A loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers is never ideal for the Baltimore Ravens, but the fact that they had nothing to play for should help dampen the blow of Saturday’s 17-10 defeat a bit.
As the Ravens had already locked up home-field advantage in the AFC, they decided to give most of their stars a rest as they gear up for the playoffs. So, it was Tyler Huntley leading the offense instead of LamarJackson, as well as other backups getting some valuable snaps.
Unfortunately, the Ravens played like a group riddled with backups, particularly on offense. Baltimore mustered just 167 total yards on the day, by far their lowest total of the season.
The Ravens’ lone touchdown drive came on a 71-yard march late in the second quarter, which accounted for nearly half of their total yards. Tight end Isaiah Likely continued his hot streak, catching a 27-yard pass from Huntley to tie the game up and get the Ravens on the board.
Aside from that, though, the Ravens’ offense couldn’t get much going. The dagger came when running back Gus Edwards fumbled deep in Baltimore territory, and although the Steelers only got a field goal out of it, that was enough to extend their lead to two scores and essentially ice the game. The Ravens were able to get a field goal to bring the game back within one score, but it was too little, too late.
Huntley completed 14 of 26 passes for 135 yards and the touchdown to Likely, who had two catches for 31 yards. Edwards led the way on the ground with 10 carries for 48 yards.
On the other side, Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 18 of 20 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown, with a good chunk of those yards coming on a 71-yard touchdown to Diontae Johnson on the first play of the fourth quarter. Najee Harris rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries.
With the win, the Steelers now just need a little bit more help to clinch a playoff spot. They can get there with losses by the Jacksonville Jaguars or Buffalo Bills on Sunday, or a tie between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night could get the job done early.
Meanwhile, the Ravens will enjoy their well-deserved bye week as they await their opponent in the Divisional Round.
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