Henry’s Heroics, Jackson’s Magic: Ravens Advance In AFC Playoffs
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- William D
- January 12, 2025
In the 2024 NFL playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens made a big statement by defeating their fierce rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, 28–14. The Ravens’ postseason run was prolonged by their wild-card victory, which also cemented their standing as one of the league’s most competitive teams.
Baltimore demonstrated why they are a strong contender in this year’s playoffs with a standout performance from Lamar Jackson and a record-breaking performance from Derrick Henry.
On the grandest stage, Derrick Henry, the Ravens’ most notable offseason acquisition, demonstrated his value. With 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns, the seasoned running back silenced any skepticism about his ability to produce at age 31 and set a franchise playoff record.
The game’s high point was Henry’s 44-yard touchdown run at a scorching 20.6 mph, solidifying his place among the NFL’s most influential players. The Ravens’ rushing offense reached new heights because to his physicality and explosiveness.
Lamar Jackson reminded fans why he is still one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the game with a brilliant performance that matched Henry’s. In addition to punishing the Steelers defense, Jackson’s 82 rushing yards moved him above Steve Young as the quarterback with the most rushing yards in NFL playoff history.
Jackson’s leadership and adaptability were evident even in the absence of star wide receiver Zay Flowers, demonstrating his ability to handle any obstacle in the postseason.
This triumph was more than just a victory; it was a demonstration of Baltimore’s character. The Ravens exorcised the demons of recent postseason losses and destroyed the Steelers’ game plan with their potent running attack and opportunistic defense.
The victory confirmed that Baltimore’s potent combination of Henry and Jackson could be the secret to a lengthy playoff run and set the setting for a matchup in the divisional round.
Jackson and Henry: A Powerful Pair in the Ravens' Playoff Win
Derrick Henry cemented his position as the focal point of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense with a historic performance in their 28-14 wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Henry set a new Ravens playoff record by rushing for an incredible 186 yards and two touchdowns. Highlighting his unparalleled strength and speed was his second score, a 44-yard dash in which he hit a top speed of 20.6 mph.
Henry attained such a speed for the second time this season, solidifying his place among the league’s best running backs despite being 31 years old.As evidence of his tenacity and strength, Henry became the third-oldest player in NFL history to rush for more than 150 yards in a postseason game.
Lamar Jackson demonstrated why he is still one of the most adaptable quarterbacks in NFL history by contributing his own chapter to the Ravens’ wild-card win. Jackson punished the defenders for their strong attempts to stop Baltimore’s ground attack by rushing for 82 yards while taking advantage of the Steelers’ attention on Henry.
His ability to use the read-option to keep the Steelers off balance changed the game by consistently making room for big plays. Jackson maintained the chains in motion and Baltimore’s offensive momentum throughout the game by seizing every opportunity.
Jackson solidified his reputation as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks of all time by overtaking Steve Young for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL postseason history.
He always found ways to lengthen plays and take advantage of mismatches, demonstrating his composure and ability to perform under pressure. Jackson demonstrated his worth as the Ravens’ offensive core by taking charge as a passer and runner in the absence of his primary receiving target, Zay Flowers.
Henry and Jackson were an invincible team that the Steelers could not match. Together, they broke Pittsburgh’s defense’s will and contributed 268 of the Ravens’ franchise-high 298 running yards.
In addition to advancing the Ravens into the divisional round, this outstanding effort demonstrated the deadly potential of their formidable backfield tandem, which might help them advance far into the postseason.
Got the first one❗️ pic.twitter.com/qctue6xS3v
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 12, 2025
The Ravens' dominance on the opening drive sets the tone
With a brilliant opening drive that established the tone for the game, the Baltimore Ravens quickly took control of their 28-14 wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With 13 plays and an amazing 95 yards, the Ravens demonstrated their offensive discipline and efficiency.
With a 15-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Rashod Bateman to top off the long drive, Pittsburgh’s defense was completely overpowered right away. This drive is the second-longest opening touchdown drive in Super Bowl history, according to historical data, demonstrating the Ravens’ ability to perform well under pressure.
Rashod Bateman’s participation was essential since the young wide receiver kept up his strong play when it counted most. In addition to giving the club new life, his 15-yard touchdown reception increased Baltimore’s winning streak to 9-0 in games where Bateman hits the end zone.
The Ravens’ offense has come to rely on him in crucial situations, especially now that star receiver Zay Flowers is injured. This early goal reaffirmed Jackson’s ability to step up when it mattered most and Bateman’s value to the club.
The Ravens gained momentum and control of the game thanks to the early touchdown as well. The Steelers were forced to play from behind after taking an early lead, a circumstance Pittsburgh found difficult to handle throughout the season.
The Ravens made sure the Steelers couldn’t settle into their defensive game plan by controlling the pace and using their potent rushing attack. Baltimore was able to establish a significant halftime lead as a result of this tactical advantage.
Best team rushing game in Ravens playoff history‼️ pic.twitter.com/9NGGCnPG7H
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 12, 2025
After showing so much potential, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended badly as they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 28–14 in the wild-card round. The Steelers lost five straight games to end the season, including their playoff defeat, after beginning the season with a solid 10-3 record.
Pittsburgh’s incapacity to build on regular-season success is highlighted by the fact that this was the team’s fifth one-and-done playoff participation since 2017. The Steelers struggled when it counted most, even though they had a well-paid defense and a renovated quarterback room.
The Steelers have a history of slow starts, and Saturday night was no exception. Pittsburgh’s dismal first-half results in recent postseason games continued as they were down 21-0 at the break.
The Steelers have been outscored by 96 points overall and outgained by 641 yards in the first half alone during their last six postseason defeats. They had to scramble to recover after failing to create early momentum, and once more, they were unable to get out of the hole they had created for themselves.
The Steelers’ problems were also exacerbated by critical errors and lost opportunities. In the second quarter, head coach Mike Tomlin made a crucial decision by choosing to punt on a fourth-and-inches situation instead of relying on his team to convert.
The Ravens were given the ball back as a result of the conservative decision, and they quickly marched 85 yards down the field, all on the ground, to score another touchdown and increase their lead to 14-0. In addition to showing a lack of faith in the offensive, the decision turned the tide of the game decisively in Baltimore’s favor.
The Steelers’ problems were made worse by their inability to adapt defensively to Lamar Jackson’s read-option plays. They exposed themselves to Jackson’s rushing attack while concentrating largely on controlling Derrick Henry. The quarterback for the Ravens took advantage of the openings and ran for 82 yards, 75 of which came before contact.
Baltimore was able to dominate on the ground, gaining 298 rushing yards and disrupting Pittsburgh’s defensive strategy because they were unable to prepare for both threats. These recurring setbacks demonstrated why the Steelers’ postseason problems still plague them, leaving the team once more in search of solutions.
The primary factor in the Baltimore Ravens’ 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round was their superior rushing performance. With a combined total of 298 rushing yards, Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson established a new franchise postseason record as an unbeatable combo.
Jackson’s 82 yards and Henry’s 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns tore through Pittsburgh’s defense, giving the Ravens the opportunity to influence the game and set the pace. As they advance further into the postseason, Baltimore will be a powerful force thanks to their ability to overwhelm the Steelers on the ground, which highlighted their offensive depth and playoff readiness.
However, the Steelers once again displayed the defensive and strategic flaws that have dogged their previous postseason trips. The Ravens gained momentum and were able to increase their advantage due to a slew of crucial mismanagement errors, including the choice to punt on fourth-and-inches in the second quarter.
The Steelers’ incapacity to halt the Ravens’ running attack was partly caused by their defensive unwillingness to adapt to Jackson’s read-option plays. These errors, along with sluggish starts and lost chances, demonstrated why Pittsburgh’s postseason run ended early once more.
The Ravens’ success was largely due to Lamar Jackson’s leadership, particularly while top receiver Zay Flowers was not playing. Jackson took over with composure and resolve, using both his arms and legs to make crucial plays. His development as a quarterback and leader was demonstrated by his ability to guide the offense without his main target on the field.
Jackson’s versatility and dedication to doing whatever it took to win were demonstrated by his 82 rushing yards. In addition to helping the Ravens win handily, his performance solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks.
The Ravens’ coaching staff and offensive line deserve praise for carrying out a strategy that kept Jackson in control of the game’s pace while optimizing their rushing approach.
Jackson’s quickness and Henry’s strength combined to produce an almost unstoppable force that left the Steelers defenseless. Jackson’s leadership and the Ravens’ running prowess will be crucial to their chances of winning in the next rounds as they continue their playoff run.
The outcome of the Buffalo Bills’ forthcoming game against the Denver Broncos will determine the Ravens’ next course of action as they go on to the divisional round. The Ravens will go to Buffalo for a difficult matchup if the Bills win. A road game in Buffalo would be an interesting test for Baltimore’s offense and defense, who have shown themselves to be a formidable postseason contender.
The Ravens will play the Houston Texans at home if the Broncos pull off the upset, which might be a good matchup at M&T Bank Stadium. In any case, Baltimore’s performance against the Steelers has paved the way for an exciting postseason run.
The Ravens must be bursting with confidence going into the divisional round, especially in light of their potent rushing attack. Now that Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are an invincible combination, Baltimore’s run game is a key tool in their Super Bowl campaign.
The Ravens’ success against the Bills or Texans will largely depend on their capacity to manage the clock and control the line of scrimmage. Baltimore demonstrated their ability to control the game’s flow and make it difficult for opponents to attempt a comeback with 298 running yards against the Steelers.
The Ravens’ reputation as a gritty, opportunistic defensive team has been cemented. The Steelers failed to take advantage of crucial opportunities, but Baltimore’s defense held firm, putting an end to Pittsburgh’s late-game comeback and limiting them to just 14 points.
In the divisional round, the Ravens defense, which is led by playmakers like Marcus Peters and Roquan Smith, will need to maintain discipline and perform well. The Ravens’ ability to step up defensively in crucial situations could make the difference in their postseason run, whether they are playing a scrappy team like Houston or a powerful offensive like Buffalo’s.
The Ravens are in a strong position to make a deep postseason run because to their formidable rushing assault and defense, which can shut down any offensive. The team is prepared to face any obstacle because of their resilience and balance.
The Ravens have the resources and self-assurance needed to seriously contend for the AFC Championship and beyond, whether they are hosting Houston or flying to Buffalo.