The X factor: The Steelers season ended in disappointing fashion, losing to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-14, in the Wild Card Round.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is one of the frontrunners for the NFL's MVP again this season, threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 15 carries for 81 yards. Running back Derrick Henry had 26 carries for 186 yards.
"It seems like the X factor was Lamar's unique talents," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "It seemed like every time we got him behind the sticks, he made up for it or we got him in a possession down circumstance. He extended and won those circumstances, and we never really found a fluid answer all day.
"Obviously, that was highlighted by our inability to convert third downs in the first half, and they wore us down a little bit. The fatigue component of it became a factor.
"You can sum it all up to say that they were certainly the better group today."
On the offensive side, they weren't able to get things going until late in the game on two scoring drives, going just 5 for 11 on third down in the game.
"We just weren't good enough, to be quite honest with you," said Tomlin. "A drop here and there and things of that nature, when you're playing really good people, it really gets highlighted, and we just weren't good enough."
The offense did come to life in the second half, with a 98-yard scoring drive and a 70-yard scoring drive to get on the board. But the Ravens built too much of a lead early for them to mount a comeback.
"I just think sometimes when people are playing with a lead, you get those opportunities," said Tomlin. "I appreciate the efforts of the guys. Certainly, we were playing and playing to win.
"I appreciate the efforts and the intensity in which we took the field in the second half."
The loss to the Ravens had the Steelers finish the season with five straight losses, but Tomlin was just focused on the loss they had just suffered.
"I'm worried less about the regular season," said Tomlin. "We're in a single elimination tournament and I'm really just disappointed in how we performed tonight given the opportunity we had."
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who was the Steelers Digest Player of the Game, completed 20 of 29 for 270 yards and two touchdowns, most of it coming in the second half.
When asked about Wilson's overall play in the game, Tomlin said it was like the overall play of the team.
"It was like our play, it wasn't good enough," said Tomlin. "Again, I just love the spirit in which he continues to fight, the way he led the group out of the locker room after the half. But certainly, none of us were good enough tonight."
Never quitting: The Steelers went into halftime of the Ravens game down 21-0, with quarterback Russell Wilson completing just seven of nine passes for 44 yards.
While they were able to turn it around in the second half, with Wilson finishing with 20 completions for 270 yards and two touchdowns, it wasn't enough to dig out of the deficit.
"I thought we were super aggressive in the second half," said Wilson. "We had to find a way to come back and try to give us a chance. We were able to do some of that. Guys made great plays. George (Pickens) played a great game, made some huge plays. Guys kept battling.
"We didn't make enough plays in the first half, for whatever reason. We have to watch the film and see what it is.
"We weren't giving up. That is why I am proud of these guys in the locker room. How we approached it, even though we were down. We gave ourselves a chance and a little bit of hope for a while there. We battled. Guys didn't quit. They gave their all every play."
While there aren't a lot of positives to take from a playoff loss, the effort to fight back is something that Wilson was encouraged by.
"Any time you're seeking something that we're seeking, to win another Super Bowl here and everything else, there's always highs and lows," said Wilson. "I believe in the guys that we have and the mentality.
"It's been challenging. We've had a lot of ups and a good amount of downs, too. We came in this game believing that we could win it. Unfortunately, they made significantly more plays than we did, and that's the disappointing part.
"The best part about the game was guys didn't give up. In the National Football League sometimes guys check out and we didn't. We gave it our all. That's why I love the guys on this team."
Wilson, who signed a one-year contract with the team this offseason, doesn't know what the future will hold for him, but what he does know is he has loved what the 2024 season brought him.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers organization, it's been such a blessing to be here," said Wilson. "The guys that we have, the organization is truly first class, We we love this city, what it means, not just to me and Ciara and our family, but also the National Football League. It's a special place with special guys. And we have a special coach in Coach (Mike) Tomlin. We've got a special organization, special people, special players, and a special fan base.
"So, it's been truly a blessing in my life. It's been one of the best years for me personally to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. I hope I'm here and everything else. I trust God and whatever that is. I know God brought me here for a reason. He gave me so much joy being here, just being around the guys that were around.
"I love black and gold and just what it means to me."
Wishing for a better outcome: This wasn't the way defensive tackle Cameron Heyward thought it was going to end this season. He had high hopes for the team, wanting to go deep into the postseason.
But the loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round changed that.
"Extremely tough," said Heyward. "Haven't gotten it done. Opportunity was there, but our execution was not. That is all I can speak about right now."
The Ravens put up 299 rushing yards, with quarterback Lamar Jackson rushing for 81 yards and running back Derrick Henry had 26 carries for 186 yards.
"There were times we weren't in our games, there were times we didn't tackle well," said Heyward. "Props to them. Between 22 (Henry) and 8 (Jackson), they had a lot of success.
"I wish we had a better outcome. Guys fought, but you start the game 21-0, didn't really do ourselves any favors.
"It's tough in a game, but you can't whine about it. We have to make our own plays. We didn't do that."
Heyward said the effort was there from the defense, it was just a matter of executing.
"The effort was there," said Heyward. "Execution. Angles. In the playoffs, you have to be on top of your execution and we weren't. It can be popcorn 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 and we all have to own it."
Starting slow: Receiver George Pickens had five receptions for 87 yards and a 36-yard touchdown against the Ravens, but much of it came late in the game as the offense got off to a slow start.
Pickens said the slow start is not from a lack of trying.
"I'd probably say just getting the guys ready," said Pickens. "When you come out, and guys are trying, we're trying our hardest. The game of football is just going to happen.
"They've got good players too. Their players get paid too. So just trying our best to come out fast."
A tough night: Heyward wasn't the only one talking about execution.
Safety DeShon Elliott said execution had an impact in what the Ravens were able to do in the run game.
"We had a plan," said Elliott. "A plan we worked on all week, I thought it was a good plan. We just didn't execute the way we thought we would. A great offense, but we have a great defense.
"We didn't execute the way we should have, honestly."
Derrick Henry rushed for 186 yards, while Lamar Jackson rushed for 81 yards, making it a combination that was tough to attack defensively as the Ravens put up 299 total yards rushing.
"When they're being successful, whether it's 22 (Henry) running or Lamar running, how can you stop that?" said Elliott. "You try to take one of them out, one of them is going to eat. You have to be able to execute on both ends. Guys have to get off blocks, win their one-on-ones. We didn't tonight. We got a couple of stops, but not enough.
"Twenty-eight points and almost have 300 yards rushing…having 300 yards rushing on you is worse than having 300 yards passing."
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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)
