The rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers has always been one of the most heated and closely watched matchups in the NFL.
With the stakes even higher in 2024, this AFC North showdown promises to be another chapter in their long history of intense competition. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is making it clear that he’s determined to end a frustrating trend when it comes to facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team he’s struggled against in recent seasons.
Jackson, who has a 1-3 record against Mike Tomlin’s Steelers when he’s under center, expressed his frustrations and motivation ahead of Sunday’s game. Despite the Ravens being on a strong run this season, Jackson’s struggles against the Steelers are hard to ignore. With Pittsburgh having dominated the rivalry in recent years, Jackson is determined to change the narrative and deliver a statement win for his team in Week 11.
“I don’t know why it’s so hard. Last year we should have beaten them, but things just didn’t go our way,” Jackson said, reflecting on his team’s past struggles against Pittsburgh. “This year we have a different team, different players. We always have the same goal: to win. We want to be the ones that come out on top, and we will do everything we can to accomplish that objective in this game.”
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Lamar Jackson’s Frustration with Steelers Defense
The Steelers’ defense has been a particularly tough challenge for Jackson, who has struggled with turnovers in their meetings. In his four games against Pittsburgh, Jackson has thrown seven interceptions and lost the ball 10 times. This includes an uncharacteristic stretch where the Steelers were the only team to force Jackson into more interceptions than touchdowns. It’s a statistic that sticks with him, and one he’s eager to overcome in this important division matchup.
“I hate every team in the league when I’m going against them,” Jackson said, showing his fierce competitive spirit. “When I face them I don’t feel any affection, I try to win. They don’t feel any affection for me when they face me. Probably, after the game, it’s all love, but on the field it’s not.”
Jackson’s intense focus and rivalry-driven mindset are clear, as he prepares for a Steelers team that has consistently tested his ability to make plays under pressure. This Week 11 contest could be a defining moment for Jackson and the Ravens, as they look to establish themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders by finally breaking their losing streak against Pittsburgh.
Steelers Have Owned Recent Meetings, But Ravens Are Hungry for Change
The rivalry between these two AFC North teams has been defined by intense, hard-fought games. Pittsburgh has been dominant in the recent history of this matchup, winning seven of the last eight meetings. This includes several games decided by razor-thin margins, adding an extra layer of drama and excitement to the rivalry.
Since 2008, the Steelers and Ravens have played 32 games, with 18 of them decided by three points or less. It’s a testament to how evenly matched these teams have been over the years, with every meeting feeling like a playoff battle. The close nature of these games is indicative of the brutal style of football played by both teams, where each possession is fought for tooth and nail.
With both teams having playoff aspirations and sitting at the top of the AFC North, the stakes in this Week 11 matchup could not be higher. The Ravens have a chance to prove that they’re ready to take the next step and overcome one of the toughest tests in the NFL, while the Steelers aim to continue their dominance in the division.
The Key to Victory: Lamar Jackson vs. Steelers Defense
For Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the key to victory will likely lie in Jackson’s ability to handle the pressure and avoid costly turnovers against a defense known for creating chaos. The Steelers’ defense, led by coordinator Teryl Austin, thrives on blitzing and creating confusion for opposing quarterbacks. Jackson will need to stay calm in the pocket, make quick decisions, and take advantage of the space he is given.
The Ravens’ offense, which has been clicking in 2024, will need to execute its game plan effectively. The dynamic play of Jackson, combined with a strong supporting cast including running back J.K. Dobbins and wide receiver Mark Andrews, gives Baltimore the tools to challenge Pittsburgh’s defense. However, Jackson’s ability to keep control of the ball and make smart plays under pressure will be critical in turning around his fortunes against the Steelers.
Ravens’ Tough Road Ahead in AFC North
While the Ravens are currently sitting in a strong position in the AFC North, they face a tough road ahead. Their season-long struggles against Pittsburgh are part of a larger pattern of difficulty in divisional games. With the Steelers and Cleveland Browns both remaining competitive, every game within the division takes on heightened importance.
A win against Pittsburgh would not only give the Ravens a crucial victory in the standings but also serve as a psychological boost for Jackson and the team. Beating the Steelers could provide a confidence boost for a team that has been through its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. For Jackson, it’s also a chance to prove that he can rise to the occasion in these high-stakes rivalry games.
The Importance of Momentum for the Ravens
Jackson and the Ravens enter this matchup with momentum on their side. Despite the tough history against Pittsburgh, Baltimore has been playing some of its best football of the season. The Ravens’ defense has been solid, and the offense has shown consistency. Jackson’s leadership and playmaking ability will be essential as they attempt to break their losing streak against the Steelers and secure another crucial win in the division.
However, Jackson knows that the Steelers will be prepared, as Mike Tomlin’s team has always been a tough out. Tomlin’s coaching and the Steelers’ ability to adapt on the fly are well known throughout the league. It’s clear that Jackson and the Ravens are not taking this game lightly—they understand what’s at stake.
Will Lamar Jackson Finally Break His Steelers Curse?
As Lamar Jackson looks ahead to Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can finally overcome the Steelers’ defense and turn the tide in this rivalry. With the Ravens’ playoff hopes on the line and Jackson’s personal record against the Steelers hanging over him, this game has all the makings of a classic.
Jackson is confident that this is a different Ravens team, one that is capable of achieving their ultimate goal: to beat the Steelers. Whether they can execute on that promise will be the defining factor in what’s sure to be a thrilling Week 11 matchup.
The Ravens’ Opportunity for Redemption
As much as Lamar Jackson has struggled against Pittsburgh, he and the Ravens have a golden opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Sunday’s game could mark a new era for the Ravens, one where they can claim supremacy in their rivalry with the Steelers. Jackson has the tools, the mindset, and the determination to make it happen, but it will require a full-team effort.
The Ravens will need to play smart, mistake-free football to beat Mike Tomlin’s Steelers and prove that they are ready for the playoffs. With Jackson at the helm, Baltimore is more than capable of turning the page on this rivalry and taking the next step toward their championship aspirations.
