The team is gearing up for a critical matchup against their fiercest rivals, hoping to break the recent cycle of losses that has plagued them over the past few seasons. With a current record of 9-5, they trail the Steelers by just one game in the AFC North standings. Securing a win this Saturday would be a significant step toward claiming back-to-back division titles for the first time since 2019. However, their fate is not entirely in their own hands. Even with a victory, they’ll need either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Cincinnati Bengals to defeat Pittsburgh in the final two weeks to clinch the division crown.
This weekend’s challenge will be anything but easy. Historically, the Steelers have dominated the rivalry, winning eight of the last nine encounters. The Ravens’ sole victory during that stretch came in 2022. The Steelers have also swept the last four meetings, although it’s worth noting that Baltimore rested many of their starters during the season finale last year. Their earlier matchup this season was marred by self-inflicted errors, including costly turnovers and a couple of rare missed field goals by Justin Tucker.
Despite these challenges, the Ravens appear to be finding their rhythm as the season progresses. They are coming off a commanding win over the New York Giants, showcasing strong performances on both offense and defense. Additionally, the team is in its best physical condition of the season, with only wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (hamstring) missing Tuesday’s walkthrough practice. The players are acutely aware of the stakes for Saturday’s game and are determined to capitalize on this critical opportunity.
Players Share Their Thoughts Ahead of the Game
As the team prepares for the pivotal matchup, several key players shared their insights on the team’s mindset and strategy. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and defensive back Marlon Humphrey spoke candidly about the challenges ahead and the adjustments needed to secure a win.
Lamar Jackson on the Recent Rivalry Struggles
For Jackson, the pain of losing is not specific to any one opponent but stems from the competitive drive to win. “Losing, in general, bothers me – not the team [we play], really,” he said. “We’ve just got to find a way to get a ‘dub.’ It’s a home game, so we’ve got to execute and find a way to win – that’s all.”
When reflecting on the issues that plagued the team in their first matchup with the Steelers, Jackson acknowledged that self-inflicted mistakes were a major factor. “You pretty much just called it all out – penalties, turnovers, and trying to get back on track after first-and-long, second-and-long, or third-and-long,” he explained. “With stuff like that, we’re killing drives before they even get started. I’ve watched the film, and last week we did a better job avoiding those situations. Staying on schedule will be critical for us against these guys.”
Marlon Humphrey on the Defense’s Recent Improvements
The Ravens’ defense has also been a key factor in their resurgence, particularly the pass defense, which has shown notable improvement in recent weeks. Marlon Humphrey attributed this progress to better cohesion among the players and the impact of safety Kyle Hamilton. “The biggest thing that’s clicked for us is playing more together,” Humphrey said. “Honestly, if I had to pinpoint one thing, I’d say it’s putting Kyle back there at safety. That guy is just different.”
Humphrey praised Hamilton for his versatility, intelligence, and leadership on the field. “You see his playmaking ability, but what’s just as important is his communication. There are plays where I’ll get the call and ask Kyle, ‘What do I do in this call?’ He’s giving directions to multiple players, keeping everyone calm and aligned. He’s a piece you can put anywhere, but having him at safety has stabilized the entire unit, from the corners to the linebackers.”
Keys to the Game
To emerge victorious on Saturday, the Ravens will need to address several critical areas. First and foremost, avoiding turnovers and penalties will be essential. As Jackson noted, these self-inflicted errors have been a recurring issue that has disrupted their offensive rhythm and squandered scoring opportunities. By staying disciplined and maintaining manageable down-and-distance situations, the Ravens can keep drives alive and apply pressure on the Steelers’ defense.
Another key factor will be the continued strong performance of the defense. With Kyle Hamilton anchoring the secondary, the Ravens have shown they can limit big plays and force opponents into difficult situations. The ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and create turnovers will be vital in slowing down the Steelers’ offense and giving the Ravens’ offense favorable field position.
Finally, special teams could play a pivotal role in a game that is likely to be closely contested. While Justin Tucker’s missed kicks in the earlier matchup were uncharacteristic, his track record as one of the league’s most reliable kickers suggests he’ll be a difference-maker when it counts. Ensuring solid execution in all phases of special teams—punting, kick coverage, and field goal attempts—will be crucial.
A Chance to Reclaim Momentum
For the Ravens, this game represents more than just a chance to close the gap in the division standings. It’s an opportunity to make a statement against a long-time rival and regain the momentum that has eluded them in recent matchups. The players are fully aware of the magnitude of the moment and are embracing the challenge with determination and focus.
As Jackson put it, “We’ve got to find a way to win at home. That’s all there is to it.” With the playoffs on the horizon and the division title still within reach, the Ravens have everything to play for this weekend. A victory would not only keep their postseason hopes alive but also serve as a reminder that this team has the talent and resilience to compete with the best in the league.
The road to the AFC North title may require some outside help, but the Ravens know that the first step starts with taking care of business on Saturday. If they can execute their game plan and avoid the mistakes that have plagued them in the past, they’ll be well-positioned to turn the tide in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries.
