No touchdown, no problem: Steelers beat Super Bowl contender by solving one of NFL’s toughest problems – Foxton News
Lamar Jackson’s Two-Point Conversion Attempt Falls Short
With just one minute remaining in Baltimore’s Week 11 matchup against Pittsburgh, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sprinted to his left, seeking either a receiver or a running lane. The team needed a two-point conversion to tie the game, putting Jackson under immense pressure.
A Familiar Challenge for a Star Quarterback
Despite his reputation as one of the league’s most elusive playmakers, Jackson found no immediate options. Over his career, Jackson has repeatedly escaped defensive traps on his way to becoming a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player. However, on this play, the Steelers’ defense closed in.
Desperation Throw Ends in Frustration
Jackson, nearing the sideline with no room left to maneuver, launched a desperate throw that fell incomplete. He later revealed the play had been a designed quarterback run. The missed opportunity highlighted the Steelers’ ability to neutralize the Ravens’ usually potent offense.
Steelers Execute a Rare Feat
Pittsburgh’s defense achieved one of the toughest tasks in football: shutting down Baltimore’s high-powered offense. Entering the game, the Ravens ranked as a statistical anomaly for their efficiency in both passing and running. The Steelers’ 18-16 victory demonstrated their ability to stifle one of the NFL’s most dynamic attacks.
Jackson Struggles Against Pittsburgh
Jackson’s performance faltered under pressure. He completed just 48.4% of his passes, a season-low, for 207 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His passer rating also hit a season-low mark. Facing relentless pressure, he endured four sacks and managed only 46 rushing yards.
Steelers Contain Derrick Henry
In addition to shutting down Jackson, the Steelers neutralized Derrick Henry, the league’s leading rusher. Henry, who had averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 112 yards per game, finished with just 65 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Ravens’ Third-Down Efficiency Stumbles
Baltimore, typically dominant on third downs, converted only four of their 11 attempts. This uncharacteristic inefficiency contributed to their struggles throughout the game.
A Persistent Rivalry Challenge
Jackson’s difficulties against Pittsburgh are not new. Despite his dominance against much of the league, he now holds a 1-4 record against the Steelers, who have won eight of their last nine games against the Ravens.
Harbaugh Laments Missed Opportunities
Ravens coach John Harbaugh pointed to several missed opportunities that cost the team. Kicker Justin Tucker, one of the NFL’s most accurate, missed two field goals, leaving six points on the table. Tucker has struggled this season, converting only 16 of 22 attempts.
Penalties Add to Ravens’ Woes
The Ravens also racked up 12 penalties, including a critical illegal man downfield call that nullified a significant gain on their final drive. These self-inflicted errors undermined their chances of victory.
Defense Keeps Ravens in the Game
Baltimore’s defense delivered a strong performance, preventing Pittsburgh from scoring a single touchdown. Despite the team’s offensive and special teams struggles, the defense kept the game within reach.
Final Drive Falls Short
On the decisive two-point conversion, Jackson ran out of space, leaving the Ravens unable to tie the game. Pittsburgh ran out the clock, sealing their victory and solving one of the NFL’s most complex puzzles: stopping Baltimore’s offense.
Steelers’ Defensive Strategy Prevails
The Steelers’ defensive game plan proved effective, containing Jackson and Henry while limiting the Ravens’ scoring opportunities. Their disciplined approach forced Baltimore into mistakes and inefficiencies.
Jackson’s MVP Hopes Take a Hit
Jackson entered the game as a leading MVP candidate, but his subpar performance against Pittsburgh could impact his standing in the race. His struggles highlighted the Steelers’ ability to disrupt even the league’s top players.
A Rivalry Defined by Small Margins
The Baltimore-Pittsburgh rivalry continues to produce tight, hard-fought games. This Week 11 clash was no exception, with the outcome decided by a handful of critical plays.
Special Teams Missteps Haunt Ravens
Tucker’s uncharacteristic misses underscored Baltimore’s broader issues in the game. Special teams mistakes, combined with penalties and offensive inefficiencies, tipped the scales in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Jackson Faces Familiar Frustrations
Jackson’s inability to capitalize on the final play mirrored his broader struggles against the Steelers. The game emphasized his need to overcome these challenges in future matchups.
Pittsburgh’s Defense Sets the Tone
By controlling the line of scrimmage and containing Baltimore’s stars, Pittsburgh’s defense set the tone for their victory. Their ability to limit explosive plays proved crucial.
Ravens Reflect on Missed Chances
In the aftermath, the Ravens must address their mistakes, from penalties to missed field goals. Learning from this loss will be essential as they push for playoff contention.
Steelers Strengthen Their Hold in the Rivalry
With their Week 11 win, the Steelers reinforced their dominance in the rivalry. Pittsburgh’s defense once again proved to be Jackson’s kryptonite, securing a vital divisional victory.
