Lamar Jackson leads the Ravens to a convincing 28-14 playoff victory over the Steelers
When the Steelers faced a fourth-and-inches and decided to punt while trailing 7-0, it left fans scratching their heads. The Ravens took full advantage, scoring again and making it 14-0. At that point, it felt like the game was slipping away from Pittsburgh.
The final score was 28-14, but it wasn’t just the loss that stung. Steelers fans are frustrated, and while Mike Tomlin isn’t the sole issue, that decision to punt felt like a symbol of a stale strategy. The Steelers have made the playoffs but haven’t been competitive for years, and this game was no different.
They started the season strong at 10-3 but ended up collapsing, finishing without a lead since early December. It’s tough to say if Tomlin is the problem or if he’s just working with a roster that isn’t quite there.
Watching the Ravens dominate was a stark reminder of how far apart these two teams are. Baltimore looked like a Super Bowl contender, while the Steelers struggled to keep up. By halftime, the Ravens were up 21-0, and the stats were lopsided.
Sure, the Steelers had a few bright moments in the second half, but they were quickly overshadowed by the Ravens’ relentless offense. Derrick Henry was unstoppable, and it felt like the Ravens were just toying with the Steelers.
This isn’t the first time the Steelers have been blown out in the playoffs, and it raises questions about what needs to change. Tomlin has had success, but the team’s recent playoff performances have been disappointing.
With a significant number of free agents and a need for a solid quarterback, the offseason will be crucial for Pittsburgh. They can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results, especially against a team like the Ravens. The loss was a wake-up call that something has to give.