The Pittsburgh Steelers secured the AFC North title with a narrow 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium. The win was decided when a last-second Ravens field goal attempt missed, allowing the Steelers to clinch the division and advance to host the Houston Texans in the postseason.
Coach Mike Tomlin commented on the significance of the rivalry and his team’s performance: “It’s another one in the history of this series. It’s an honor to be a part of this rivalry with that group. Got a lot of respect for them. Obviously, it was a 60-minute football game.
“I’m just happy for those guys in that locker room. They fought and fought and fought, not only tonight but throughout the entire journey, so we move forward. I’m thankful for that.
“Excited about what lies ahead. Not only the game next week, but the work in front of it because that’s how we get there and that’s how we engineer victory.
“Guys had a great week this week, and I think they put that on display. We supported one another. Certainly wasn’t easy. Defense supported offense when offense needed to be supported. Offense supported defense when defense needed to be supported. That’s team.
“We are AFC North champions, and that sounds good and it feels good. But we didn’t come here for that. We came here for what lies ahead, and so excited about that.”
The Steelers’ defense focused on limiting running back Derrick Henry, who gained 126 yards on 20 carries—most coming before halftime.
Tomlin noted: “The guys just played hard. They did,” said Tomlin. “I didn’t feel like he was running wild in the first half, although his numbers said that he was. I think the two times we saw him this year we worked hard to make him earn it. He’s a special player. They’re a special group in terms of what they do around him in that phase of the game, so you’re not going to be able to shut them down all the time, but I thought we were game for the fight for sure.”
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led two key fourth-quarter touchdown drives covering 60 and 65 yards respectively.
“I’ve admired him from afar for a long time,” Tomlin said about Rodgers’ leadership during high-pressure moments.” Good to do it with him. But, again, as I’ve said multiple times here in recent weeks, this was the vision in the spring when we pursued him. That’s why you do business with a 41, 42-year-old guy. Been-there, done-that guy with a resume like his. He’s not only capable, he thrives in it.”
Rodgers completed 31 out of 47 passes for 294 yards with one touchdown pass during Sunday’s matchup.
“That’s what you want,” said Rodgers.” You want the ball in your hands with 2:20 left and you get a touchdown…I was calm all day long with the gravity of the game and knowing what was in store for us…
“But I was confident that I was going to play a good game and that I could kind of be the magnetic force out there to keep guys confident and calm…We’re good…don’t worry about it boys…
“That’s part of it being the old guy…They expect things from you…it’s nice to be able to deliver in moments like that.”
Rodgers reflected further on belief within team leadership: “I think there is a lot of belief in leadership…being as even keel as possible and always believing you got a chance…
“But it takes moments like this…Back in 2010 (Green Bay) we’re 9-6 six playing Chicago last game of year …It gave us little bit belief…We were underdogs tonight at home against our division rival…Now we’re playing Texans….the belief level after win like this is exponentially greater…”
“And then obviously we get DK (Metcalf) back.”
With Metcalf unavailable due to injury against Baltimore, Calvin Austin III caught Rodgers’ decisive touchdown pass after missing time himself due to injury.
“It was good to have Cal back,” said Rodgers.” Cal is great player….There were other plays he made instinctive …but really proud all our guys…”
Linebacker T.J.Watt returned after missing three games because of lung issues—and made an impact by intercepting a deflected pass:
“Just trying rush…” Watt said.” Any time you play hard ball finds you …Any time feel like need make play just got go as hard as possibly can…
“I think it was Cam (Heyward) or Keeanu (Benton) who made pass man that’s what started all…”
Watt added regarding his health:” Feel really good …See how feel next couple days …Hats off training staff strength staff getting me ready go felt great out there.”
On winning another division title Watt stated:” Feels awesome …Winning tough league …Nine seasons.To win three times let’s know how rare appreciate …
“But with comes not getting win playoffs.So we’re not just here take part man.We want come here want win games.”
The Steelers have established themselves historically through achievements such as six Super Bowl championships according to their official website while also honoring past players through initiatives like their Hall of Honor and museum exhibits at Acrisure Stadium . The franchise has contributed significantly both on-field—through playoff appearances—and off-field via community engagement activities .
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