The Baltimore Ravens suffered a heartbreaking 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 17, 2024, a defeat that has left quarterback Lamar Jackson and his teammates frustrated and introspective.
While the loss was close, it wasn’t just another regular-season setback; it was a divisional clash, against a bitter rival, with playoff implications on the line. Jackson, known for his resilience and leadership, was quick to point out where things went wrong, highlighting critical mistakes that ultimately cost the Ravens a chance to secure a crucial win.
The defeat marked another chapter in the Ravens-Steelers rivalry, one of the NFL’s most heated. The close scoreline only added to the sting of the loss, and Jackson didn’t hold back when discussing what went wrong for Baltimore. “I believe we had a lot of slow starts, if anything, a lot of penalties [and] three turnovers,” Jackson explained after the game. “Stuff like that, we can’t have in these types of games. This environment, knowing it’s a division game that’s still a Raven rivalry. It’s the one who has more possessions of the ball and keeping it safe, and we didn’t do a good job of that.”
The Ravens’ performance against Pittsburgh was riddled with mistakes that were too costly to overcome. Despite Jackson’s best efforts, Baltimore was unable to capitalize on key opportunities, and their inability to control the game’s pace, particularly in the first half, gave the Steelers the advantage they needed to secure the victory. For Jackson, this loss was particularly frustrating because of how well the defense had played. “Our defense played great today,” he said, acknowledging their effort in holding Pittsburgh’s offense to just 18 points. “They held a great team, great offense to 18 points, and we just scored 16 points. We had been putting up all of these points all year – it’s annoying.”
The Ravens now find themselves with a 7-4 record, still in contention for the playoffs but facing an uphill battle if they want to maintain their position atop the AFC North. With the Steelers having been a major obstacle this season, Jackson knows that every loss in this rivalry has extra weight. As he said, the Ravens have to play smarter, and the mental mistakes that plagued them against Pittsburgh cannot become a recurring issue.
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Jackson also reflected on the emotional aspect of the game, highlighting how difficult it is to lose a rivalry game, especially when so much is at stake. “If anything, we’re just too hyped at the beginning,” Jackson said, pointing to how the early momentum swings affected the team. “When we settle down, we start making things happen,” he added, indicating that the Ravens’ struggles were more about managing emotions and the high stakes of the matchup than a lack of talent. “In this type of game, it’s a momentum game, it was swinging for both teams. And those guys had the best swing at the end.”
Despite the disappointment, Jackson remains determined. This loss, while frustrating, is a reminder of the fine margins that separate a win from a defeat in the NFL. The Ravens will need to refocus and correct the mistakes they made against Pittsburgh in order to maintain their playoff hopes. The rest of the season will not be easy, and every game from here on out will feel like a must-win, especially with the challenges of facing teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles in the coming weeks.
For Justin Tucker, one of the league’s most reliable kickers, this game was also a reminder of the challenges every player faces. Tucker, who missed two crucial field goals in the loss, expressed his confidence despite the missed kicks. “The way that I know we remain confident, which I’m still confident that I’m going to go out there and nail every single kick, part of the reason we stay confident is by continuing to work and trust the process,” Tucker said after the game. His ability to shake off the disappointment and remain focused will be crucial as the Ravens look to bounce back in Week 12.
Looking ahead, the Ravens will need to turn the page quickly. Their upcoming schedule includes a critical Monday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, followed by games against the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and another clash with the Steelers. The team must find a way to minimize the mistakes that have plagued them in recent weeks and get back to playing the football that earned them a 7-3 record prior to the Steelers game.
Lamar Jackson’s leadership will be key to the Ravens’ ability to move forward after this tough loss. While the defeat against Pittsburgh was tough to swallow, Jackson’s focus on improving and not dwelling on mistakes is what has made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. As the Ravens enter the final stretch of the season, they will need their star QB to elevate his play and lead the offense back to form.
The key for the Ravens going forward is consistency. They have shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly in the offense, but mental lapses and missed opportunities have been their downfall in key games. Jackson, who has made it clear that he knows how to improve, will need to continue his leadership both on and off the field as the Ravens push for a playoff spot.
In conclusion, the Ravens’ loss to the Steelers serves as a wake-up call. Baltimore’s path to the playoffs won’t be easy, and Jackson and his teammates will need to learn from the mistakes that cost them the game. With a focus on improving execution, minimizing turnovers, and staying mentally sharp, the Ravens have the tools to bounce back and finish the season strong. The next few weeks will be crucial, and the team knows that they cannot afford to let another opportunity slip away.