Zach BacharContributor IJanuary 12, 2025
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens started off strong and didn’t look back during a 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Saturday night’s Wild Card playoff clash between the two AFC North rivals.
NFL @NFLFINAL: The @Ravens move on to the Divisional Round! #PITvsBAL pic.twitter.com/C7ajM9pGJU
The Ravens jumped out to a 21-0 lead at halftime, and the Steelers weren’t able to overcome the deficit during the remainder of the contest.
Derrick Henry spearheaded Baltimore’s offensive attack, as the AFC’s leading rusher picked up 186 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries against Pittsburgh. This included a 44-yard score in the third quarter.
NFL @NFLKING TIME! 44-YARD TD 👑#PITvsBAL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qECgiVFEzj
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportKing Henry in his Ravens playoff debut 😳
26 Carries
186 YDS
2 TD
Dominant. 👑 pic.twitter.com/DUDOtZGqmK
LeBron James @KingJames👑 HENRY!!! @KingHenry_2 🫡
He fought through contact on multiple occasions, highlighted by a stiff arm on All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportTHIS DERRICK HENRY STIFF ARM 😳
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/L8L4vt22lk
Jackson was also sharp, finishing 16-of-21 for 175 yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover. His 76.1 completion percentage was a new playoff career high. He also rushed for 81 yards on 15 attempts.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportLAMAR WITH A STRIKE TO RASHOD BATEMAN FOR THE TD 🔥
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/lyE1vaqJBA
NFL @NFLLamar Jackson buys time and finds Justice Hill for the TD! @Ravens up 21-0 👀#PITvsBAL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/46SpU4WgJG
Fans were amazed by the heroics of Jackson and Henry.
Football @BostonConnrOnce again, Roger Goodell should’ve vetoed the Derrick Henry singing to Baltimore
Lamar and him are not fair together in the backfield
PFF @PFFLamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on the ground in the first half:
😈 24 carries
😈 164 rushing yards
😈 6.8 YPC
😈 1 touchdown pic.twitter.com/TPWIMYcXPV
Derrik Klassen @QBKlassstill blows my mind that two of the rarest athletes to ever play their position (Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry) get to play together
myles brown @mdotbrownGo outside and try to tackle a car. That’s Derrick Henry. The motorcycle that sped by your body? That was Lamar Jackson.
Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 @big_business_Ravens just straight up bullied Steelers on that drive, they couldn’t stop Lamar and Derrick Henry.
Louis Riddick @LRiddickESPNSeeing how Lamar reacts to Henry when he breaks a big run is what being part of a team is all about.
The best part.
Marcus Johnson @TheMarcJohnNFLHenry to the Ravens was always a cheat code with Lamar
Darin Gantt @daringanttThe entire NFL had the opportunity to prevent Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson from being on the same team.
And yet.
It’s like they forgot calendars included January.
Ken Weinman @KenWeinmanSportRavens lead 28-14 with 1:54 to go. They have the ball. They are in the red zone. Steelers starting to use their timeouts. Henry was great. Lamar was great. Ravens about to advance
Baltimore’s defense also made an impact despite failing to record a turnover, sacking Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson four times. Pittsburgh was limited to an average of just 2.6 yards per rush as a team, recording a mere 11 total first downs.
The Ravens have now advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season and will either play the Buffalo Bills or Houston Texans depending on the winner of Sunday’s postseason battle between the Bills and Denver Broncos.
