Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass during warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 (AP Photo/Gene J. passkar)
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — John Harbaugh was in his first year as coach in Baltimore and Mike Tomlin was in his second year as coach in Pittsburgh. Two clashes ended during the 2008 regular season, with the two sides meeting again in the AFC Championship Game.
They were just getting started.
These two are currently the longest-serving coaches in the NFL, and under their watch, the Ravens and Steelers continue to maintain a rivalry. They will be battling for the AFC North title for 18 weeks this season, with Harbaugh and Tomlin facing off in the playoffs on Saturday night in Baltimore. This will be the fourth time the rival teams have faced each other in the postseason and the fifth time in total in the playoffs.
“Going to Baltimore, especially in playoff football, is something to be respected. We expect it to be a tough environment.” Tomlin said. “To be honest, that’s welcome. It’s important to face it and smile. Collectively, it’s just a tax to pay for not winning the division and we’re paying it. Masu.”
The Ravens (12-5) won their final four games of the regular season, while the Steelers (10-7) lost their final four. This gives Baltimore the chance to host Pittsburgh in the postseason for the first time. The last four playoff matchups (2001, 2008, 2010, and 2014 seasons) have all taken place in the Steel City. The home team won three of those games.
In terms of stakes, it’s hard to top the AFC title game in January 2009, which Pittsburgh won 23-14. The brutality of the rivalry was on full display as Ravens running back Willis McGahee was dragged off the field after being hit by Ryan Clark.
This was the first of three playoff matchups over seven seasons between the Steelers and Ravens. In January 2011, Pittsburgh held Baltimore to 126 total net yards in a 31-24 victory. Four years later, the Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17.
It’s been 10 years since this matchup last took place in the playoffs, but recent regular season matchups have remained close. Baltimore’s 34-17 win last month was a change of pace, both because Pittsburgh had won eight of the previous nine games against the Ravens and because all nine of those games had been decided by seven points or less. brought about.
This will be the only time opponents from the same division will meet this weekend, with no matchup in the playoffs last season. But two years ago, the postseason included 49ers vs. Seahawks (NFC West), Bills vs. Dolphins (AFC East), Bengals vs. Ravens (AFC North), and Eagles vs. Giants (NFC East). was.
“I’ve got some ingrained knowledge of the teams in the division that I’ve already played twice, so the starting point is definitely further down the line.” Harbaugh said. “That’s the only difference.”
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The Ravens will be without their top wide receiver target in Lamar Jackson. Zai Flowers suffered a knee injury last weekend and will be sidelined.
“I don’t think anything will change.” said Baltimore receiver Rashod Bateman. “The No. 1 goal is to go out and make plays. That’s what we’re looking forward to and I think that’s what we’ll do.”
under the microscope
Jackson is a two-time MVP and a candidate for a third MVP award after becoming the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards and run for 900 yards in the same season. One thing he hasn’t accomplished yet is a Super Bowl appearance. His biggest chance came last year when Baltimore lost at home to Kansas City in the AFC title game.
Jackson has thrown 41 touchdown passes this season, but only had four interceptions. If this 10-to-1 ratio carries over into the playoffs, the Ravens will likely be very happy with their QB.
Hello, George?
Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had perhaps the worst game of his three-year career last week against Cincinnati, dropping three passes and receiving one reception for zero yards. A video of Pickens gesturing toward fans in the stands at Acrizier Stadium after the game went viral on social media.
The talented but temperamental Pickens is Pittsburgh’s biggest downfield threat, with a season-high eight receptions for 89 yards in the Steelers’ 18-16 win over the Ravens in November. However, he was forced to miss the rematch due to a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh’s best option to break out of its slump would be to get Pickens involved early and keep him involved.
establish running
In Pittsburgh’s win over Baltimore in November, Derrick Henry fumbled early for the Ravens. In a rematch in December, the Steelers had even more trouble containing the Ravens’ offense, rushing for 162 yards.
Baltimore set an NFL record this season with 5.76 yards per rushing attempt. It was actually a little higher than the numbers from the two games against Pittsburgh, but if the Steelers overdo it, a turnover could turn into a big tying goal.
For beginners
There are 32 teams in the NFL. This season, 31 of them scored at least one touchdown on their first drive. The Steelers didn’t.
The slow start wasn’t much of an issue when Pittsburgh won 10 of its first 13 games, but the Steelers have trailed by double digits in the first half in each of their last four games and never caught up.
And now Pittsburgh is trying to end a five-game losing streak in the playoffs. In each game, they trailed by double digits in the first half and were never able to catch up.
“I was lucky to play a lot of games and experience a lot of moments in the playoffs. I’m going to take that experience and learn what it feels like, what it’s all about, and the moments that can last forever.” I wish I could talk to the players about “Change your life and everything else.” ” said quarterback Russell Wilson, who is in his first season with the Steelers. “So we’re living it. We’re in the thick of it right now, and we’re excited about the opportunity to show what kind of people we can be.”
