Pittsburgh, posting a meager 1-4 record. As kickoff approaches, one question looms: Can Jackson and the Ravens finally solve their Steelers woes?
Lamar’s Labors Against The Steel Curtain
In five starts versus the Steelers, Jackson has looked a far cry from his typical MVP form:
- 8 interceptions vs only 5 touchdown passes
- 3 lost fumbles
- Career-worst 39 QBR and 56.7% completion rate
Pittsburgh’s fierce pass rush, led by T.J. Watt and his 8.5 sacks of Jackson, has harassed the dynamic QB relentlessly. The Steelers have pressured Jackson on a staggering 31% of his dropbacks in their meetings, taking him down 22 times.
They’ve created plays against us. They’ve had sacks; they’ve had some timely sacks, some timely turnovers and timely stops.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh on the Steelers’ success vs Jackson
Supporting Cast Stumbles
But Jackson’s woes can’t be pinned on him alone. Against Pittsburgh, his supporting cast has faltered too:
- 6 lost fumbles
- 12 dropped passes
- 51 penalties committed
In their Week 11 loss to the Steelers, Baltimore coughed up 3 turnovers and was flagged 12 times in a sloppy showing. As offensive coordinator Todd Monken put it, “Guys have got to play well around him; [you] can’t turn it over; [you] can’t have penalties that put you behind the sticks against good teams, or you’re going to struggle.”
An Offense With An Answer?
Still, there’s reason for optimism. This Ravens attack, on pace to be the best in franchise history, has the firepower to keep pace with anyone:
- #1 in NFL in total offense (424.1 YPG)
- Top 3 in rushing, passing, scoring
- Loaded with playmakers: Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers
A confident Zay Flowers downplayed the Steelers defense’s impact: “[The Steelers] don’t really do [anything] that really stresses me, if I’m being honest. You have some [down] games, and [the Week 11 game] ended up being that game, so we’ll figure it out when we get there.”
Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
For Jackson and the Ravens, the stakes are sky-high on Saturday. A win clinches a playoff spot and puts them on track for an AFC North title. A loss means the Steelers celebrate a division crown on Baltimore’s home turf. Will Jackson flip the script on his Steelers struggles and keep the Ravens’ championship hopes alive? Or will Pittsburgh prolong their mastery over the star QB and spoil the party in Baltimore? With the season in the balance, Jackson’s answer will be the deciding factor in this riveting rivalry clash.
