By Tiffany Williams –
The Baltimore Ravens, who clinched the AFC North title for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the last seven seasons, faced their long-time rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a highly anticipated Wild Card Weekend matchup at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday night. The atmosphere was electric as Ravens fans rallied behind their team, which ultimately emerged victorious with a dominant 28-14 win.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson was stellar throughout the game, showcasing both his passing and rushing abilities. He completed 16 of 21 passes, totaling 175 yards, with two touchdown passes and an impressive passer rating of 132.0, setting a Ravens playoff record. Jackson’s performance was not limited to the air; he also demonstrated his exceptional mobility, rushing for 81 yards on 15 carries, further solidifying his place in NFL history. With this game, he now holds the record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL postseason history, accumulating a remarkable 602 yards.
Running back Derrick Henry delivered a historic performance of his own, breaking the Ravens’ single-game playoff record by racking up an astounding 186 rushing yards. He scored two touchdowns, showcasing his power and speed with runs of 8 yards and 44 yards on a total of 26 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. His ability to maneuver through the Steelers’ defense was a key aspect of Baltimore’s offensive strategy.
The Ravens capitalized on their early momentum, with wide receiver Rashod Bateman making a notable impact by registering the first playoff touchdown reception of his career. During Baltimore’s opening offensive drive, Bateman caught a crucial 15-yard pass on a pivotal third-and-13 situation, culminating in an impressive 13-play, 95-yard drive where the Ravens executed flawlessly on third downs, converting all three attempts. By the end of the game, Bateman had recorded two catches for 24 yards, contributing to his team’s success.
Justice Hill scored his first career postseason touchdown with just two seconds left on the clock in the second quarter, catching a 5-yard pass from Jackson and extending the Ravens’ lead to a commanding 21-0.
With Saturday night’s win, the Ravens have improved their all-time Wild Card game record to 9-3 and now hold an overall postseason record of 18-13. They also stand at 5-5 in home playoff games, demonstrating their competitiveness and resilience in the playoffs.
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