When the Ravens stumbled out of the gate this season with two straight losses, critics were quick to question the team’s strategy, particularly regarding their use of star running back Derrick Henry. After all, he had managed only 31 carries for 130 yards in those opening contests. But as the season progressed, it became abundantly clear that the Ravens’ success wasn’t solely about Henry—it was about the guys paving the way for him up front.
This season, the spotlight has been on the Ravens’ offensive line, a unit consisting of tackles Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten, center Tyler Linderbaum, and guards Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele. These five players are the backbone of Baltimore’s offense and hold the key to Saturday’s wild-card playoff showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the Ravens’ five losses this season, a common thread emerged: their offensive line struggled against teams with formidable defensive fronts. This trend looms large as they prepare to face Pittsburgh, a team known for its vintage defensive dominance.
Flashback to Week 16: the Ravens steamrolled the Steelers in a convincing 34-17 victory. However, Pittsburgh was far from full strength. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and safety DeShon Elliott were sidelined with injuries. Star outside linebacker T.J. Watt was hampered by an ankle issue sustained the previous week, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. exited early due to an injury in the second quarter. Taking advantage of these absences, Henry racked up 162 rushing yards on 24 carries, while backup Justice Hill added another 30 yards on just two attempts. But this weekend, Pittsburgh will field a much healthier squad, including a defense well-acquainted with the Ravens’ dynamic duo of Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“I think when you see ’em a lot, it helps, right?” said Ryan Clark, a former Steelers safety turned ESPN analyst. “When you see them two times a year, it doesn’t feel as fast, it doesn’t feel as foreign. You got to think about some of these other teams, they only see them every couple of years. The Steelers get to see it pretty consistently.”
Perhaps that familiarity is one reason why Pittsburgh has won eight of the last 10 meetings against Baltimore. Another factor? The Steelers’ defensive roster seems tailor-made to combat Jackson’s unique skill set. Edge rushers Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt bring relentless pressure, combining for 17.5 sacks this season, while interior linemen Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and Ogunjobi fortify the middle. Maintaining lane integrity will be crucial for Pittsburgh to contain Jackson, who has thrown more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (eight) against the Steelers in his career.
“When you have the outside linebacker play that the Pittsburgh Steelers have throughout history, it’s just been a position of dominance for this team,” Clark explained. “They do their best to force the football out of Lamar’s hands if it’s a zone read or zone option. They want to see him give up the ball. You have T.J. attacking Lamar, putting hands on him, and being physical when they rush the passer. And then there’s Cam anchoring the interior of that defense. From a front-five standpoint, this team is built to corral Lamar as much as any team is.”
But stopping the Ravens’ offense is no small feat. Despite preseason doubts about their offensive line, Baltimore has flourished throughout the year. The Ravens lead the league in total offense, averaging an impressive 424.9 yards per game, and they’re also No. 1 in rushing offense, churning out 187.6 yards per game on the ground. They’re a force in the red zone, scoring touchdowns 74.2% of the time, and rank third in third-down efficiency at 48.2%.
However, Baltimore’s success hinges on their running game. When the Ravens dominate on the ground, they’re able to unleash a lethal play-action passing attack and keep opposing defenses guessing with run-pass option plays. In their five losses, the running game faltered. Henry was held to just 46 yards against Kansas City, 84 against Las Vegas, 73 against Cleveland, 65 against Pittsburgh, and 82 against Philadelphia. Jackson’s elusiveness has kept him upright for most of the season—he’s been sacked only 24 times—but he’s absorbed 57 hits in the process.
The Steelers’ defense, ranked No. 12 in total defense (326.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 6 against the run (98.7 yards allowed), presents a formidable challenge. Something’s got to give. For Baltimore, it’s all about setting the tone with their ground game.
“There’s nothing like being able to turn around and comfortably hand the ball off,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “That’s the start of everything you do. It’s hard to control the game if you can’t run the football. You control the game with physicality. You control the game with being able to run the football, especially in weather conditions, and it sets everything else up that you do. So that’s critical. That’s not just us. That’s everybody, so I’m looking forward to Saturday.”
Excitement is building for this clash of AFC North titans. Both teams bring rich histories, fierce rivalries, and a knack for gritty, hard-fought battles. While the Ravens have showcased their offensive prowess all season, the Steelers possess the defensive blueprint to neutralize their strengths. The wild-card playoff game promises to be a chess match, with the trenches taking center stage.
Whether it’s Derrick Henry bulldozing his way to glory or the Steelers’ defensive front holding the line, Saturday’s outcome will likely hinge on which team wins the battle up front. Buckle up, football fans—this one’s going to be a classic.
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