The clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers is always one of the most exciting in the NFL. Their rivalry is historic, intense and full of standout performances. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats from their recent match‑ups, look at key individual performances, and see what these numbers tell us about the game. Whether you are a hardcore fan or just curious, this article will help you understand how the game played out.
Rivalry and Match Context
Before jumping into stats, it helps to know a little about the setting of this game.
- The rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers is well‑known.
- In the Wild Card playoff game on January 11, 2025, the Ravens defeated the Steelers 28-14.
- In a regular season game on December 22, 2024, the Ravens also beat the Steelers 34-17.
- The stakes were high: playoff atmosphere, strong teams, and the Ravens’ running game dominating.
Now, let’s look at the player stats and what made this game special.
Key Player Performances
Here are some of the major player stats and what they mean.
1. Offense — Ravens
- Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens): In the Wild Card game, Jackson completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he also rushed for 81 yards.
- Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens): He rushed for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns in that same game — a dominant performance.
- These numbers show the Ravens’ dual‑threat attack: strong passing and even stronger running.
- In the December game, the Ravens also showed their running strength: Henry had a big rushing yard total and the defense made big plays.
2. Offense — Steelers
- In the Wild Card game, the Steelers’ Russell Wilson (QB, Steelers) threw for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- However, the Steelers rushed for only 29 yards in that game — a major disadvantage.
- In the December regular season game, they also struggled when running and gave up key turnovers.
3. Defense & Special Teams
- The Ravens’ defense helped seal the game: they limited the Steelers’ ground game and forced key turnovers. For example, in the December game a Raven interception return for a touchdown helped.
- The Steelers’ defense could not stop the Ravens’ rushing attack in the Wild Card game — 299 rushing yards allowed.
Why the Stats Matter
When we look at these stats, a few key themes emerge:
- Running game dominance: The Ravens won by controlling the ground game. Henry’s 186 yards and the team’s 299 total rushing yards overshadowed the Steelers.
- Dual threat from Jackson: Having a QB who can throw and run forces defenses to make decisions. Jackson’s 81 rushing yards added to his 175 passing yards.
- Steelers’ one‑dimensional offense: The Steelers had a decent passing game but almost no rushing threat in the Wild Card. That made them predictable.
- Turnovers and momentum: The interception returned for a touchdown in December tilted the game. Big plays matter.
- Match conditions: playoff intensity plus rivalry: When teams play each other in big games, stats often reflect not just skill but preparation, focus and mental edge.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Ravens
- They showed they can win big games by leaning on their strengths: running game and a mobile QB.
- This kind of performance gives the team big confidence for future playoff runs.
- They proved that even if opponents plan for the run, they can still execute it at elite levels.
For the Steelers
- They must improve their rushing attack if they want to beat teams like the Ravens in big games.
- Their defense needs to prepare better for teams that mix run and pass, especially when the QB can run.
- Losing 28-14 in a playoff game is a tough result; it highlights areas needing improvement (ground game, third‑down defense, big plays allowed).
Looking Ahead: Key Stats to Watch in Future Match‑ups
Here are a few stats you should watch when these teams meet again:
- Rushing yards by Ravens RB(s): If Henry (or backups) get 150+ rushing yards, the Ravens are likely ahead.
- Rushing yards allowed by Steelers: If the Steelers allow 200+ rushing yards, they’re likely losing.
- Jackson’s rushing yards and passing yards combined: A balanced high total means trouble for opponents.
- Steelers’ rushing yards: If they stay under 50 or 60, their offense may struggle.
- Turnovers and big defensive plays: Interceptions returned for TDs or forced fumbles often decide games.
- Time of possession and first downs: The more a team can sustain drives with runs and short passes, the more control they have.
Recap
The “Baltimore Ravens vs Steelers match player stats” from their recent playoff and regular season meetings tell a clear story: the Ravens dominated on the ground, their QB added a significant rushing component, and the Steelers could not match up in key areas. The stats are not just numbers—they show how the game was played. With a friendly tone, the takeaway is simple: when you can run the ball well, get big plays from your defense, and have a QB who can keep defenders guessing, you give yourself a strong chance to win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What were the final scores in the recent Ravens vs Steelers games?
- In the Wild Card playoff game: Ravens 28, Steelers 14.
- In the December 2024 regular‑season game: Ravens 34, Steelers 17.
- Who had the best rushing performance in those games?
- Derrick Henry (Ravens) with 186 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in the Wild Card game.
- How did Lamar Jackson perform?
- In the Wild Card game: 16 of 21 passing for 175 yards, 2 TDs, plus 81 rushing yards.
- How did the Steelers’ running game fare?
- They rushed for only 29 yards in the Wild Card game — a very low number.
- Why was the rushing yard total so important?
- Because running effectively allows a team to control the clock, wear down the opponent’s defense, and open up the passing game. The Ravens’ large rushing total indicated dominance.
- Did defense play a big role?
- Yes. The Ravens’ defense limited the Steelers, allowed few rushing yards, and made big plays. For example, in the December game they had an interception returned for a touchdown.
- Is the Ravens vs Steelers rivalry special?
- Definitely. They are divisional rivals in the AFC North, with many intense games and strong defensive histories.
- What should fans watch for in their next meeting?
- Key metrics: rushing yards by each team, total yards allowed, turnovers, performance of QB and running backs, and whether the offense can stay balanced.
- Does a big rushing total always guarantee a win?
- Not always, but in this specific matchup it was highly correlated with a win for the Ravens. Controlling the run gave them the edge.
- How can the Steelers turn things around in future games?
- By improving their rushing attack, making sure their defense can stop dual‑threat QBs, reducing big plays allowed, and generating turnovers themselves.
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