ClutchPoints
In a season defined by razor-thin margins, the Baltimore Ravens needed a statement victory in Week 14 to stabilize their playoff trajectory. Instead, they delivered one of their most frustrating defeats of the year. Their 27-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t just cost them a chance to reclaim first place in the AFC North. It spotlighted the recurring issues that continue to undermine a talented but inconsistent Baltimore squad.
The Steelers escaped M&T Bank Stadium with a narrow win in a Week 14 clash that carried massive divisional implications. With the victory, Pittsburgh improved to 7-6 and grabbed sole possession of first place. Meanwhile, Baltimore fell to 6-7 and deeper into the AFC Wild Card scramble. Aaron Rodgers delivered his sharpest performance since joining the Steelers. He threw for 284 yards and a touchdown while adding a short-yardage rushing score. Explosive plays defined Pittsburgh’s offensive resurgence, from a 52-yard strike to DK Metcalf to Jaylen Warren’s 38-yard touchdown reception.
Baltimore’s offense, once again, was a mixture of brilliance and breakdowns. Lamar Jackson threw for 224 yards and a touchdown to Isaiah Likely. Meanwhile, Keaton Mitchell provided a jolt with a dazzling 56-yard scoring run. The Ravens clawed back late, even appearing to take the lead on a pass to Likely before the touchdown was controversially overturned. A desperate final drive ended with Jackson taking a sack with no timeouts. It sealed Baltimore’s defeat in a game where they often felt a step behind despite multiple opportunities to take control.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Baltimore Ravens most to blame for their primetime Week 14 loss to Steelers.
Jackson’s Week 14 performance encapsulated the Ravens’ identity this season. Fans saw moments of undeniable talent undercut by inconsistency and ill-timed mistakes. Jackson completed 19 of 35 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown, and one interceptio. He also added 43 rushing yards and a score on the ground. He also looked healthier and more agile, logging his best rushing output since Week 4, before his hamstring injury disrupted his midseason rhythm.
However, the highs couldn’t erase the lows. His 6.3 yards per attempt underscored the inefficiency that continues to plague Baltimore’s offense. Yes, he connected with Zay Flowers on several explosive plays. That said, Jackson also uncorked one of the worst interceptions of his season. The reversed touchdown to Likely wasn’t his fault. Still, opportunities like that are becoming too rare for a quarterback of his MVP pedigree. Jackson doesn’t deserve all the blame, of course. However, when the Ravens need their superstar to carry them, missed chances reverberate loudly.
Offensive line play has been an Achilles heel for Baltimore most of this season. Week 14 added more fuel to the fire, particularly for right guard Daniel Faalele. The veteran has had a difficult year. Fans have even called for a change since September. Sunday may have been his toughest outing yet. On a pivotal third...
