The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens is one of the most intense in the NFL. Dating back to 1996, these AFC North foes have consistently delivered hard-fought battles characterized by physical play and strategic prowess. In the 2024 season, this rivalry reached new heights with multiple encounters that showcased the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Analyzing the Steelers Ravens stats from these games provides valuable insights into their performances and the factors that influenced the outcomes.
Key Points:
-
The Ravens’ rushing attack dominated in the Wild Card playoff game.
-
Steelers’ kicker Chris Boswell played a pivotal role in regular-season victories.
-
Turnovers and defensive plays were critical in determining game outcomes.
How Did the Ravens’ Rushing Game Impact the Wild Card Playoff?
In the AFC Wild Card playoff on January 11, 2025, the Ravens’ rushing offense was a decisive factor in their 28-14 victory over the Steelers. Running back Derrick Henry led the charge with 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns, setting a franchise playoff record. Quarterback Lamar Jackson complemented this with 81 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns. The Ravens amassed a total of 299 rushing yards, the most ever allowed by the Steelers in a playoff game.
This dominant ground game kept the Steelers’ defense on their heels and controlled the game’s tempo. The effective use of play-action passes and read-option plays exploited the Steelers’ defensive schemes, leading to significant gains and sustained drives. The Ravens’ ability to establish the run early opened up opportunities in the passing game, contributing to their comprehensive offensive performance.
Note: The Ravens’ 299 rushing yards were the most ever allowed by the Steelers in a playoff game.
What Role Did Chris Boswell Play in the Steelers’ Regular-Season Success?
Kicker Chris Boswell was instrumental in the Steelers’ 18-16 victory over the Ravens on November 17, 2024. Boswell made all six of his field goal attempts, accounting for all of the Steelers’ points in the game. His performance was crucial in a matchup where touchdowns were scarce, and every point mattered.
Boswell’s reliability provided the Steelers with a scoring option even when their offense struggled to reach the end zone. His ability to convert long-distance field goals shifted momentum and kept the Steelers competitive in tight games. Boswell’s contributions highlight the importance of special teams in close contests, especially in a rivalry known for its defensive battles.
Reminder: Chris Boswell’s six field goals were pivotal in the Steelers’ narrow victory over the Ravens.
How Did Turnovers Influence the Outcomes of the Games?
Turnovers played a significant role in the outcomes of the Steelers-Ravens matchups during the 2024 season. In the December 21, 2024, game, the Ravens capitalized on a critical interception returned for a touchdown by cornerback Marlon Humphrey, which shifted the game’s momentum in their favor.
Conversely, in the November 17, 2024, game, the Steelers’ defense forced multiple turnovers, including an interception by linebacker Payton Wilson, which helped secure their 18-16 win. These turnovers not only halted the opposing team’s drives but also provided scoring opportunities, underscoring the impact of defensive plays in this rivalry.
How Did Quarterback Performances Compare in Key Matchups?
Quarterback play was a determining factor in the Steelers-Ravens games. In the Wild Card playoff, Lamar Jackson completed 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing efficiency and poise under pressure. His dual-threat capability kept the Steelers’ defense off-balance.
On the other hand, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson had mixed performances. In the December 21, 2024, game, he threw two touchdown passes but also had a crucial interception returned for a touchdown, which contributed to the Ravens’ 34-17 victory. Wilson’s ability to manage the game and avoid turnovers was inconsistent, affecting the Steelers’ offensive rhythm.
What Do the Team Stats Reveal About Their Overall Performances?
Analyzing the team statistics from the 2024 season provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams:
Team Comparison:
| Category | Steelers (Avg) | Ravens (Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 307 | 345 |
| Rushing Yards | 112 | 160 |
| Passing Yards | 195 | 185 |
| Turnovers | 1.2 | 1.0 |
| Time of Possession | 30:15 | 31:45 |
The Ravens’ superior rushing attack and slightly better ball control contributed to their success, especially in the postseason. The Steelers’ reliance on the passing game and occasional turnover issues were factors in their losses.
Conclusion
The 2024 season’s Steelers-Ravens matchups were emblematic of their storied rivalry, characterized by physical play, strategic battles, and pivotal moments. The Ravens’ dominant rushing attack, led by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, proved decisive in the postseason. Conversely, the Steelers’ victories hinged on special teams excellence and opportunistic defense. Turnovers and quarterback performances were critical in determining the outcomes of these closely contested games. As both teams look ahead, these games will serve as benchmarks for areas of improvement and strategies for future encounters.
FAQs
Q1: Who had the most rushing yards in the 2024 Steelers-Ravens games?
A1: Derrick Henry led with 186 rushing yards in the Wild Card playoff game.
Q2: How did Chris Boswell impact the Steelers’ victories?
A2: Boswell’s six field goals accounted for all the Steelers’ points in their 18-16 win over the Ravens.
Q3: What was Lamar Jackson’s performance in the playoff game?
A3: Jackson threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns, adding 81 rushing yards.
Q4: How did turnovers affect the December 21, 2024, game?
A4: A key interception returned for a touchdown by Marlon Humphrey shifted momentum to the Ravens.
Q5: What were the average total yards for both teams in 2024?
A5: The Steelers averaged 307 total yards per game, while the Ravens averaged 345.
