Saints Face Unexpected Setback Ahead of Monday Night Matchup

The Pittsburgh Steelers have followed a winning formula throughout the season: dominate the run game, protect the football, and force mistakes from their opponents. However, that strategy faltered on Saturday as the Steelers suffered a 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, missing a chance to secure their first AFC North title since 2020.

Instead of celebrating a division-clinching victory, Pittsburgh (10-5) now finds itself tied for first place with Baltimore, with two games remaining in the regular season.

What Went Wrong for the Steelers?

Defensive Struggles Against the Run

Pittsburgh’s defense, typically a strength, was overrun by Baltimore’s rushing attack. The Ravens racked up 220 rushing yards, with standout performances from Derrick Henry, who recorded 162 yards on the ground.

“We didn’t control the run game. We never did,” said head coach Mike Tomlin. “When you don’t, you’ve got to rely on splash plays or dominate the turnover battle, and we didn’t do either.”

Costly Turnovers by Russell Wilson

Quarterback Russell Wilson had a night to forget, committing two crucial turnovers that swung the game in Baltimore’s favor.

– Second-Quarter Fumble: Wilson’s 19-yard scramble brought Pittsburgh close to the end zone, but a hit from safety Ar’Darius Washington caused Wilson to fumble. The Ravens recovered the ball on their own 4-yard line, stopping what could have been a game-changing touchdown.

– Pick-Six by Marlon Humphrey: Early in the fourth quarter, with the Steelers trailing 24-17, Wilson threw a costly interception. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey returned it 37 yards for a touchdown, putting Baltimore firmly in control at 31-17.

Wilson acknowledged his role in the defeat, stating, “I put that game on me. Two negative plays changed everything. I can’t let that happen.”

Turning Points in the Game

– Wilson’s Fumble in the Second Quarter: With a chance to take a 14-7 lead, Wilson’s fumble not only erased a potential scoring opportunity but also shifted momentum firmly to the Ravens.

– Humphrey’s Interception Return: The pick-six by Humphrey was the final nail in the coffin, extending Baltimore’s lead to an insurmountable margin.

Despite an interception by the Steelers’ defense in the fourth quarter, the offense failed to capitalize, underscoring their inability to recover from mistakes.

Pittsburgh’s Playoff Path

Although the loss was a setback, the Steelers still have a clear path to claim the AFC North title. To clinch, they must:

– Defeat the Kansas City Chiefs at home on Christmas Day.

– Beat the Cincinnati Bengals in their season finale, also at home.

Wilson remains optimistic despite the tough loss: “We can’t focus on the next two games; we have to take it one at a time. The Christmas game in front of our fans will be special, and we need to rise to the occasion.”

Looking Ahead

For the Steelers

The team must regroup quickly, especially with the Chiefs looming. A return to their winning formula—stifling the run and protecting the ball—will be crucial. Additionally, Wilson will need to bounce back with a mistake-free performance to keep Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive.

For the Ravens

Baltimore’s victory gives them a chance to seize control of the division if they can maintain their momentum. Their rushing attack, led by Derrick Henry, continues to be a key weapon as they push for playoff success.

Final Thoughts

The Steelers’ loss to Baltimore serves as a reminder of the fine margins in NFL games. Just two critical mistakes—Wilson’s fumble and interception—turned what could have been a celebratory night into a disappointing defeat.

However, with two home games remaining, Pittsburgh’s destiny remains in its hands. The support of the Terrible Towel faithful could provide the spark the team needs to secure the division title and carry momentum into the postseason.