The Baltimore Ravens didn’t just sign Derrick Henry for regular-season dominance—they brought him in for moments like this. On a chilly winter evening in the postseason, the Pro Bowl running back delivered a performance that will go down in franchise history. In Saturday's wild-card matchup against their heated AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Henry was simply unstoppable. He bulldozed his way to a Ravens playoff record, racking up an impressive 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a commanding 28-14 victory at M&T Bank Stadium.
But it wasn’t just Henry who shined under the postseason lights. Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ electric quarterback, added another dimension to the offense with 82 rushing yards of his own. Together, the duo led Baltimore to a jaw-dropping total of 298 rushing yards—a new franchise record for postseason games. That kind of ground dominance not only secured the Ravens a spot in the divisional round but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Baltimore’s run game is a force to be reckoned with.
What’s Next for the Ravens?
The path ahead depends on the outcome of Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. If the Bills come out on top, the Ravens will pack their bags for Buffalo. But if Denver pulls off an upset, Baltimore will welcome the Houston Texans to their home turf next weekend. Either way, the Ravens are poised and ready for the challenge.
Derrick Henry Defies Father Time
At 31 years and 7 days old, Henry silenced any critics who doubted his ability to perform at an elite level. According to ESPN Research, he became the third-oldest player in NFL history to record 150 rushing yards in a playoff game. Age is just a number when you’re running like Henry, who clocked a blistering 20.6 mph on his 44-yard touchdown sprint—his fastest of the postseason. That burst of speed wasn’t a fluke either; it was his second touchdown this season where he exceeded 20 mph, a feat matched only by the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley.
Lamar Jackson Makes History (Again)
Jackson’s contributions weren’t limited to his feet. The quarterback orchestrated a clinical 95-yard touchdown drive to open the game—Baltimore’s longest opening possession touchdown in Super Bowl-era postseason history. The 13-play march ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, setting the tone for the night. Fun fact: the Ravens are undefeated in games where Bateman finds the end zone, and his score on Saturday continued that trend.
On the ground, Jackson reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history. With 82 rushing yards, he surpassed Steve Young to become the all-time leading quarterback in playoff rushing yards, tallying 603 yards in his postseason career. For a player who ran less during the regular season, his performance against Pittsburgh showed he’s more than willing to shoulder the load when it matters most.
Steelers’ Season Ends in Familiar Frustration
Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, it was déjà vu for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite reshuffling their quarterback room and fielding one of the NFL’s highest-paid defenses, Pittsburgh’s playoff journey ended with a whimper for the fifth time since 2017. Their season, which began with a promising 10-3 record, unraveled in heartbreaking fashion with a five-game losing streak to close out the year.
The Steelers never led on Saturday night, trailing 21-0 at halftime—a deficit that ranks as the second-worst in their playoff history. While they showed some life in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns to cut Baltimore’s lead to 14, the rally fizzled out. It was a painful ending for a franchise that hasn’t seen playoff success in nearly a decade.
Missed Opportunities and Questionable Decisions
One pivotal moment that defined Pittsburgh’s struggles came in the second quarter. Facing a 4th-and-inches scenario, head coach Mike Tomlin opted to punt the ball rather than trust his offense to convert. The decision backfired spectacularly, as Baltimore responded with an 85-yard, all-rushing touchdown drive, capped by an 8-yard Henry run. That sequence not only extended the Ravens’ lead to 14-0 but also highlighted the Steelers’ inability to seize critical moments.
Defensively, Pittsburgh focused heavily on stopping Henry, but their strategy fell apart when Jackson exploited read-option plays. The Ravens’ dynamic backfield duo combined for 164 rushing yards in the first half alone, with Jackson amassing 75 of those yards before contact. By halftime, Baltimore had already rushed for 131 yards before contact—a testament to their offensive line’s dominance and the Steelers’ defensive lapses.
Troubling Trends for Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ slow starts were another glaring issue. They were one of the few teams in the league to go an entire regular season without scoring a touchdown on their opening drive, and that trend carried over into the playoffs. Over their last six postseason losses, including Saturday’s game, Pittsburgh has been outscored by a combined 96 points and outgained by 641 yards in the first halves. If they hope to break this cycle, addressing these sluggish starts must be a top offseason priority.
A Rivalry Reignited
Saturday’s game wasn’t just about playoff advancement—it was about pride. Beating the Steelers twice in one season, and doing so in dominant fashion, was an emotional victory for Baltimore. It marked the first time the Ravens swept Pittsburgh in consecutive meetings since 2019, adding another chapter to this storied AFC North rivalry.
Takeaways: Ravens on the Rise, Steelers at a Crossroads
For the Ravens, this win showcased their versatility and resilience. Despite missing star wide receiver Zay Flowers due to a knee injury, Baltimore’s offense didn’t skip a beat. Henry proved he’s still a game-changer, Jackson continued to etch his name into the record books, and the defense held firm when it counted. With momentum on their side, the Ravens are legitimate contenders as they head into the divisional round.
The Steelers, on the other hand, are left to ponder what went wrong. Despite boasting 80 regular-season wins over the past eight years—a league-high—they now hold the dubious distinction of having the most wins in an eight-year span without a playoff victory. It’s a sobering statistic for a proud franchise, and changes may be on the horizon to reverse their postseason misfortunes.
Final Thoughts
The Ravens’ wild-card win was a masterclass in playoff football: a blend of star power, strategic excellence, and sheer will. Henry’s historic performance, Jackson’s record-breaking night, and a stout defensive effort proved too much for a struggling Steelers squad. As Baltimore looks ahead to the divisional round, one thing is clear—this team is built to make noise in the postseason. The question now is, who’s next?
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