The three-versus-six Wild Card would be a classic AFC North rivalry: the Baltimore Ravens versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Could the Steelers’ defense contain quarterback Lamar Jackson, or would the MVP candidate prove too formidable?

Wild Card First Quarter

The Steelers won the toss and elected to receive, but they still went three and out on the opening drive. The Ravens’ offense took advantage. The O-line opened holes for running back Derrick Henry, leading to a passing TD to Rashod Bateman. The first quarter ended 7-0 Baltimore.

Wild Card Second Quarter

The Steelers’ defense forced a punt early in the second, but couldn’t answer with points. Henry continued to chew up the Steelers. If not Henry, quarterback Lamar Jackson was taking off for Baltimore, calling 13 consecutive runs on the same drive, capped off with Henry’s second TD. Pittsburgh’s performance on both sides of the ball was embarrassing in the first half. The Ravens tacked on another TD with 0:02 left in the half, 21-0 Ravens at half-time.

Wild Card Third Quarter

Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson started to show up in the third quarter, including numerous long throws, capped with a passing TD to wide receiver Mike Williams, 21-7 Ravens with 8:05 left in the third. Only 2:12 later, Henry scores for the Ravens again, putting them back up 21. Wilson kept the offensive momentum with a short drive, finishing with a TD in the hands of wide receiver George Pickens, 28-14 Ravens.

Wild Card Fourth Quarter

Both defenses held strong to the end of the game, 28-14 Ravens final. Pittsburgh struggled to shut down the run game while having no offense to answer back with.

Mike Tomlin In The Post-Wild Card Press Conference

End Of My AFC Wild Card Rant

Jackson and Henry did what they have all season, dominate. The Steelers will need to address at least their wide receiver situation, but the quarterback room is also a concern.

Howe Fresh

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