BALTIMORE - On the opening drive for the Steelers in their 28-14 loss to the Ravens in their AFC Super Wild Card game Saturday night here at M&T Bank Stadium, the Steelers picked up a first down.
But that was it.
After six offensive plays, they were forced to punt.
And it was a good punt, as Baltimore return man Steven Sims muffed the Corliss Waitman kick and was tackled at the 5.
Usually, field position matters a great deal in Steelers-Ravens matchups.
But it wasn't a determining factor in this game. Because of a penalty, the Ravens would have to go 99 yards on their opening possession before finally scoring on a 15-yard pass from Lamar Jackson to Rashod Bateman.
Just four of those plays, however, were passes.
Nine were running plays, including five in a row by Jackson.
It wasn't something the Steelers didn't expect. They knew the Ravens had run for more than 200 yards against them when these two teams met less than a month ago here at M&T Bank Stadium, a 34-17 win by Baltimore.
But in that game, it was largely running back Derrick Henry doing the damage.
This time around, it was both Henry and Jackson gashing the Steelers.
"Yeah, most definitely," said linebacker Patrick Queen when asked if the Steelers expected Jackson to be so active in the running game. We had the game plan, we just didn't execute it. We didn't start fast. That's it."
And they paid the price.
The five consecutive runs by Jackson weren't for big yardage. They gained 22 yards.
But two converted short third downs into first downs. And it set the table for Henry.
He carried the ball on Baltimore's first play for three yards. His second run, after Jackson had effectively slowed some of the Steelers' penetration, went for 12 yards. His third run, out of a Wildcat package, was a 34-yard burst into the secondary.
By the time the first half was over, Henry had 13 carries for 100 yards, Jackson had 11 for 64, and the Steelers trailed 21-0.
"We just weren't physical enough," said Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. "We didn't work off enough blocks. We didn't make enough tackles, and you know that's what it is all about. To stop the run, you have to be physical. You have to make tackles and didn't do that enough tonight."
And that has to be the most troubling factor of this loss. By night's end, the Ravens had run for 299 yards on 50 attempts, the last of which was Jackson taking a knee to keep Baltimore from having 300 rushing yards.
Say what you want about the Steelers over the years, but getting beaten physically isn't typically something that's been the case.
In this game, it was.
"The effort was there," said defensive tackle Cam Heyward. "Execution, angles, in the playoffs you have to be on top of your execution. We weren't. It could be a pop coming from multiple guys, but we all have a hand in that whether it's using your hands, getting off blocks, we all have a hand in that. We all have to be accountable for that. We all have to own it."
In Henry, the Ravens have perhaps the game's biggest bully, arguably one of the best big backs to ever play the game. That wasn't a surprise.
Jackson, meanwhile, is a two-time NFL MVP who could win another this season after becoming the first player in NFL history to pass for more than 4,000 yards and also have at least 900 yards rushing.
But the Ravens were playing without Zay Flowers, the only receiver on the team who surpassed 1,000 yards this season.
It shouldn't have been surprising the Ravens would come out trying to establish their running game. The Steelers just didn't do anything to deter it.
"When they're being successful, whether it's (Henry) running or Lamar running, how can you stop that?" Steelers safety DeShon Elliott said. "If you try to take one of them out, the other one is going to eat.
"Having 300 yards rushing on you is worse than having 300 yards passing. There's a will. They definitely put belt to butt."
• Offensive output of any kind in the first half would have helped mitigate that rushing attack. The Steelers had a first down on their opening possession, converting their first third down.
They wouldn't convert another third down in the first half, failing on their next four attempts.
On third-and-7 on their second possession, tight end Pat Freiermuth was tackled two yards short of the sticks by safety Ar'Darius Washington and defensive lineman Travis Jones.
OK.
On the Steelers' next possession, after forcing a punt, Freiermuth was tackled on third-and-2 inches from a first down at the Pittsburgh 29 by Washington, who is listed at 5-foot-8, 180 pounds.
The Steelers picked up their second first down of the second half on their fourth possession and George Pickens hauled in what would have been a 49-yard gain to the Baltimore 7, but he was called for an offensive pass interference penalty, negating the play.
The Steelers were once again forced to punt at the two-minute warning down 14-0.
A touchdown there would have helped stem the tide. Instead, the Ravens not only got the ball back, they once again went on a lengthy drive, this time going from their own 10 to score on a 5-yard pass from Jackson to running back Justice Hill with 2 seconds remaining in the first half.
The Steelers had Jackson trapped in the pocket on the play. And with Baltimore out of timeouts, a sack or even tackling Jackson short of the end zone would have ended the half.
Instead, he escaped and made the Steelers pay – again.
The offensive and defensive inefficiencies went hand-in-hand.
"You know, not in combination with our ineffectiveness on offense," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said when asked if he was surprised by the defense's issues. "When we are on the grass like that, particularly against a group and a unit like that, with a guy like (Jackson), it could look the way it looked."
• The effective running put the Ravens in a lot of advantageous third-down situations.
But not always. In the first quarter, the Ravens converted three third downs that were less than 4 yards. But they also converted a third-and-13.
The Steelers got a stop on third-and-12 to open the second quarter, but the Ravens' next three conversions in the half came on two third-and-1s and one third-and-2.
Overall, the Ravens were 7 of 8 on third downs in the first half.
That's obviously below the line.
"That is what we pride ourselves on defense, getting off the field and getting off the field fast and we didn't do that well enough," said Highsmith.
They did a better job in the second half, but there still were some killer plays, none more so than when Highsmith recorded the Steelers' lone sack of the game in the third quarter after the offense had scored to make it a 21-7 game.
Facing second-and-21, Jackson rolled to his right and fullback Patrick Ricard sealed T.J. Watt to the inside.
Jackson connected with Tylan Wallace along the sideline about six yards short of the sticks and he picked up 21 yards, just enough to get the first down. The Ravens next got to a third down on that possession.
Henry scored on a 44-yard run two plays later, sprinting through the middle of the Steelers defense.
"I think that was really tough because we were in a good defense that we called," said Heyward. "I think we overplayed it, the zone-read look with it, you know, everything has a part. If you're out of gap or you overplay a part, it makes the defense susceptible. One thing I don't like is even if we have bad execution, we still have to get multiple hats to the ball, and we didn't do that."
That was a back-breaker, every bit as much as the touchdown at the end of the half.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense huddles during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams Sr. (57) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Special teams during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense huddles during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers assistant offensive line coach Isaac Williams during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense huddles during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
• Despite that score, which made it 28-7, the Steelers answered with Wilson throwing a 36-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens to cut the lead to 28-14.
The Ravens then surprisingly came out and had Jackson drop back to pass three-straight plays, with him scrambling for 6 yards on second and 15 after a false start.
The Steelers got the ball back with 2:27 remaining in the third quarter down two scores and with Wilson having completed passes of 25, 37, 30, 21 and 36 yards in the previous two possessions. Three of those chunk passes had converted third downs on the Steelers' opening possession of the second half.
But on third-and-8 at the Pittsburgh 44, Wilson was sacked for an 8-yard loss and the Steelers were forced to punt on the opening play of the fourth quarter.
They wouldn't get the ball back until just 8:36 remained in the game.
At that point, the attrition had started to set in on the defense, which was on the field for nearly 28 of the game's first 45 minutes.
"We were playing to win, but we weren't able to close the distance," Tomlin said. "I thought that big run by (Henry) kind of quelled some of that."
• The bottom line is that the Ravens' offensive playmakers were better than those of the Steelers.
Jackson is the most unique player in the league at quarterback.
Henry now has run for 156 or more yards in four of his past five playoff games, though this was his first postseason game with the Ravens.
They're two of the more unique players in the NFL. And kudos to the Ravens for acquiring them both and utilizing them.
That doesn't absolve the Steelers for not stopping them. They've done it before, including in an 18-16 win over the Ravens earlier this season in Pittsburgh.
But on this night, both players were in the zone. And sometimes you do have to tip your cap to the other guys.
"That play at the end of the half – that's what we call a 'trigger,'" said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. "That basically a ... You hit it, or you dirt it, or you throw it out of the back of the end zone. He runs around and finds a touchdown pass. In his head he knows what 11 seconds is. The clock was going a little faster for me in my mind.
"I'm like, 'Throw that thing away.' And he threw it, (and) it was a touchdown. It's like all you can say is 'Wow.'"
• What's troubling about the offense is that the Steelers came out throwing in the game, but they didn't attack down the field soon enough.
The 49-yard pass to Pickens that was wiped out by a pass interference penalty aside, most everything else in the first half was a checkdown or something short of the sticks and looking for someone to break a tackle to get to the next set of downs.
When Wilson attacked downfield, he had some success.
Now, the Steelers were playing without starting right guard Mason McCormick, himself subbing for injured starter James Daniels. But Spencer Anderson had started earlier in the season before giving way to McCormick.
And then left tackle Dan Moore went out in the first half with an ankle injury and did not return, putting Calvin Anderson, activated off injured reserve earlier in the day, in the game.
The Steelers had no real rushing attack. They finished with 11 carries for 29 yards, getting outrushed by 270 yards in the game.
But Wilson was 20 of 29 for 270 yards and two touchdowns. Four of his incompletions were throwaways.
The Steelers won the coin toss at the start of the game and took the ball in an effort to quiet the crowd. Nothing quiets a crowd quite like hitting a big play early. That just didn't happen.
"I thought we were super aggressive in the second half, and we had to find a way to come back and try to give us a chance," said Wilson.
Why didn't that happen earlier?
"I think the big thing is, we didn't make enough plays in the first half for whatever reason," Wilson said. Usually in Steelers-Ravens matchups, the team that wins the field position battle wins the game.
In this game, it didn't seem to matter.
• The Steelers had a 98-yard touchdown drive. Baltimore had touchdown drives on possessions that started at their 5, 15 and 10.
"They're going to make plays, but we have to make our own plays," said Heyward. "We did not do that. We didn't get off the field on third-down-and-long a couple of times that sustained drives. They waged the war in the rushing battle."
• How lopsided was the offensive output?
Consider that the Steelers had three players – Elandon Roberts, Queen and Heyward – finish with double digit tackles, led by Roberts' 14. Minkah Fitzpatrick just missed with nine tackles.
Between that foursome, they had 43 tackles including solos and assists.
The Ravens as a team finished with 42 tackles – both solos and assists.
It was all they needed considering the Steelers held the ball just 20:27.
• Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast Pittonline@iheartmedia.com
• The Ravens finished the regular season second in the NFL in penalties.
In their two wins over the Steelers, they had five total penalties. They had 12 in their loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
The Ravens had 29 holding penalties during the regular season, nearly two per game. They had none in either of the past two games against the Steelers despite running 72 plays Saturday night and 62 in the second regular season meeting.
Their two cleanest games of the season by far came in those two wins over the Steelers. Amazing.
• Playoff losses stink. There's a finality to it all that comes after months of preparation and work that go into the season.
There's a lot of raw emotion.
That's why you just never know what you're going to get in terms of answers to long-term questions or those about next season.
The moment is still too raw.
Questions about what happens next are for a couple of days from now when the smoke clears.
"Everyone is feeling it," said Queen. "The offseason, OTAs, training camp, the whole season – a lot of work goes into that type of stuff. You grow along with everybody. You get a routine of doing things, whether it be watching film together or doing workouts together, whatever it may be, guys get into the routine.
"So when the season ends, the ultimate goal that you wanted to continue to chase for in the morning, the routine that you created together, starts anew."
