Tuesday, January 6
Turning it up: When it comes to the postseason, the energy definitely goes to the next level.
And no doubt, the Steelers took it to that level on Tuesday.
"It's turned up. It's turned up," said cornerback Donte Jackson. "Everybody doesn't get a chance to play in the playoffs, everybody doesn't get a chance to prolong their season week-by-week.
"So, you have to be turned up. You've got to flush everything that happened, and you got to just detail in and hone in on this. The guys don't worry about the last month. We just got to go out here and play ball.
"This is a blessing. It's a great team on the other side. I'm sure they're preaching the same thing. They're not worried about our last matchup. They are just worrying about this one right here. That's kind of been our focus. Just worry about this one and go and get this win and it's going to make everything right."
Jackson even revealed practice started in an usual manner on Tuesday, with safety Damontae Kazee getting the defensive backs and linebackers hyped up with a mosh pit of sorts on the field.
"Everybody's been having great energy since Monday," said Jackson. "We stepped back in the building on Monday and you just feel energy coming through. It's been awesome.
"We had like a mosh pit to start practice today. Just these guys getting hype. Just blessed and grateful to be here.
"It was awesome. You just got to get that energy because that's what it's going to take. We're playing against a very talented team, with talent all over the field, offense and defense. And we are a very talented team on offense and defense, so we just got to go out there and put it together.
"Let's go get this one. This one is going to change everything. You're not going to be worrying about anything that happened or anything that's coming down the road.
"Just worry about this one right here. Saturday night. Primetime. Against a division opponent.
"Man, you don't get better than that."
While Jackson knows you have to put things behind you and move forward in the postseason, he also knows the team is still focused on learning from what happened at the end of the season.
"The learning never stops," said Jackson. "The moment you stop taking lessons from wins and losses, you are losing. We can't get confused with moving on and hone in on it this week and miss the details and stuff we need to change from previous weeks.
"The learning never stops. You learn from wins; you learn from losses. But we have to put together our best game. And that's all that matters. Getting this one right here."
Jackson missed the Steelers regular season finale with a back injury, but he is hoping to be good to go on Saturday. He was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and said he is feeling better.
"It's really just nagging because I'm so twitchy. Certain moves just aggravate it a little bit," said Jackson. "Just trying to keep it comfortable and go with the plan that the training room has for me."
Knowing what's at stake: Beanie Bishop doesn't need to have any postseason experience to understand what is at stake on Saturday when the Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
The rookie nickelback knows it's plain and simple.
"We got to win," said Bishop. "I mean, you lose, you're out and go home.
"Guys that I train with, their team didn't make the playoffs. And obviously against the Ravens it means a lot. So, you win, you can continue to play, and you lose, you go home."
That harsh reality, though, has the vibe in the Steelers locker room fired up.
"The intensity kind of cranked up," said Bishop. "It's win or go home.
"We just know that we got to win the next game. If you don't win, you go home. You've got to pack your stuff, and obviously some guys won't be here next year and things like that.
"So, just being able to focus on this game and look at the things that we did well and look at the things that we didn't do well and know that they're going to try to attack us in those type of ways. So just being able to have a plan for that."
The Steelers and Ravens split the regular season series, with the defense shutting down the ground game and limiting the scoring in a Week 11 win, while Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was able to get the ball into the end zone in Week 16, a loss on the road.
Turnovers also play a key part in it, with the Steelers intercepting Jackson in both games, but coming up with two fumble recoveries in the Week 11 win.
"That was one of the big reasons why we won the first game," said Bishop. "We had three turnovers, and we ended up winning the game. Obviously, we want to score more points on offense, but we limited their opportunities to score.
"Just limiting their runs. They have a lot of firepower on offense with Lamar and Derrick Henry running the ball and just taking the ball away, being able to get to the quarterback and being more opportunistic."
The Steelers prepare for the Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens
![Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/dstveeipbnkupa82qj6c.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/bc8a6jymxrtpbzmsands.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/pruhsstishysul6ndxal.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/z9kkc1nxbanc9ojzb3iv.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/hrr3zbwzwnbfm5k0ofzq.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/xvgv0ud7jdqkdxtr6tq7.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/pvsiwcjtotlewhrqtnci.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/augsikonjhklixq0kaao.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/dtphnmfm9m6hdwwadku5.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/eua8shdbtntijpd3lvta.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/q6riuranrccupjo1d7yq.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/yw76ykyzf9c2j0treuki.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/qrhyfp47qus0c0gnnwwx.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/wm56h5vng8o3ey1jcgl0.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/hc4qqeo01ka52howc4cb.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/kmanglswmvt9mtnnneht.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/bguzvuauzuwbxpxkxp7y.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (5) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/wut9cqpmuc9gr9gkxlne.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (5) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/whtshfvhy9oz9e2wvpr8.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/zvae3ncnisiysx3hdimc.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/nrfy1khoog3zu4yk3t7k.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/mu8amikoolglzv3ei6kj.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/iiqsce6sfhw7j5gwes8h.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Harper (40) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/ogml3skihoj0loifeuf7.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Harper (40) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/nm73puxgkc2nbowdc2xt.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/rkpjbhic1nseuks1e1gb.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/bve52qcoj6a3i7d4c9rv.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/s831lbn7isly8xvb2die.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/yc9duz5yik2250a7nw6k.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/rhaupudstd2qwpucy80y.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/pmmcwjmcdtrxfr1mydmh.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/xp1devon5emxyomueitt.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/bluo6fgdfhwtyo06t7qs.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers guard Doug Nester (72) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/hnbjkggrvbiiwtlzwdod.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers guard Doug Nester (72) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jamal Agnew (17) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/wp8uvfrebkgwrnirp2sg.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jamal Agnew (17) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/ticyintgqnjon3qadpqj.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman John Leglue (68) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/irtapz28rzbwohkfyxk7.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman John Leglue (68) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
![Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/steelers/d2bd3rnwlkdlmdgxrxew.jpg)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Ready if needed: On Monday, Coach Mike Tomlin indicated that he was open to using Justin Fields in packages against the Ravens on Saturday night, as the quarterback is back from an abdominal injury.
"I'm certainly open to utilizing Justin," said Tomlin. "He has an awesome skill set. We've done some of that in the past. We've done less of it in recent weeks. He experienced an injury a couple of weeks back that slowed some of that.
"But certainly, in an effort to win this game, I am open to any combination or combinations of the division of labor in an effort to do so, and so I'm certainly open to that as we develop plans this week."
Tomlin isn't the only one open to it.
Fields also would welcome seeing playing time this week. He said he doesn't know what the plan is for this week, but he is prepared and open to whatever is asked of him.
"Of course. I always prepare the same, preparing like I'm playing," said Fields. "If my number's called, I'll be ready to go."
Fields gives the Steelers offense more options, ones that make it tougher for the Ravens to prepare for along with Russell Wilson.
"I think for me, just being able to utilize with my legs and stuff, that causes the defense to watch film on that, really just waste time on it whether we're planning on running it or not," said Fields. "So, I think it's definitely a plus for us."
Coming together: Communication.
It's something the Steelers defense has been preaching all season, especially late in the season when there were some issues.
But last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, especially as the game wore on, communication was much more on point for the defense, and it showed. The defense held the Bengals explosive offense to just one touchdown, which came in the first quarter, and held them to field goals from there.
"We were communicating at such a high level," said linebacker Payton Wilson. "It was super cool to be a part of and getting some of those things off our tape that we had.
"But, obviously there's still some things to fix and things that we can correct. A lot of it still goes to communication and guys just getting lined up right and playing fast."
Everything will have to be on point this week for the defense as they face the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is having another MVP season.
"He's the best player I've ever played against," said Wilson. "He's a great player. If you think you've got him down, you probably don't.
"We've got to get a lot of hats to the ball and understand that he might make plays sometimes, you just have to knock it off and go to the next."
This will be the third meeting this season between the Steelers and Ravens, with both teams winning at their home venue.
In Week 11, the Steelers defeated the Ravens, 18-16, with Jackson completing 16 passes for 207 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards.
In Week 16, a 34-17 Ravens win, Jackson completed 15 passes for 207 yards again, but threw for three touchdowns, while Derrick Henry rushed for 162 yards on 24 carries.
"Anything can really happen in this series," said Wilson. "Every game comes down to the last second with these guys. They have some amazing players. They can make anything happen at any time.
"We have been super locked in this week. Communication and execution have to be a big thing."
This will be Wilson's first NFL postseason game, and he is hoping it's a long postseason.
"It's super cool. Obviously my first one," said Wilson. "The intensity is high. Everybody's super focused, locked in. I'm just excited to, you know, do my part and help us get a win.
"It's a brand new season for me now. The playoffs start. We've got a whole new intent. I'm just super excited, thankful for Jesus Christ putting me in the spot and can't wait for that first game."
Wilson said the key to approaching Saturday night's game is to keep the same mindset they have had all season.
"What I've learned from these guys like T.J. (Watt), Minkah (Fitzpatrick) and Cam (Heyward), they prepare the same way every time," said Wilson. "Just the professionalism that some of these guys have in the locker room. It's super cool to be a part of and learn from these guys."
Playoff perspective: The postseason has a do-or-die caveat attached, but also with the same preparation and performance challenges the Steelers have been dealign with all along.
"I feel like it's still the same week all week," offensive tackle Broderick Jones offered. "Just coming in with a mindset, just having the energy and enthusiasm, be ready to go, because at the end of the day we're in a single-elimination tournament now.
"Everybody knows we can do it. We just have to go and do it."
The Steelers open the postseason in Baltimore on Saturday after having lost their final four games of the regular season in succession. Jones is looking forward to the former and isn't sweating the latter.
"I feel like everybody goes through that slump where everything's not perfect, that was ours," he said. "We just have to continue to just try to grind out of it. At the end of the day it's loser go home.
"I'm really not trying to go home yet. I'm gonna do everything I can to be in the same position next week."
To get there the Steelers will need to achieve more consistency on offense than they have of late. Jones is of the opinion such a level of play is attainable.
"Just all 11 being on the same page at the same time for 60 minutes," he said. "I feel like that's all it is. That's all it will ever be in the game of football so we just gotta continue to do that.
"We just gotta put it on us as players and have that chip on our shoulder to come out and just want to do it. We'll see Saturday when game time rolls around. I feel like the guys in the locker room are ready. I know the coaches are fired up. We just have to go out there and do it."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
Ready for a Wild Card Weekend: The Steelers will open the postseason on the road against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in the Wild Card Round on Saturday, January 11 at 8 p.m. on Prime Video and locally on WPXI-TV in the Pittsburgh area.
The Steelers, who are the sixth seed, and Ravens, who are the third seed, split the regular season series this year, with both teams winning at home.
The Steelers are 3-1 against the Ravens all-time in the postseason.
The Steelers are in the postseason for the 34th time in team history.
The Steelers, who own a 36-27 all-time record in the postseason, are now ranked third overall in playoff berths in NFL history, breaking a tie with the New York Giants, who have 33 playoff berths.
This is the 11th time under Coach Mike Tomlin that the Steelers have earned a playoff berth. He has led them to seven AFC North titles, three AFC Championship games and twice led them to a Super Bowl appearance, including winning Super Bowl XLIII.
Related: Steelers-Ravens Playoff History
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