Ravens Dominate Steelers with Record-Breaking Running Game in 28-14 Victory

The Baltimore Ravens made a statement on Saturday night with a dominating 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting a postseason record with 299 rushing yards. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson were the catalysts, proving their lethal partnership could carry the team deep into the playoffs.

Henry, the bruising running back, was unstoppable as he ran for 186 yards on 26 carries, including two touchdowns. His power and toughness repeatedly punished the Steelers’ defense, highlighted by a 34-yard run punctuated by a stiff arm that sent Steelers star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick reeling. Jackson, meanwhile, added 81 yards on the ground and threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns, reminding fans why he’s a dual-threat MVP candidate.

Jackson, reflecting on Henry’s performance, compared him to Lightning McQueen from Cars, saying, “That’s how Derrick looks when he’s passing all those guys… it looks like a movie.” His dynamic running and playmaking ability made life easier for Henry and kept the Steelers’ defense guessing all night.

The Ravens’ opening drive set the tone for the game as they marched 95 yards, culminating in a touchdown pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman. Henry’s direct snap for 34 yards was a key play in the series, and Head Coach John Harbaugh said it was specifically designed for the Steelers matchup. The drive’s success propelled the Ravens to a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Baltimore executed a dominant 85-yard, 13-play drive that featured no passes at all, with Jackson and Henry taking turns chewing up yards. Jackson scrambled for gains, while Henry’s powerful runs brought the Ravens to the Steelers’ 10-yard line. Henry capped the drive with a bruising run into the end zone, giving Baltimore a commanding 14-0 lead.

Before halftime, Jackson orchestrated a 1:51 drive, culminating in a third touchdown, sending the Ravens to the break with a 21-0 lead. The Ravens appeared to be in complete control as the Steelers struggled to contain the ground game.

Pittsburgh showed signs of life in the second half. After a 30-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Van Jefferson, the Steelers narrowed the lead to 21-7. However, Henry quickly answered with a 44-yard touchdown run, reestablishing Baltimore’s dominance. Pittsburgh responded again with a long touchdown pass to George Pickens, but the Ravens’ defense tightened, and a key sack by Nnamdi Madubuike halted the Steelers’ momentum.

Despite the Steelers’ late efforts, including a potential game-winning drive, the Ravens’ defense held firm. After a crucial fourth-down stop, Baltimore took control with strong runs from Jackson and Henry, running down the clock and ultimately sealing the win with a final kneel down.

With their ground game firing on all cylinders, the Ravens are a team no defense will want to face. As they prepare for their next playoff challenge, the duo of Jackson and Henry could prove unstoppable as they march toward a potential Super Bowl berth.