Baltimore Ravens beat Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14 with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson show
The Baltimore Ravens solidified their dominance in the AFC North with a commanding 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the M&T Bank Stadium. This pivotal matchup was a testament to Baltimore’s well-rounded game plan, showcasing standout performances by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. With this victory, the Ravens capped their regular season at 12-5, firmly securing the top spot in their division.
Derrick Henry was a force to be reckoned with, amassing 169 rushing yards on 22 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson demonstrated surgical precision, completing 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two additional touchdowns. Despite a spirited second-half response from the Steelers, Baltimore’s tactical balance on offense and a resilient defensive effort extinguished Pittsburgh’s hopes of a comeback.
The Steelers, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, finished their season with a 10-7 record. Though they showed flashes of promise in the third quarter, their inability to maintain consistent offensive momentum proved costly. The game underscored areas that Pittsburgh must address before entering the playoffs.
Ravens dominate early with efficient offense
Baltimore asserted control early in the game, opening the scoring in the first quarter with an 8-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry after a 95-yard drive. The Ravens’ balanced offensive strategy, combining a powerful ground game with efficient short passes from Lamar Jackson, left the Steelers’ defense struggling to adapt.
In the second quarter, Henry struck again, capping off a disciplined 85-yard drive with his second touchdown. Shortly afterward, Jackson delivered a pinpoint 19-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, extending the lead to 21-0. Pittsburgh’s usually stout defense was unable to contain the Ravens’ relentless pace and precision.
ONE TO PLAY❗ pic.twitter.com/5If3BIlstL
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 12, 2025
Steelers rally in the third quarter
After halftime, the Steelers showed resilience with a 70-yard drive led by Russell Wilson. The drive culminated in a 30-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson, injecting new energy into Pittsburgh’s offense. Moments later, George Pickens capitalized on a defensive lapse by Baltimore to score a 36-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 21-14.
However, the Ravens quickly regained control. A mix of short runs by Henry and precise passes by Jackson set the stage for a 7-yard touchdown by Justice Hill. Baltimore’s defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, forcing consecutive punts from the Steelers and solidifying the victory.
Defensive brilliance seals the win for Baltimore
The Ravens’ defense played a crucial role in the win, limiting the Steelers’ ground game to a mere 29 rushing yards and consistently pressuring Russell Wilson. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike stood out with two sacks, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey returned from injury to anchor the secondary. Key plays by Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton further stifled Pittsburgh’s attempts to generate momentum.
Baltimore’s defensive dominance was evident in critical situations, as they held the Steelers scoreless in the fourth quarter. The ability to shut down Pittsburgh’s offense at pivotal moments highlighted the Ravens’ readiness for postseason challenges.
Individual performances and game statistics
Several players delivered standout performances that underscored the Ravens’ comprehensive control:
- Derrick Henry: 22 carries, 169 yards, 2 touchdowns, with a long run of 44 yards.
- Lamar Jackson: 16 completions on 21 attempts, 175 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Russell Wilson: 18 completions on 26 attempts, 237 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 sacks taken.
- George Pickens: 4 receptions, 61 yards, 1 touchdown, emerging as Pittsburgh’s top receiving target.
- Ravens defense: Recorded 3 sacks, led by Nnamdi Madubuike and Michael Pierce, who applied consistent pressure.
AFC North standings implications
With this victory, Baltimore claimed the AFC North title and secured home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Steelers, finishing second in the division, earned a wild card spot but face the challenge of addressing their offensive inconsistencies against tougher opponents.
The Ravens ended the regular season as one of the NFL’s most potent rushing teams, amassing 261 rushing yards in this game alone. Their ground game, spearheaded by Henry and supported by a dominant offensive line, has been instrumental in their success.
Interesting facts about the matchup
- This was the third meeting between the Ravens and Steelers in the 2024-2025 season, with Baltimore winning two of the three contests.
- The game drew over 70,000 fans to M&T Bank Stadium, reflecting the excitement of the season finale.
- Pittsburgh last won against Baltimore in Baltimore in 2022, highlighting the Ravens’ stronghold at home.
Key moments in the game
- First quarter: Derrick Henry’s 8-yard touchdown run opened the scoring.
- Second quarter: Lamar Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman for a 19-yard touchdown, extending Baltimore’s lead.
- Third quarter: George Pickens’ 36-yard touchdown catch cut the Ravens’ lead to 21-14.
- Fourth quarter: Justice Hill’s 7-yard touchdown sealed the win for Baltimore.
Historic rivalry between Ravens and Steelers
The rivalry between Baltimore and Pittsburgh is one of the most intense in the NFL, marked by physical games and high-stakes outcomes. Since the Ravens’ establishment in 1996, the two teams have faced off over 60 times, including memorable playoff encounters. While Pittsburgh holds the edge in the overall series, Baltimore has dominated recent matchups, particularly at home.
Over the last five years, the Ravens have won seven of their ten meetings with the Steelers. The January 11, 2025, victory reinforces Baltimore’s dominance in this storied rivalry.
Playoff outlook for both teams
The Ravens, now positioned as the top seed in the AFC North, will enjoy home-field advantage in the postseason. Their balanced offense and staunch defense make them a formidable contender. The Steelers, as a wild card entrant, must address their pass protection and rushing inefficiencies to advance further in the playoffs.
The Baltimore Ravens solidified their dominance in the AFC North with a commanding 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the M&T Bank Stadium. This pivotal matchup was a testament to Baltimore’s well-rounded game plan, showcasing standout performances by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. With this victory, the Ravens capped their regular season at 12-5, firmly securing the top spot in their division.
Derrick Henry was a force to be reckoned with, amassing 169 rushing yards on 22 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson demonstrated surgical precision, completing 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two additional touchdowns. Despite a spirited second-half response from the Steelers, Baltimore’s tactical balance on offense and a resilient defensive effort extinguished Pittsburgh’s hopes of a comeback.
The Steelers, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, finished their season with a 10-7 record. Though they showed flashes of promise in the third quarter, their inability to maintain consistent offensive momentum proved costly. The game underscored areas that Pittsburgh must address before entering the playoffs.
Ravens dominate early with efficient offense
Baltimore asserted control early in the game, opening the scoring in the first quarter with an 8-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry after a 95-yard drive. The Ravens’ balanced offensive strategy, combining a powerful ground game with efficient short passes from Lamar Jackson, left the Steelers’ defense struggling to adapt.
In the second quarter, Henry struck again, capping off a disciplined 85-yard drive with his second touchdown. Shortly afterward, Jackson delivered a pinpoint 19-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, extending the lead to 21-0. Pittsburgh’s usually stout defense was unable to contain the Ravens’ relentless pace and precision.
ONE TO PLAY❗ pic.twitter.com/5If3BIlstL
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 12, 2025
Steelers rally in the third quarter
After halftime, the Steelers showed resilience with a 70-yard drive led by Russell Wilson. The drive culminated in a 30-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson, injecting new energy into Pittsburgh’s offense. Moments later, George Pickens capitalized on a defensive lapse by Baltimore to score a 36-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 21-14.
However, the Ravens quickly regained control. A mix of short runs by Henry and precise passes by Jackson set the stage for a 7-yard touchdown by Justice Hill. Baltimore’s defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, forcing consecutive punts from the Steelers and solidifying the victory.
Defensive brilliance seals the win for Baltimore
The Ravens’ defense played a crucial role in the win, limiting the Steelers’ ground game to a mere 29 rushing yards and consistently pressuring Russell Wilson. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike stood out with two sacks, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey returned from injury to anchor the secondary. Key plays by Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton further stifled Pittsburgh’s attempts to generate momentum.
Baltimore’s defensive dominance was evident in critical situations, as they held the Steelers scoreless in the fourth quarter. The ability to shut down Pittsburgh’s offense at pivotal moments highlighted the Ravens’ readiness for postseason challenges.
Individual performances and game statistics
Several players delivered standout performances that underscored the Ravens’ comprehensive control:
- Derrick Henry: 22 carries, 169 yards, 2 touchdowns, with a long run of 44 yards.
- Lamar Jackson: 16 completions on 21 attempts, 175 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Russell Wilson: 18 completions on 26 attempts, 237 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 sacks taken.
- George Pickens: 4 receptions, 61 yards, 1 touchdown, emerging as Pittsburgh’s top receiving target.
- Ravens defense: Recorded 3 sacks, led by Nnamdi Madubuike and Michael Pierce, who applied consistent pressure.
AFC North standings implications
With this victory, Baltimore claimed the AFC North title and secured home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Steelers, finishing second in the division, earned a wild card spot but face the challenge of addressing their offensive inconsistencies against tougher opponents.
The Ravens ended the regular season as one of the NFL’s most potent rushing teams, amassing 261 rushing yards in this game alone. Their ground game, spearheaded by Henry and supported by a dominant offensive line, has been instrumental in their success.
Interesting facts about the matchup
- This was the third meeting between the Ravens and Steelers in the 2024-2025 season, with Baltimore winning two of the three contests.
- The game drew over 70,000 fans to M&T Bank Stadium, reflecting the excitement of the season finale.
- Pittsburgh last won against Baltimore in Baltimore in 2022, highlighting the Ravens’ stronghold at home.
Key moments in the game
- First quarter: Derrick Henry’s 8-yard touchdown run opened the scoring.
- Second quarter: Lamar Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman for a 19-yard touchdown, extending Baltimore’s lead.
- Third quarter: George Pickens’ 36-yard touchdown catch cut the Ravens’ lead to 21-14.
- Fourth quarter: Justice Hill’s 7-yard touchdown sealed the win for Baltimore.
Historic rivalry between Ravens and Steelers
The rivalry between Baltimore and Pittsburgh is one of the most intense in the NFL, marked by physical games and high-stakes outcomes. Since the Ravens’ establishment in 1996, the two teams have faced off over 60 times, including memorable playoff encounters. While Pittsburgh holds the edge in the overall series, Baltimore has dominated recent matchups, particularly at home.
Over the last five years, the Ravens have won seven of their ten meetings with the Steelers. The January 11, 2025, victory reinforces Baltimore’s dominance in this storied rivalry.
Playoff outlook for both teams
The Ravens, now positioned as the top seed in the AFC North, will enjoy home-field advantage in the postseason. Their balanced offense and staunch defense make them a formidable contender. The Steelers, as a wild card entrant, must address their pass protection and rushing inefficiencies to advance further in the playoffs.
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