Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs following a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round at M&T Bank Stadium. The defeat marked a disappointing end to a season that once held promise, with the Steelers finishing December with a 10-3 record only to lose four straight games and then fall short against their divisional rivals.

The game began unfavorably for the Steelers, who struggled offensively during their first four possessions, running just 17 plays and securing only two first downs. Meanwhile, their defense allowed the Ravens to rush for 164 yards and convert seven of eight third-down attempts in the first half alone. Baltimore's notable 13-play, 85-yard touchdown drive consisted entirely of running plays.

"We just weren't physical enough," said outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. "We didn't work off enough blocks. We didn't make enough tackles."

By halftime, Derrick Henry had accumulated 100 rushing yards on an average of 7.7 yards per carry, while Lamar Jackson added another 64 rushing yards on a 5.8-yard average.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed his disappointment after the game: "Congratulations to the Ravens. They were the better group today." He highlighted Lamar Jackson's performance as a key factor in Baltimore's victory: "The X-factor was Lamar's unique talents."

In response to being down by three touchdowns at halftime, Pittsburgh managed some offensive success in the second half with quarterback Russell Wilson leading a touchdown drive that included several key completions. However, any momentum gained was quickly quelled by Derrick Henry's impressive run resulting in another touchdown for Baltimore.

Reflecting on missed opportunities earlier in the game, Tomlin stated: "I'm really just disappointed in how we performed tonight."

As they head into an offseason full of reflection and potential changes after losing five consecutive games including this playoff matchup against familiar foes like these AFC North champions—the same team they had previously defeated eight times out of ten meetings—the Steelers face uncertainty about what lies ahead.