Introduction
On January 11, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore Ravens secured a 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. This game, attended by 70,546 fans and broadcast on Prime Video, was a critical step for the Ravens in their postseason journey, while it marked the end of the Steelers’ season. The matchup showcased the Ravens’ physical dominance, particularly in the rushing game, and the Steelers’ struggles to find offensive balance. This article provides a detailed analysis of Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats, key performances, and the factors that led to the Ravens’ win.
Key Points
- The Baltimore Ravens won the latest match against the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14 on January 11, 2025.
- Lamar Jackson threw for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Ravens, while Derrick Henry rushed for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Russell Wilson had 270 passing yards and 2 touchdowns for the Steelers, but their rushing game was limited to 29 yards.
Player Stats Highlights
- Ravens Key Players: Lamar Jackson (175 passing yards, 2 TDs), Derrick Henry (186 rushing yards, 2 TDs), Mark Andrews (27 receiving yards), Isaiah Likely (53 receiving yards).
- Steelers Key Players: Russell Wilson (270 passing yards, 2 TDs), Najee Harris (17 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards), George Pickens (87 receiving yards, 1 TD).
Game Context and Significance
The Ravens entered the game with a strong regular-season record, finishing as the No. 3 seed in the AFC with a 12-5 record, while the Steelers, as the No. 6 seed, ended with a 10-7 record. This Wild Card matchup was the third meeting between the teams in the 2024 season, following a 17-10 Ravens win on October 8, 2024, and an 18-16 Steelers win on November 17, 2024. The January game was crucial for playoff positioning, with the Ravens aiming to advance to the divisional round and the Steelers looking to upset a higher seed. The game was officiated by referees Rusty Baynes, Greg Meyer, Sean Petty, Alex Kemp, Mark Pellis, Anthony Jeffries, and Frank LeBlanc, and lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes.
Detailed Recap
The game started with the Ravens taking an early lead, scoring a touchdown on their first drive with Derrick Henry rushing for a 1-yard score, making it 7-0. The Ravens extended their lead with another Henry touchdown in the second quarter, a 44-yard run, bringing the score to 14-0. Lamar Jackson then connected with Justice Hill for a 7-yard touchdown pass, making it 21-0 by halftime. The Steelers responded in the third quarter with Russell Wilson throwing a 36-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens, cutting the deficit to 21-7. In the fourth quarter, Wilson found Van Jefferson for a 30-yard touchdown, making it 21-14, but the Ravens sealed the game with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman, ending at 28-14. The Ravens’ defense held the Steelers to just 29 rushing yards, limiting their offensive options.
Player Performances and Statistics
Below are the detailed statistics for key players from both teams, showcasing their contributions to the game’s outcome:
Baltimore Ravens – Player Stats
- Lamar Jackson (QB):
- Passing: 16/21, 175 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 132.0 passer rating
- Rushing: 15 attempts, 81 yards, 0 TDs
- Jackson was nearly flawless, completing 76.2% of his passes and adding significant value with his legs. His ability to extend plays and keep the Steelers’ defense off-balance was crucial, with touchdowns to Justice Hill (7 yards, 2nd quarter) and Rashod Bateman (15 yards, 4th quarter).
- Derrick Henry (RB):
- Rushing: 26 attempts, 186 yards, 2 TDs (longest: 44 yards)
- Henry was the star of the game, breaking through the Steelers’ defense repeatedly. His 186 rushing yards set the tone for the Ravens’ ground dominance, with touchdowns on a 1-yard run (1st quarter) and a 44-yard run (2nd quarter).
- Mark Andrews (TE):
- Receiving: 2 receptions, 27 yards, 0 TDs
- Rushing: 2 attempts, 5 yards, 0 TDs
- Andrews provided a reliable target for Jackson and contributed as a blocker in the run game, averaging 13.5 yards per reception.
- Isaiah Likely (TE):
- Receiving: 3 receptions, 53 yards, 0 TDs
- Likely stepped up as a secondary receiving option, averaging 17.7 yards per catch, with a longest reception of 25 yards.
- Rashod Bateman (WR):
- Receiving: 2 receptions, 24 yards, 1 TD
- Bateman’s touchdown reception in the fourth quarter helped the Ravens seal the game, averaging 12.0 yards per catch.
- Justice Hill (RB):
- Rushing: 6 attempts, 12 yards, 0 TDs
- Receiving: 4 receptions, 13 yards, 1 TD
- Hill provided depth in the backfield and added a receiving touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Jackson.
- Steven Sims (RB):
- Rushing: 1 attempt, 15 yards, 0 TDs
- Sims contributed with a long run, adding to the Ravens’ rushing total, with a 15-yard carry.
- Nelson Agholor (WR):
- Receiving: 1 reception, 25 yards, 0 TDs
- Agholor made a key catch on a deep ball, showcasing his speed, with a 25-yard reception.
- Tylan Wallace (WR):
- Receiving: 1 reception, 21 yards, 0 TDs
- Wallace provided a deep threat, stretching the Steelers’ defense, with a 21-yard catch.
- Anthony Miller (WR):
- Receiving: 3 receptions, 12 yards, 0 TDs
- Miller was a reliable short-pass option for Jackson, averaging 4.0 yards per catch.
| Player | Position | Passing | Rushing | Receiving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | QB | 16/21, 175 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs | 15 att, 81 yds | – |
| Derrick Henry | RB | – | 26 att, 186 yds, 2 TDs | – |
| Mark Andrews | TE | – | 2 att, 5 yds | 2 rec, 27 yds |
| Isaiah Likely | TE | – | – | 3 rec, 53 yds |
| Rashod Bateman | WR | – | – | 2 rec, 24 yds, 1 TD |
| Justice Hill | RB | 6 att, 12 yds | – | 4 rec, 13 yds, 1 TD |
| Steven Sims | RB | 1 att, 15 yds | – | – |
| Nelson Agholor | WR | – | – | 1 rec, 25 yds |
| Tylan Wallace | WR | – | – | 1 rec, 21 yds |
| Anthony Miller | WR | – | – | 3 rec, 12 yds |
Pittsburgh Steelers – Player Stats
- Russell Wilson (QB):
- Passing: 20/29, 270 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 121.3 passer rating
- Rushing: 3 attempts, 6 yards, 0 TDs
- Wilson had a strong passing performance, connecting on deep balls, but the Steelers’ inability to run the ball limited their offensive balance. Touchdowns were a 36-yard pass to George Pickens and a 30-yard pass to Van Jefferson.
- Najee Harris (RB):
- Rushing: 6 attempts, 17 yards, 0 TDs
- Receiving: 3 receptions, 41 yards, 0 TDs
- Harris was the Steelers’ leading rusher but faced a stout Ravens defense that clogged running lanes, averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
- Jaylen Warren (RB):
- Rushing: 2 attempts, 6 yards, 0 TDs
- Receiving: 4 receptions, 19 yards, 0 TDs
- Warren provided some receiving support but was limited in the run game, averaging 3.0 yards per carry.
- George Pickens (WR):
- Receiving: 5 receptions, 87 yards, 1 TD
- Pickens led the Steelers in receiving yards, including a 36-yard touchdown reception, averaging 17.4 yards per catch.
- Van Jefferson (WR):
- Receiving: 2 receptions, 37 yards, 1 TD
- Jefferson made a significant impact with a 30-yard touchdown catch, averaging 18.5 yards per reception.
- Mike Williams (WR):
- Receiving: 1 reception, 37 yards, 0 TDs
- Williams’ lone catch was a deep ball, showcasing his big-play ability, with a 37-yard reception.
- Pat Freiermuth (TE):
- Receiving: 3 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
- Freiermuth was a reliable short-pass option but didn’t make a significant impact, averaging 5.0 yards per catch.
- Darnell Washington (TE):
- Receiving: 1 reception, 9 yards, 0 TDs
- Washington provided blocking support but had limited receiving opportunities, with a 9-yard catch.
- Calvin Austin III (WR):
- Receiving: 1 reception, 25 yards, 0 TDs
- Austin added a deep threat with a 25-yard reception, averaging 25.0 yards per catch.
| Player | Position | Passing | Rushing | Receiving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Wilson | QB | 20/29, 270 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs | 3 att, 6 yds | – |
| Najee Harris | RB | – | 6 att, 17 yds | 3 rec, 41 yds |
| Jaylen Warren | RB | – | 2 att, 6 yds | 4 rec, 19 yds |
| George Pickens | WR | – | – | 5 rec, 87 yds, 1 TD |
| Van Jefferson | WR | – | – | 2 rec, 37 yds, 1 TD |
| Mike Williams | WR | – | – | 1 rec, 37 yds |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE | – | – | 3 rec, 15 yds |
| Darnell Washington | TE | – | – | 1 rec, 9 yds |
| Calvin Austin III | WR | – | – | 1 rec, 25 yds |
Team Statistics and Comparison
| Category | Steelers | Ravens |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 280 | 464 |
| Passing Yards | 251 | 165 |
| Rushing Yards | 29 | 299 |
| First Downs | 11 | 29 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties | 7 for 41 yds | 3 for 14 yds |
| Time of Possession | 20:27 | 39:33 |
The Ravens’ dominance in rushing yards (299 vs. 29) and time of possession (39:33 vs. 20:27) was a key factor in their victory, limiting the Steelers’ offensive opportunities and controlling the game’s pace.
Strategic Insights and Analysis
The Ravens’ victory was a testament to their game plan, which focused on establishing the run with Derrick Henry and controlling the clock. Henry’s 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns were game-changing, as the Steelers’ defense, typically a strength, was unable to contain him. Lamar Jackson’s efficient passing, completing 76.2% of his passes for two touchdowns, added to the Ravens’ balanced attack. The Ravens’ defense, led by players like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith, effectively neutralized the Steelers’ run game, forcing Pittsburgh into predictable passing situations.
For the Steelers, Russell Wilson’s 270 passing yards and two touchdowns were impressive, but their inability to run the ball (just 29 yards) made them one-dimensional. The Steelers’ offense struggled to sustain drives, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combining for only 23 rushing yards. The Ravens’ defense applied pressure, sacking Wilson four times for a loss of 19 yards, disrupting Pittsburgh’s rhythm.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- First Quarter: The Ravens took an early lead with Henry’s 1-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for their ground dominance.
- Second Quarter: Henry’s 44-yard touchdown run and Jackson’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Justice Hill pushed the Ravens’ lead to 21-0 by halftime, showcasing their offensive efficiency.
- Third Quarter: The Steelers responded with Wilson’s 36-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens, cutting the deficit to 21-7, but the Ravens’ defense held firm.
- Fourth Quarter: Wilson’s 30-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson made it 21-14, but Jackson’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman sealed the game at 28-14.
Playoff Context and Series Implications
This game marked the end of the Steelers’ season, as they fell to 10-8 overall and were eliminated from the playoffs. The Ravens, with a 13-5 record, advanced to the divisional round, where they faced the winner of another Wild Card matchup. The Ravens’ dominant performance against their division rivals highlighted their potential as a serious contender in the AFC, while the Steelers look to regroup for the 2025 season.
Historical Context
The 2024 NFL season saw intense competition, with the AFC North being one of the toughest divisions. The Ravens and Steelers have a storied rivalry, with this being their third meeting in the season. The Ravens’ earlier wins (17-10 on October 8, 2024, and 34-17 on December 21, 2024) set the stage for their playoff dominance, underscoring their evolution under coach John Harbaugh, while the Steelers, led by Russell Wilson, showed promise but couldn’t overcome their offensive limitations.
Conclusion
The January 11, 2025, AFC Wild Card game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers was a showcase of physical dominance and strategic execution. The Ravens’ 28-14 victory was driven by Derrick Henry’s historic rushing performance and Lamar Jackson’s efficient play, while the Steelers’ one-dimensional offense and inability to stop the run ultimately led to their downfall. As the Ravens move forward in the playoffs, this game will be remembered as a turning point, highlighting their balanced attack and defensive strength.
