Lamar Jackson delivered a standout performance in what became Baltimore’s most significant game of the season, throwing three touchdown passes and leading the Ravens to a 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The win allowed Baltimore to pull even with Pittsburgh at the top of the AFC North, with both teams now holding a 10-5 record.
The Steelers, who could have clinched the division title with a win, now find themselves in a tie for first place after the Ravens secured only their second victory in the last ten matchups against Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Baltimore has officially clinched a playoff berth, while the Steelers had already done so.
“It was cool to get a pick-six, but clinching a spot in the playoffs and beating the Steelers is what makes me happy,” said Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who scored on a pivotal fourth-quarter interception return. “I felt that this team has had our number over the years. We just took care of business.”
Russell Wilson, the Steelers’ quarterback, threw two touchdown passes, including a 12-yard completion to Cordarrelle Patterson that tied the game at 17 in the third quarter. However, Jackson quickly responded with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. After Pittsburgh turned the ball over on downs, a 44-yard run by Derrick Henry put the Ravens in scoring position, although Jackson was intercepted shortly after.
Humphrey then made a game-changing play, intercepting Wilson and returning it 37 yards for a touchdown, providing the Ravens with a crucial lead. The matchup between these two rivals has been closely contested, with the previous nine games decided by seven points or fewer.
“My whole family’s in town to help out with my wife and everything,” Humphrey shared, referencing the recent birth of his son. “There’s a lot of great things happening this week.”
With this victory, Jackson improved his record against the Steelers as a starter to 2-4. This was also his first home game against Pittsburgh since 2020.
“I feel like we’ve been working hard all season, experiencing ups and downs, but to clinch a playoff spot against a great team like that is a great feeling,” Jackson said. “It shows we’re moving in the right direction.”
Henry was a key contributor, rushing for 162 yards, while Jackson set a franchise record with his 37th touchdown pass of the season and reached a career-high 3,787 passing yards. Ravens receiver Zay Flowers also achieved a milestone, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the season.
Despite entering the game with a plus-18 turnover margin, the Steelers struggled in this area, as Baltimore recovered three fumbles and made two significant takeaways. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the team’s shortcomings: “We didn’t control the run game, and we didn’t win the turnover battle. We had some missed opportunities that cost us.”
Injuries were a concern for both teams, with Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. suffering a calf injury and wide receiver Ben Skowronek injuring his hip. For Baltimore, running back Justice Hill left the game with a concussion.
Looking ahead, both teams will play on Christmas Day, concluding a stretch of three games in 11 days. Pittsburgh will host Kansas City, while Baltimore travels to face Houston.
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