by When you think about NFL rivalries, one matchup always comes to mind: the baltimore ravens vs steelers match player stats tell stories that go beyond just numbers on a screen.
These two teams have been battling for decades. They play in the same division. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Every time they meet, something special happens.
This wasn’t just any regular season game. This was playoff football in January! The stakes were higher than ever.
One team would advance to the next round. The other team’s season would end right there on the field.
Fans packed the stadium despite the cold weather. Players gave everything they had. Coaches made crucial decisions that could make or break their season.
The atmosphere was electric! You could feel the tension in the air before kickoff. Both teams wanted to win badly. Both teams believed they could win.
But in football, wanting to win isn’t enough. You need to execute your game plan. You need your stars to shine bright. You need your defense to make stops when it matters most.
Baltimore Ravens Vs Steelers Match Player Stats
Today, we’re going to break down exactly what happened in this incredible playoff game. We’ll look at the key plays, the important stats, and the performances that made the difference.
Get ready to learn about one of the most exciting playoff games of the season!
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Game Overview — Ravens and Steelers Rivalry
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the greatest rivalries in NFL history. They’ve been division rivals since Baltimore joined the league in 1996.
These teams play hard-hitting, physical football. Their games are never easy. They’re always close, always intense, always memorable.
Why This Game Mattered?
This playoff game happened on January 11, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Over 70,000 fans filled the stadium to watch!
For Baltimore, this was a chance to prove they could win in the playoffs. Their quarterback, Lamar Jackson, had faced criticism about postseason performances. He wanted to silence the doubters.
For Pittsburgh, they needed to end a painful losing streak. The Steelers hadn’t won a playoff game in years! Their fans were desperate for a victory.
The temperature was cold — only 32 degrees! The wind was blowing at 12 miles per hour. These were tough conditions for both offenses.
But great players perform in any weather. Great teams find ways to win regardless of conditions. This game would show which team was truly ready for playoff football!
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Key Moments That Changed the Game
Every football game has turning points — moments when everything changes. Let me tell you about the three plays that decided this game!
Moment #1: Baltimore’s Opening Statement
The Ravens got the ball first and marched down the field like a team on a mission!
They ran 13 plays and covered 95 yards. It took them over 7 minutes! Pittsburgh’s defense couldn’t stop them.
On 3rd-and-13 (a tough situation!), Lamar Jackson threw a perfect pass to Rashod Bateman for a 15-yard touchdown. Score: Ravens 7, Steelers 0.
Why this mattered: Baltimore set the tone immediately. They showed Pittsburgh: “We’re going to control this game. We’re going to impose our will on you.”
The drive included a monster 34-yard run by Derrick Henry where he pushed a defender to the ground with one arm! That’s power!
Moment #2: The Last-Second Touchdown Before Halftime
This play was absolutely crazy!
With only 11 seconds left in the first half, Baltimore had the ball. Most teams would just run out the clock and go to halftime.
But not Baltimore! Lamar Jackson dropped back to pass. Pittsburgh’s defense rushed at him from everywhere!
Jackson scrambled around, keeping the play alive. He ran toward the sideline. Defenders were chasing him. The clock was ticking down!
With only 2 seconds left, Jackson dumped the ball to Justice Hill, who walked into the end zone for a touchdown!
Why this mattered: Baltimore went from leading 14-0 to leading 21-0 right before halftime. That crushed Pittsburgh’s spirit! They went to the locker room knowing they were in huge trouble.
Moment #3: Henry’s Knockout Punch
Pittsburgh scored twice in the third quarter to cut Baltimore’s lead to 21-14. Suddenly, the Steelers had hope! The comeback was starting!
But Derrick Henry destroyed that hope immediately.
On the very next drive, Henry took a handoff up the middle. He hit the hole at full speed and raced 44 yards for a touchdown!
Why this mattered: Baltimore’s lead went back to 28-14. Pittsburgh’s brief moment of hope vanished instantly. The game was essentially over after that run.
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Player Stats That Made the Difference
The Baltimore Ravens Vs Steelers Match Player Stats tell us exactly why Baltimore won this game so convincingly.
Let’s break down the most important numbers in simple terms!
Lamar Jackson’s Perfect Night
| Stat Category | Lamar’s Numbers |
|---|---|
| Passes Completed | 16 out of 21 |
| Completion % | 76.2% |
| Passing Yards | 175 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Rushing Yards | 81 |
What this means: Lamar completed over 75% of his passes! That’s excellent accuracy. He threw 2 touchdowns and made zero mistakes (no interceptions).
But here’s the really cool part: he also ran for 81 yards! That’s like a running back’s production! He hurt Pittsburgh with his arm AND his legs.
His passer rating was 132.0 — almost perfect! Anything over 100 is considered great.
Derrick Henry’s Record-Breaking Performance
| Stat Category | Henry’s Numbers |
|---|---|
| Carries | 26 |
| Rushing Yards | 186 |
| Yards Per Carry | 7.2 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Longest Run | 44 yards |
What this means: Henry averaged 7.2 yards every time he touched the ball! The normal NFL average is only 4.2 yards. He was gaining 3 extra yards per carry compared to typical running backs!
His 186 rushing yards set a Baltimore Ravens playoff record! It also broke a 51-year-old record for most yards Pittsburgh has ever allowed in a playoff game!
Henry forced defenders to miss tackles 12 times! That means Pittsburgh’s players tried to tackle him but couldn’t!
Russell Wilson’s Misleading Stats
Pittsburgh’s quarterback Russell Wilson finished with decent-looking numbers: 20 completions, 270 yards, 2 touchdowns.
But here’s the truth: he only threw for 44 yards in the entire first half! By the time he started playing better, the game was already over!
His two touchdown passes came when Baltimore already led big. Those garbage-time stats made his performance look better than it actually was.
Quarter-by-Quarter Summary
The baltimore ravens vs steelers match player stats by quarter show us exactly how this game unfolded!
First Quarter: Baltimore Takes Control
Score at end of quarter: Ravens 7, Steelers 0
Baltimore’s offense came out aggressive! They ran the ball with power. Lamar Jackson made smart decisions.
Pittsburgh’s offense struggled to move the ball. Baltimore’s defense was swarming everywhere!
The Ravens’ opening touchdown drive set the tone for everything that followed.
Second Quarter: Baltimore Pulls Away
Score at end of quarter: Ravens 21, Steelers 0
This quarter belonged completely to Baltimore!
Derrick Henry scored an 8-yard touchdown after a long drive where Baltimore didn’t pass once — just pure running!
Then came that incredible last-second touchdown by Justice Hill. Pittsburgh went to halftime down 21-0 and looking lost.
Total first-half stats:
- Baltimore: 245 yards
- Pittsburgh: Only 60 yards!
The Steelers couldn’t do anything right. Baltimore’s defense was playing perfectly!
Third Quarter: Pittsburgh Fights Back (Briefly)
Score at end of quarter: Ravens 28, Steelers 14
Pittsburgh finally scored! Russell Wilson threw a 30-yard touchdown to Van Jefferson. Score: 21-7.
Then Wilson threw another touchdown to George Pickens! Score: 21-14. Suddenly, Pittsburgh had life!
But Henry crushed their hopes immediately with his 44-yard touchdown run. Back to a two-touchdown lead: 28-14.
Pittsburgh showed some fight, but couldn’t stop Baltimore when it mattered!
Fourth Quarter: Baltimore Runs Out the Clock
Final Score: Ravens 28, Steelers 14
Baltimore just controlled the ball and ran time off the clock. They ran the ball over and over.
Pittsburgh couldn’t get the ball back! By the time they did, there wasn’t enough time left to mount a comeback.
The game ended with Baltimore celebrating and Pittsburgh heading home disappointed.
Star Performers — Who Shone the Brightest
Let’s talk about the individual players who made this game special!
Lamar Jackson — The Dual-Threat Master
Lamar Jackson proved he could win big playoff games! This was his highest-graded playoff performance ever, according to experts.
He completed 76% of his passes. He ran for 81 yards. He scored 2 passing touchdowns. He made zero mistakes!
The Baltimore Ravens Vs Steelers Match Player Stats ESPN coverage called it his “coming-out party” in the playoffs.
His scramble before halftime showed incredible awareness. He kept the play alive while managing the clock. That’s championship-level football!
Derrick Henry — The Freight Train
At 31 years old and 242 pounds, Henry ran like someone half his age and size!
He set a Ravens playoff record with 186 yards. He scored 2 touchdowns. He made defenders look silly all night!
One stat says it all: 157 yards after contact. That means after defenders hit him, he still gained 157 more yards! He’s impossibly hard to bring down!
Henry reached a top speed of 20.60 miles per hour on his 44-yard touchdown. That’s incredibly fast for someone so big!
George Pickens — Pittsburgh’s Bright Spot
While most Steelers struggled, George Pickens showed why he’s a rising star.
He caught all 5 passes thrown to him for 87 yards and 1 touchdown. His 36-yard touchdown catch was beautiful!
He tracked the ball over his shoulder, adjusted to the throw, avoided a defender, and scored. That’s elite receiver play!
The problem? Pittsburgh barely threw to him in the first half! That was a coaching mistake that might have cost them.
Justice Hill — Mr. Clutch
Justice Hill’s touchdown right before halftime became the signature moment of the game!
He caught the pass from Jackson and walked into the end zone with 2 seconds left. That play crushed Pittsburgh’s spirit!
Hill only had 13 receiving yards total, but that one play at that perfect moment mattered more than any stat!
Defense Wins Games
Baltimore’s defense played one of the greatest playoff halves in franchise history!
First-Half Shutout
The Ravens held Pittsburgh to ZERO points in the first half. That hadn’t happened in a Baltimore playoff game since the Super Bowl in 2001!
First-half defensive stats:
- Total yards allowed: Only 60!
- First downs allowed: Only 2!
- Points allowed: 0!
Pittsburgh’s offense looked helpless. They couldn’t run the ball. They couldn’t pass effectively. They couldn’t convert third downs!
Stopping the Run
Baltimore completely erased Pittsburgh’s running game!
The Steelers ran for only 29 yards on 11 carries. That’s averaging just 2.6 yards per run. Pathetic!
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh’s star running back, managed only 17 yards on 6 carries. He never got going!
Simple explanation: Baltimore’s defensive linemen pushed Pittsburgh’s offensive linemen backward on every play. They controlled the line of scrimmage completely!
Pressuring the Quarterback
Baltimore sacked Russell Wilson 4 times for 19 lost yards!
Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike was everywhere! He batted a pass at the line. He sacked Wilson on third down. He disrupted Pittsburgh’s offense constantly!
The Ravens defense built a wall that the Steelers couldn’t cross!
What the Numbers Tell Us (Play-by-Play and Stats)
The baltimore ravens vs steelers match player stats play by play reveal Baltimore’s complete dominance!
Time of Possession
Baltimore had the ball for 39 minutes and 33 seconds. Pittsburgh only had it for 20 minutes and 27 seconds!
What this means: Baltimore controlled the game. They kept Pittsburgh’s offense on the sideline. They kept their own defense fresh.
When one team has the ball for almost 40 minutes, they’re usually winning big!
Total Plays Run
- Baltimore: 72 plays
- Pittsburgh: 45 plays
Baltimore ran 27 more plays! That’s massive! More plays mean more chances to score!
Third Down Conversions
- Baltimore: 10 out of 15 (66.7%)
- Pittsburgh: 5 out of 11 (45.5%)
What this means: When Baltimore needed to keep drives alive on third down, they succeeded two-thirds of the time!
Third down is the most important down in football. Baltimore won the third-down battle decisively!
Rushing Stats Comparison
| Team | Attempts | Yards | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravens | 50 | 299 | 6.0 |
| Steelers | 11 | 29 | 2.6 |
Look at that difference! Baltimore ran 50 times for 299 yards. Pittsburgh ran 11 times for 29 yards!
Baltimore averaged 6 yards per carry. Pittsburgh averaged 2.6 yards. That’s not even close!
The 299 rushing yards were the MOST Pittsburgh has ever allowed in a playoff game in their entire history! That’s embarrassing for a proud franchise!
Comparing Both Teams — Who Did Better?
Let’s look at the steelers vs baltimore ravens match player stats score, and see the full picture!
Complete Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Ravens | Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 28 | 14 |
| Total Yards | 464 | 280 |
| First Downs | 29 | 11 |
| Passing Yards | 165 | 251 |
| Rushing Yards | 299 | 29 |
| Time of Possession | 39:33 | 20:27 |
| Penalties | 3-14 | 7-41 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
What jumps out:
Baltimore had 184 more total yards! They controlled the ball almost twice as long!
They had 18 more first downs — that’s huge for maintaining drives!
They ran for 270 more yards than Pittsburgh! That’s the difference between domination and embarrassment!
Both teams committed zero turnovers, but Baltimore played much cleaner with only 3 penalties compared to Pittsburgh’s 7.
Why Baltimore Won?
Three main reasons:
- They ran the ball like champions — Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson combined for 267 rushing yards!
- Their defense dominated — Pittsburgh’s offense couldn’t function in the first half!
- They controlled the clock — Having the ball for 39+ minutes kept Pittsburgh’s offense off the field!
Why Pittsburgh Lost?
Three main problems:
- Couldn’t run the ball at all — Only 29 rushing yards is unacceptable!
- First half was a disaster — Being shut out 21-0 before halftime put them in an impossible hole!
- Couldn’t stop Henry — Allowing 186 yards to one running back is terrible defense!
History Between the Teams
The baltimore ravens vs steelers match player stats all time show an incredible rivalry!
These teams have been battling since 1996, when Baltimore joined the NFL. They’ve played each other twice per year (sometimes three times in playoff years) for almost 30 years!
All-Time Playoff Record
This was their 5th playoff meeting ever. Baltimore now leads the playoff series 3-2!
The regular season series is much closer and more competitive. Both teams have won plenty of games over the years.
Pittsburgh’s Playoff Struggles
This loss was Pittsburgh’s 6th straight playoff defeat! They haven’t won a postseason game since 2017!
That’s a painful drought for Steelers fans who are used to success. Their last playoff win came against Kansas City on January 15, 2017.
Baltimore’s Playoff Success Against Pittsburgh
Baltimore has now beaten Pittsburgh in the playoffs three times. They always seem to have Pittsburgh’s number when January comes around!
The Ravens’ physical running style gives Pittsburgh problems in cold-weather playoff games. This game proved that once again!
Lessons from the Game
What can we learn from watching the Baltimore Ravens Vs Steelers Match Player Stats?
Lesson #1: Running the Ball Matters in Playoffs
Baltimore rushed for 299 yards and won easily. Pittsburgh rushed for 29 yards and lost badly.
The lesson? In cold weather playoff games, teams that can run the ball effectively usually win!
Running the ball controls the clock, wears down defenses, and keeps your own defense fresh. It’s winning football!
Lesson #2: Defense Must Show Up
Baltimore’s first-half shutout (21-0) made it almost impossible for Pittsburgh to come back.
Great defense creates short fields for your offense and demoralizes the other team. Baltimore’s defense played championship-level football!
Lesson #3: Mobile Quarterbacks Are Dangerous
Lamar Jackson threw for 175 yards AND ran for 81 yards. He hurt Pittsburgh in two different ways!
Modern NFL defenses struggle against quarterbacks who can run. Jackson’s mobility created problems Pittsburgh never solved!
Lesson #4: Establish Your Identity Early
Baltimore came out and imposed their physical style immediately. They ran the ball down Pittsburgh’s throat on the opening drive!
When you establish what you want to do early, you control the game’s tempo and flow. Baltimore did exactly that!
Final Thoughts:
The Baltimore Ravens Vs Steelers Match Player Stats tell a clear story: Baltimore dominated every aspect of this playoff game!
From Lamar Jackson’s efficient passing to Derrick Henry’s record-breaking rushing to the defense’s first-half shutout, everything went right for the Ravens!
Pittsburgh fought hard in the third quarter but could never recover from that 21-0 halftime deficit. Their playoff losing streak extended to 6 games — a painful streak for such a proud franchise!
For Baltimore, this win validated their offseason addition of Derrick Henry. The combination of Henry’s power and Jackson’s speed created an unstoppable running attack!
This game showed what playoff football should look like: physical running, stout defense, and smart quarterback play. Baltimore checked all those boxes!
The Ravens advanced to the next round with confidence and momentum. They proved they could win big games when it mattered most!
Pittsburgh went home disappointed but determined to come back stronger next year. That’s the beauty of football — there’s always next season!
Final Score: Ravens 28, Steelers 14
Final Lesson: In January football, teams that can run the ball and stop the run usually advance. Baltimore did both perfectly! 🏈
