The rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the most intense and storied in the NFL. Dating back to the late 1990s, these two AFC North powerhouses have consistently delivered hard-fought battles characterized by physical play, strategic prowess, and unforgettable moments. In the 2024-2025 season, this rivalry reached new heights as both teams clashed multiple times, including a critical playoff matchup. Analyzing the Baltimore Ravens vs Steelers match player stats from these encounters provides valuable insights into the performances that shaped the outcomes and the players who rose to the occasion.
Key Points:
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Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were instrumental in the Ravens’ victories, showcasing exceptional offensive prowess.
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The Steelers’ defense faced challenges containing the Ravens’ dynamic offense, particularly in the postseason.
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Turnovers and time of possession played significant roles in determining the outcomes of the matchups.
How Did Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry Influence the Games?
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry emerged as the driving forces behind the Ravens’ offensive success against the Steelers. In the December 21, 2024, regular-season game, Jackson demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities by completing 15 of 23 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns, while also contributing on the ground. Henry complemented Jackson’s performance with a dominant rushing display, amassing 162 yards and a touchdown, effectively exploiting the Steelers’ defensive gaps.
The duo’s impact was even more pronounced in the AFC Wild Card playoff game on January 11, 2025. Jackson showcased precision and poise, completing 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, alongside 81 rushing yards. Henry delivered a historic performance, rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns, setting a Ravens franchise record for rushing yards in a postseason game . Their combined efforts overwhelmed the Steelers’ defense, leading to a decisive 28-14 victory and highlighting their critical roles in the Ravens’ postseason success.
What Were the Key Defensive Performances in These Matchups?
Defensive plays significantly influenced the outcomes of the Ravens-Steelers games. In the December 21, 2024, regular-season encounter, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey delivered a game-changing moment with a fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown, effectively sealing the Ravens’ 34-17 victory . This play underscored the Ravens’ defensive resilience and ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
On the Steelers’ side, linebacker Patrick Queen, facing his former team, made notable contributions. In the November 17, 2024, game, Queen recorded 10 total tackles, forced a fumble on tight end Isaiah Likely, and recovered it, setting up a field goal for Pittsburgh . Despite these efforts, the Steelers’ defense struggled to contain the Ravens’ multifaceted offense, particularly in the playoff matchup, where they allowed 299 rushing yards, the most in franchise playoff history.
How Did the Quarterbacks Compare in Their Performances?
The quarterback battle between Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson was a focal point in the Ravens-Steelers matchups. Jackson consistently demonstrated efficiency and versatility. In the December 21, 2024, game, he threw for 207 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a 34-17 win. In the playoff game, Jackson maintained his high level of play, completing 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 81 rushing yards .
Wilson, representing the Steelers, had mixed performances. In the December 21 game, he completed 22 of 33 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns but also threw a critical interception that was returned for a touchdown by Humphrey. In the playoff matchup, Wilson struggled to find rhythm against the Ravens’ defense, contributing to the Steelers’ offensive challenges. The contrast in quarterback performances highlighted Jackson’s pivotal role in the Ravens’ victories.
What Do the Team Statistics Reveal About the Matchups?
Analyzing the team statistics from the Ravens-Steelers games provides a comprehensive view of each team’s performance. In the December 21, 2024, regular-season game, the Ravens outgained the Steelers with 329 total yards to Pittsburgh’s 303. The Ravens excelled in rushing, accumulating 124 yards compared to the Steelers’ 122. However, the most striking disparity occurred in the playoff game, where the Ravens amassed 464 total yards, including a staggering 299 rushing yards, while the Steelers managed only 280 total yards and a mere 29 rushing yards .
Team Statistics Comparison:
| Statistic | Ravens (Dec 21) | Steelers (Dec 21) | Ravens (Jan 11) | Steelers (Jan 11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 329 | 303 | 464 | 280 |
| Rushing Yards | 124 | 122 | 299 | 29 |
| Passing Yards | 205 | 181 | 165 | 251 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 23:38 | 36:22 | 31:45 | 28:15 |
These statistics underscore the Ravens’ dominance in the ground game and their ability to control the tempo, particularly in the postseason.
Which Players Had Standout Performances in These Games?
Several players delivered standout performances in the Ravens-Steelers matchups. For the Ravens, wide receiver Rashod Bateman was a reliable target, catching multiple touchdown passes, including a 15-yard score in the playoff game. Running back Justice Hill also contributed with a receiving touchdown in the postseason. On defense, Marlon Humphrey’s interception return for a touchdown was a pivotal moment in the regular-season victory.
For the Steelers, wide receiver Van Jefferson made notable contributions, including a 30-yard touchdown reception in the playoff game. Running back Jaylen Warren was active in both the rushing and passing games, providing versatility to the Steelers’ offense. Despite these individual efforts, the Steelers struggled to match the Ravens’ overall team performance.
Player Performance Comparison:
| Player | Team | Game Date | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | Ravens | Dec 21, 2024 | 207 passing yards, 3 TDs |
| Derrick Henry | Ravens | Jan 11, 2025 | 186 rushing yards, 2 TDs |
| Marlon Humphrey | Ravens | Dec 21, 2024 | Interception return for TD |
| Van Jefferson | Steelers | Jan 11, 2025 | 30-yard TD reception |
| Jaylen Warren | Steelers | Jan 11, 2025 | 48 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards |
Note: Individual performances, while impactful, must be complemented by cohesive team play to secure victories.
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 matchups between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers added compelling chapters to their storied rivalry. The Ravens, propelled by the dynamic duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, showcased offensive versatility and defensive resilience, culminating in a decisive playoff victory. The Steelers, despite notable individual performances, faced challenges in containing the Ravens’ multifaceted attack and capitalizing on key moments. Analyzing the Baltimore Ravens vs Steelers match player stats from these games highlights the critical factors that influenced the outcomes and underscores the importance of balanced team efforts in achieving success.
FAQs
1. What were Lamar Jackson’s statistics in the playoff game against the Steelers?
In the AFC Wild Card game on January 11, 2025, Lamar Jackson completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 81 yards.
2. How did Derrick Henry perform in the postseason matchup?
Derrick Henry rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns, setting a Ravens franchise record for rushing yards in a postseason game.
3. What was the key defensive play in the December 21, 2024, game?
Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, sealing the Ravens’ 34-17 victory.
4. How did the Steelers’ offense fare against the Ravens’ defense in the playoff game?
The Steelers managed
