The Baltimore Ravens suffered a narrow defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, losing 26-24 in a closely contested match on January 7, 2024. Despite a strong second-half performance from quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team could not secure the win, marking a disappointing end to their regular season.
Quarterback Performance
Jackson demonstrated resilience, completing 11 of 18 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. His most notable plays included touchdown passes of 50 and 64 yards in the fourth quarter. However, a missed opportunity arose when his 26-yard pass to tight end Isaiah Likely set up rookie kicker Tyler Loop for a crucial 44-yard field goal attempt, which he failed to convert as time expired. Despite a rocky start, Jackson’s efforts earned him an impressive grade of A for the game.
Running Backs and Offensive Line Assessment
The Ravens’ ground game featured Derrick Henry, who rushed 20 times for 126 yards, including a long run of 41 yards. While the running game was solid, the team lacked a reliable pass-blocking running back, as Rasheen Ali struggled in that area. Backup Keaton Mitchell also appeared fatigued during the contest. As a unit, the offensive line managed to average 5.1 yards per carry, contributing to a total of 137 yards rushing. However, their inability to protect Jackson adequately was evident, as the Steelers recorded three sacks. This performance led to a grade of C+ for the offensive line.
Receiving Corps and Defensive Analysis
Wide receiver Zay Flowers shone brightly, catching four passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. His notable 50-yard touchdown reception raised questions regarding defensive coverage, particularly why linebacker Patrick Queen was matched up against him. The rest of the receiving group provided support, with tight ends Mark Andrews and Likely each contributing two catches. The overall grade for the receivers was C.
On the defensive side, the Ravens struggled to maintain pressure on the Steelers, who amassed 390 yards of total offense. Jaylen Warren led Pittsburgh’s rushing attack with 66 yards, successfully wearing down the Ravens’ defense in the latter half. Middle linebacker Roquan Smith finished the game with just three tackles, illustrating the challenges faced in limiting the Steelers’ offensive plays. The defensive line received a grade of C, while the linebackers also garnered a C for their performance.
The Ravens’ secondary faced significant challenges, particularly in tackling, as evidenced by their inability to contain Aaron Rodgers, who completed 31 of 47 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown. This ongoing issue earned the secondary a grade of D, highlighting the need for improvement.
Special Teams and Coaching Review
Special teams faced their own trials, with rookie kicker Loop experiencing pressure in a critical moment. Although he had a commendable season, his missed field goal attempt could have altered the game’s outcome. Punter Jordan Stout performed well, averaging 47.8 yards per punt and helping maintain field position in the first half. The overall grade for special teams was B.
Coaching decisions came under scrutiny as the Ravens continued to rely heavily on Henry. Jackson’s improvisational skills provided some offensive spark, but the team’s need for effective pass-blockers was evident. Moreover, the secondary’s struggles raised concerns about defensive strategies, particularly regarding the game-winning touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III. The coaching staff received a grade of C, indicating room for significant adjustments moving forward.
The Ravens’ defeat to the Steelers encapsulated both the team’s potential and its persistent challenges. As they reflect on this loss, addressing weaknesses in both the offensive line and secondary will be crucial for future success.
