Lamar Jackson has been the face of the Baltimore Ravens since taking over as starting quarterback in 2018.
Known for his explosive athleticism and MVP-level performances, Jackson has shredded nearly every defense he’s faced. Yet, when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has consistently struggled. With a record of 1-3 against Pittsburgh, Jackson’s difficulties against his AFC North rivals are well-documented. As the Ravens (7-3) prepare to face the Steelers (7-2) on Sunday in a pivotal AFC North clash, Jackson’s history against Pittsburgh raises the question: what has gone wrong, and can he finally turn the tide?
A Battle in the Pocket
One of the most notable challenges Jackson has faced in Pittsburgh is his inability to find consistent success in the pocket. Despite his ability to make plays with his legs, Jackson’s performance when standing tall in the pocket against the Steelers has been underwhelming. His 21.2 QBR when inside the pocket against Pittsburgh is the lowest he has posted against any NFL team. Jackson has completed just 59.2% of his passes in these situations, averaging only 6.4 yards per attempt. However, this season has marked a significant shift in his game.
Jackson has made noticeable improvements in his pocket play, hitting a career-best 71.5% of his passes from within the pocket, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. This improved efficiency could prove pivotal as the Ravens look to overcome the defensive schemes that have stymied Jackson in past matchups. If he can continue his progression as a pocket passer, the Steelers’ defense will have to adjust to a more balanced Jackson, one who is just as dangerous throwing the ball as he is running it.
Pressure from T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ Defense
Another factor that has contributed to Jackson’s struggles against Pittsburgh is the relentless pressure from the Steelers’ defense, specifically linebacker T.J. Watt. In his four career games against Jackson, Watt has sacked the Ravens quarterback 7.5 times and has tallied 14 hits. On the season, Jackson has been sacked just 13 times, tied for the fewest among quarterbacks with at least eight starts, which is a testament to the improvements the Ravens’ offensive line has made.
The Steelers, however, have historically been able to exploit weaknesses in Jackson’s protection, creating disruption and forcing him into uncomfortable situations. In particular, Watt has been a one-man wrecking crew in their matchups, consistently getting to Jackson in critical moments. For the Ravens to find success against the Steelers on Sunday, they will need to neutralize Watt’s impact and give Jackson the time he needs to execute plays. If the Ravens can protect Jackson effectively, it could be a game-changer in overcoming Pittsburgh’s defense.
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Interceptions and Ball Security
Jackson’s seven interceptions against the Steelers stand out as another reason why his matchups with Pittsburgh have been problematic. While Jackson has faced the Steelers fewer times than other teams—making the seven picks particularly noteworthy—his interception rate against Pittsburgh is second only to the Cleveland Browns, who have picked him off eight times. However, Jackson’s interception numbers have improved dramatically this season. He has thrown only two interceptions in 10 games, and he enters Sunday’s matchup riding a 136-pass streak without a pick, the third-longest active streak in the league.
The Ravens have focused on improving Jackson’s ball security, and it has paid off. Ravens coach John Harbaugh has praised Jackson’s ability to play a more disciplined and intentional style of football this year. “Lamar has just been intentional about playing as well as he can across the board,” Harbaugh said. The focus on reducing turnovers, particularly against a Steelers defense known for capitalizing on mistakes, will be crucial. If Jackson can continue protecting the football and limit the big mistakes, he’ll give the Ravens a much better chance to succeed.
The 2023 Loss: A Missed Opportunity
Jackson’s most recent performance against the Steelers came in October 2023, in a 17-10 loss at Pittsburgh. While the defeat was a tough one, Jackson wasn’t to blame for the loss—several dropped passes, including two in the end zone, prevented Baltimore from capitalizing on key opportunities. “We didn’t play very good on the road,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken after the game. “Gave that away.” The Ravens had a chance to steal a win in a hostile environment but ultimately couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most.
This loss has only added fuel to the fire for Baltimore’s offense, with players like tight end Mark Andrews eager for a chance to redeem themselves. “We owe them one,” Monken added. With the Ravens looking to reclaim first place in the division, this week’s matchup against the Steelers feels personal, and Jackson will undoubtedly be motivated to prove he can overcome the Pittsburgh defense that has given him so much trouble in the past.
The Rivalry’s Impact on Jackson’s Record
Since becoming the Ravens’ starter, Jackson has faced the Steelers less frequently than other teams. He has missed more games against Pittsburgh than he has played, sitting out six games due to a combination of injury, COVID-19, and the Ravens having already secured playoff positioning. This inconsistency in head-to-head matchups has contributed to his lack of rhythm against Pittsburgh.
However, with a full slate of games and Jackson in top form this season, the Ravens are hoping that the fourth-year starter can finally shake off his struggles against the Steelers. “Certain years, there are different things going on,” said Andrews. “But we’re glad to have him this week. It will be fun.” With the stakes as high as they are, this could be Jackson’s moment to change the narrative against his division rivals.
Jackson’s Confidence Heading into the Game
Despite his past struggles, Jackson has exuded confidence this season, both in his individual game and in the Ravens’ overall team performance. The improvements in his pocket presence and ball security are indicative of his growth as a quarterback, and Jackson’s understanding of the Steelers’ defense will help him make the necessary adjustments. He knows that this is an important game not just for his team but also for his personal legacy. Jackson has faced much tougher opponents throughout his career, but the Steelers have remained his Achilles’ heel.
“The thing is, Lamar can beat anybody,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “He’s shown it time and time again.” Jackson has proven he can win games in various ways, whether through his legs or his arm, and with the tools around him, he’s in a better position than ever to succeed against the Steelers.
Ravens’ Focus on Team Improvements
While much of the focus will be on Jackson’s individual performance, the entire Ravens offense has made significant strides this season. The team has worked diligently on improving its pre-snap communication and executing plays with precision. These improvements are crucial for ensuring that the Ravens can keep pace with the Steelers, a team known for its ability to take advantage of mistakes.
“We have to continue to get better at that,” Harbaugh said, stressing the importance of teamwork in executing the game plan. If Jackson and the offense can operate at a high level, the Ravens will have a much better chance of overcoming Pittsburgh’s defense and securing the division lead.
A Historic AFC North Rivalry
The rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers is one of the NFL’s most intense. With the AFC North title on the line, Sunday’s game is more than just another regular-season matchup—it’s a battle for supremacy in a division that has seen its fair share of drama and hard-fought games. For Jackson, this game represents an opportunity to overcome a long-standing hurdle and prove that he can conquer the Steelers once and for all.
While Jackson’s record against Pittsburgh remains a source of frustration, his growth as a quarterback suggests that Sunday could be the turning point in his career against the Steelers. If Jackson can continue to improve his play inside the pocket, limit the pressure from Watt, and protect the football, the Ravens could finally overcome their AFC North rivals and take control of the division.
