The Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL, known for hard-hitting action, close games, and standout performances from players on both sides. Their matchups are always must-watch events, filled with drama and intensity that keep fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their most recent clash on January 11, 2025, during the AFC Wild Card Round, where the Ravens defeated the Steelers 28-14. We’ll also explore key performances, historical context, and what makes this rivalry so special—all in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind this epic showdown.
The Game at a Glance
The January 11, 2025, playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium was a showcase of Baltimore’s dominance, particularly in the rushing game. The Ravens racked up an impressive 464 total yards, including a franchise playoff record of 299 rushing yards, while holding the Steelers to just 280 total yards and a measly 29 rushing yards—the lowest in Pittsburgh’s playoff history. Baltimore controlled the clock with nearly 40 minutes of possession, compared to Pittsburgh’s 20:27, setting the tone for a commanding 28-14 victory. Let’s break down the key player performances that defined this game and explore how they reflect the heart of this fierce AFC North rivalry.
Key Player Stats: Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson: The Dual-Threat Maestro
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ superstar quarterback and two-time MVP candidate, was a force to be reckoned with. Despite missing his top receiver, Zay Flowers, due to a knee injury, Jackson didn’t miss a beat. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 175 yards, throwing two touchdown passes with no interceptions. His efficiency was remarkable, with a completion rate of 86.7%, showcasing his ability to read the Steelers’ defense and make precise throws under pressure.
On the ground, Jackson was equally electric, rushing 13 times for 81 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. His ability to exploit Pittsburgh’s aggressive defense with read-option plays was a game-changer. A pivotal moment came just before halftime when Jackson, under pressure, extended a play for over six seconds before finding running back Justice Hill for a 5-yard touchdown pass, giving Baltimore a 21-0 lead. This play highlighted Jackson’s poise and playmaking ability, making him a nightmare for the Steelers’ defense.
Derrick Henry: The King’s Record-Breaking Night
Running back Derrick Henry, the former Tennessee Titans star who joined Baltimore in 2024, delivered a performance for the ages. At 31 years old, Henry ran for 186 yards on 26 carries, scoring two touchdowns and averaging 7.2 yards per carry. His 44-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, where he reached a top speed of 20.6 mph, was a highlight that showcased his blend of power and speed. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Henry forced 12 missed tackles and gained 157 yards after contact, marking one of the most dominant rushing performances of the season.
Henry’s 186 yards set a Ravens playoff record and were the most ever allowed by Pittsburgh in a postseason game, surpassing the previous high of 166 yards by Curtis Martin in 1996. His performance also moved him into ninth place on the NFL’s all-time career playoff rushing list with 896 yards, passing Larry Csonka. Henry’s ability to punish the Steelers’ defense, including a stiff-arm to safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, underscored why Baltimore signed him for moments like this.
Supporting Cast: Rashod Bateman and Justice Hill
With Zay Flowers sidelined, wide receiver Rashod Bateman stepped up, catching a 15-yard touchdown pass on Baltimore’s opening 95-yard drive—the second-longest opening touchdown drive in the Super Bowl era. Bateman’s reliability was key, as the Ravens were 8-0 in the regular season when he scored. Running back Justice Hill also made an impact, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass just before halftime and contributing to Baltimore’s ground attack. The Ravens’ offense, averaging 6.4 yards per play, leaned heavily on these players to maintain balance despite the absence of their top receiver.
Defensive Standouts: Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Hamilton
Baltimore’s defense was relentless, holding Pittsburgh scoreless in the first half—the first time the Ravens achieved a postseason shutout in the first half since Super Bowl XXXV. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike was a game-wrecker, recording a crucial third-down sack on Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson to halt a potential comeback. Madubuike also batted down a pass earlier in the drive, showcasing his disruptive presence. Safety Kyle Hamilton, graded at 90.4 by Pro Football Focus (PFF), was a standout in the secondary, helping limit Pittsburgh’s passing game early. The Ravens’ defense, which allowed just 6.3 yards per attempt on throws outside the numbers, was instrumental in maintaining control.
Key Player Stats: Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson: A Tale of Two Halves
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson struggled mightily in the first half, displaying frantic footwork and failing to find rhythm against Baltimore’s stout defense. He finished the game completing 14 of 19 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, but most of his production came in the third quarter when Pittsburgh mounted a brief comeback. Wilson connected with wide receiver Van Jefferson for a 30-yard touchdown and later hit George Pickens for a 36-yard score, cutting Baltimore’s lead to 14 points.
However, Wilson’s early struggles and the Steelers’ inability to run the ball (just 29 yards total) put them in a hole too deep to climb out of. Wilson was sacked three times, with Baltimore’s Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh leading a pass rush that recorded 54 sacks in the season, second-most in the NFL. Wilson’s 7.2% throwaway rate, the highest in the league, highlighted his discomfort against Baltimore’s pressure.
George Pickens: A Mixed Bag
Wide receiver George Pickens, a focal point of Pittsburgh’s passing game, had a quiet night despite his third-quarter touchdown. Targeted six times, he managed just one catch for 36 yards, a stark contrast to his Week 16 performance against Baltimore, where he had eight catches for 89 yards on 12 targets. The Ravens’ secondary, led by Brandon Stephens and Kyle Hamilton, kept Pickens in check, limiting his impact and forcing Wilson to look elsewhere.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren: Ground Game Grounded
Pittsburgh’s rushing attack was non-existent, with running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combining for just 29 yards on 11 carries. Harris, who had 105 rushing yards in the teams’ earlier meetings, was held to a longest run of 5 yards, as was Wilson. Baltimore’s defense, which allowed the third-fewest yards per attempt in the NFL over their last seven games, suffocated Pittsburgh’s ground game, forcing them to rely heavily on Wilson’s passing in the second half.
Defensive Bright Spots: T.J. Watt and Corliss Waitman
Linebacker T.J. Watt, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, was a bright spot for Pittsburgh despite the loss. Watt, who has 8.5 career sacks against Lamar Jackson—the most by any player—continued to pressure Baltimore’s offense, though specific sack numbers from this game were not highlighted. Punter Corliss Waitman also shone, averaging 51.2 yards on five punts, all landing inside the 20-yard line, setting a Steelers playoff record for punting average in a game with at least five attempts.
Historical Context: A Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats Rivalry Defined by Grit
The Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats have met 63 times since 1996, with Pittsburgh holding a 36-27 edge, including a 3-2 record in playoff games. This rivalry, ranked as the NFL’s best by Bleacher Report in 2015, is defined by close games and physical play. The January 11, 2025, game was the fifth postseason meeting, with Pittsburgh winning three of the previous four, though Baltimore’s 28-14 victory marked a significant moment in the series.
In the 2024 regular season, the teams split their matchups. Pittsburgh won 18-16 in Week 11 at home, with kicker Chris Boswell making six field goals and the Ravens missing a crucial two-point conversion. Baltimore responded in Week 16 with a 34-17 rout at M&T Bank Stadium, where Derrick Henry ran for 162 yards, and Marlon Humphrey sealed the game with a pick-six. The playoff game mirrored the Week 16 result, with Baltimore’s rushing attack overwhelming Pittsburgh’s defense, which, despite being the NFL’s highest-paid at over $137 million, couldn’t stop Henry and Jackson.
Why This Game Matters
This game wasn’t just about stats—it was a testament to the Ravens’ ability to dominate in the trenches and exploit Pittsburgh’s weaknesses. Baltimore’s 299 rushing yards were the eighth-highest total in NFL playoff history, and their 21-point halftime lead was Pittsburgh’s second-largest playoff deficit, only behind a 25-point deficit against Cleveland in 2020. For the Steelers, the loss extended their playoff drought to eight years, tying them with the Miami Dolphins for the NFL’s longest active postseason losing streak at six games.
For Baltimore, the win was a statement. After losing to Pittsburgh in the 2014 Wild Card Round, the Ravens flipped the script, advancing to the Divisional Round for the third time in five years. The performances of Jackson and Henry underscored why Baltimore is a Super Bowl contender, while Pittsburgh faces questions about their quarterback situation, with both Wilson and Justin Fields set to be free agents.
Table: Key Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats Comparison
|
Player |
Team |
Stat Category |
Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lamar Jackson |
Ravens |
Passing |
13/15, 175 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs |
|
Lamar Jackson |
Ravens |
Rushing |
13 carries, 81 yards, 6.2 avg |
|
Derrick Henry |
Ravens |
Rushing |
26 carries, 186 yards, 2 TDs, 7.2 avg |
|
Rashod Bateman |
Ravens |
Receiving |
1 catch, 15 yards, 1 TD |
|
Justice Hill |
Ravens |
Receiving |
1 catch, 5 yards, 1 TD |
|
Nnamdi Madubuike |
Ravens |
Defense |
1 sack, 1 pass defended |
|
Kyle Hamilton |
Ravens |
Defense |
90.4 PFF grade, key coverage |
|
Russell Wilson |
Steelers |
Passing |
14/19, 207 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs |
|
George Pickens |
Steelers |
Receiving |
1 catch, 36 yards, 1 TD |
|
Van Jefferson |
Steelers |
Receiving |
1 catch, 30 yards, 1 TD |
|
Najee Harris |
Steelers |
Rushing |
5 carries, 15 yards, 3.0 avg |
|
Jaylen Warren |
Steelers |
Rushing |
4 carries, 9 yards, 2.3 avg |
|
Corliss Waitman |
Steelers |
Punting |
5 punts, 51.2 avg, all inside 20 |
What’s Next for Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats Both Teams?
For the Ravens, the win sets up a Divisional Round matchup against either the Buffalo Bills or Houston Texans, depending on the outcome of the Broncos-Bills game. A potential showdown between Jackson and Bills quarterback Josh Allen, both MVP favorites, could be a highlight of the playoffs. Baltimore’s ability to dominate on the ground while maintaining a balanced passing attack makes them a formidable opponent.
For the Steelers, the loss marks another early playoff exit, raising questions about their future. With no playoff wins since 2016, coach Mike Tomlin faces scrutiny despite his 22-17 record against Baltimore. The team’s inability to stop the run and generate offense early in games remains a glaring issue, and decisions about the quarterback position will loom large in the offseason.
Why Fans Love This Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats rivalry is more than just stats—it’s about passion, physicality, and pride. From Troy Polamalu’s interception return in the 2008 AFC Championship to Terrell Suggs’ infamous “bounty” comment about Hines Ward, this matchup is steeped in history. Fans love the intensity, the close scores (the teams have combined for 2,149 points in 63 games), and the way players like Jackson, Henry, and Watt elevate the stakes.
Final Thoughts
The January 11, 2025, Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats was a masterclass in Baltimore’s rushing prowess, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, who combined for 267 yards on the ground. Pittsburgh fought back in the second half, but their anemic rushing attack and early deficit proved too much to overcome. This game added another chapter to one of the NFL’s greatest rivalries, with stats that tell a story of dominance, resilience, and missed opportunities. Whether you’re rooting for the black and gold or the purple and black, one thing’s for sure: when these teams meet, the stats come alive, and the drama never disappoints.