The Ravens’ ground game was unstoppable as they ran the ball a staggering 50 times for 299 yards, with Derrick Henry carrying the load for 186 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns. Lamar Jackson added 81 yards on the ground and threw for 175 yards, tossing two touchdowns and no turnovers. It was a complete team effort in the running game, with the Ravens controlling the clock and asserting their dominance early and often.
“Even when the Steelers tried to speed things up in the second half, I never really felt worried,” oo explained. “They had to commit so much to stopping the run that they couldn’t keep up with Lamar and Derrick. When the Ravens are playing like this, it’s hard to beat them.”
The Steelers tried to adjust by stacking the line of scrimmage with eight men in an effort to stop the Ravens’ powerful rushing attack. But it didn’t matter—Lamar Jackson was in full control, and the Ravens adapted flawlessly. “They kept crashing the defensive ends, and Lamar kept pulling the ball and making plays. That’s what makes him so dangerous,” oo said.
While the Ravens’ offense was firing on all cylinders, oo did express some concern about Baltimore’s pass coverage, pointing to potential future matchups against teams like Buffalo, Kansas City, or Houston, who could challenge the Ravens’ secondary. Despite that, the Ravens’ ability to dominate with the run and control the game was the story of the night.
Lamar Jackson’s MVP case only strengthened with this performance. “He showed tonight that he should absolutely be the MVP,” oo said. “His ability to affect the game with both his arm and his legs is unmatched, and that’s what makes him so special.”
The Steelers struggled to stop the run and couldn’t do much with the ball on offense either. Despite trying to adjust in the second half, Pittsburgh’s offense couldn’t sustain drives. Najee Harris had just six carries for 17 yards, and the Steelers’ offensive line couldn’t handle the Ravens’ physicality. “When you’re down multiple scores and your best weapon is held in check, it’s tough to come back,” oo said. “They needed to find ways to get their best playmaker, like number 14, the ball in space, but it was too late.”
The Ravens’ counterattack was also impressive. After the Steelers’ defensive ends tried crashing the inside zone read to stop Derrick Henry, the Ravens adjusted by having Lamar pull the ball and run, making key plays. “Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator, really outschemed the Steelers today,” oo said. “He knew they had to do something to stop Derrick Henry, and Lamar was the perfect counter.”
The Ravens’ commitment to the run was unmatched, and it showed in the stats. “50 carries is a commitment, not a promise,” oo emphasized. “The Ravens came out saying, ‘We’re running the ball today,’ and nothing else mattered.”
The Ravens’ offensive line dominated the trenches, allowing Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to do what they do best. “When they run the ball like this, you can’t stop them,” oo said. “They control the clock, they keep your defense on the field, and they wear you down.”
As for the future, oo pointed to possible matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or Houston Texans. “It’ll be a tough road ahead, but if the Ravens keep playing like this, they’re going to be hard to beat,” oo said.
In terms of the Ravens’ defense, while there were a few hiccups, like a blown coverage leading to a touchdown, their overall play was solid. “I’m still a little concerned about their pass defense,” oo noted, but ultimately, the Ravens’ offense was too much for the Steelers to handle.
Looking ahead, the Ravens are a team nobody wants to face. “When Lamar and Derrick Henry are clicking, this team is dangerous,” oo concluded. “They control the game, and if they keep running the ball like they did today, they’re going to be tough to stop.”
The Ravens are on a roll, and as they move closer to the Super Bowl, it’s clear that when they commit to the run, they’re a force to be reckoned with. With Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber play and Derrick Henry’s powerhouse running, the Ravens are a nightmare for any defense.
