Baltimore Ravens Dominate Early in Wild-Card Game Against Pittsburgh Steelers
Hey there, football fans! If you tuned into the Baltimore Ravens’ wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, you were in for a treat. The Ravens, led by the electrifying Lamar Jackson, came out swinging and made a statement right from the get-go. It was a game that showcased their offensive prowess and set the tone for what could be a thrilling postseason run.
Let’s dive into the action. The Ravens wasted no time in making their presence felt. On the opening drive of the game, they decided to go old school with their strategy, relying heavily on their running game. And who better to lead that charge than the powerhouse running back Derrick Henry? Henry, who has been a force to be reckoned with throughout his career, capped off a 13-play drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. What’s remarkable is that the Ravens didn’t throw the ball once during this drive, taking a commanding 14-0 lead over the Steelers.
For those keeping track, this was Henry’s first touchdown in the playoffs since 2021 when he was with the Tennessee Titans. It’s worth noting that Henry has now scored a touchdown in five of his eight playoff games, proving once again why he’s such a valuable asset in high-stakes situations.
But the Ravens weren’t done yet. In the first quarter, Lamar Jackson orchestrated a masterful 95-yard drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashod Bateman. This was a significant moment for Jackson, as it marked the first time in the postseason that he led Baltimore to a touchdown on an opening drive. The Ravens’ fans were ecstatic, and the energy in the stadium was palpable.
To put this in perspective, it was the longest touchdown drive in the playoffs for the Ravens since 2001, when they had a 99-yard drive in a wild-card game against the Miami Dolphins. Talk about making history!
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Slow starts have been a bit of a thorn in the side for Jackson and the Ravens in the postseason. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player has a career playoff record of 2-4, and in his previous six playoff games, the Ravens had only managed to score 10 points in the first quarter. But this time, they came out firing on all cylinders, and it was a sight to behold.
As the first half came to a close, Jackson continued to shine. He wrapped up a dominant performance with a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Justice Hill with just two seconds remaining. The Ravens were up 21-0, and the crowd erupted into “MVP” chants, showing their appreciation for Jackson’s stellar play.
Here’s a fun fact: The Ravens had more first downs in the first half (19) than the Steelers had total plays (18). Jackson was on fire, completing 13 of 15 passes (87%) for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He also showcased his dual-threat ability by running 11 times for 64 yards. It was a performance that left fans and analysts alike buzzing with excitement.
- Lamar Jackson’s first postseason opening drive touchdown for the Ravens.
- Derrick Henry’s first playoff touchdown since 2021.
- Ravens’ longest playoff touchdown drive since 2001.
As the Ravens continue their playoff journey, fans will be eagerly watching to see if they can maintain this level of intensity and execution. With Jackson at the helm and a strong supporting cast, the sky’s the limit for this team. Stay tuned, folks, because the Ravens are just getting started!
Originally Written by: Jamison Hensley
