Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense Set to Challenge Lamar Jackson Once Again
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been a thorn in the side of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who holds a 1-3 record against the NFL powerhouse. It has been a perennial storyline—Jackson facing off against the Steelers’ staunch defense—ever since his lone victory against them in the 2019 season. As the two AFC North rivals prepare for yet another clash this season, all eyes are on whether Jackson can finally tip the scales in his favor.
Jackson’s encounters with the Steelers have been anything but smooth sailing. Over the course of their matchups, the quarterback has been able to notch four touchdowns but has also been intercepted seven times. That statistic speaks volumes about the Steelers’ defensive prowess, which currently ranks second in the NFL for the fewest points allowed. Their ability to stifle opposing offenses is perhaps best exemplified by their fourth-place ranking in rushing defense and red zone efficiency. Against such a formidable lineup, Jackson will have his work cut out for him.
Reflecting on previous confrontations with Pittsburgh, Jackson remarked, “I don't know what it is, man. Last year, we [were] supposed to [beat] them, but things just didn't go our way; the football gods weren't on our side. But it's a whole other year, it's a new year, [and] I'm looking forward to the game.” His sense of optimism is palpable, and he understands that every game offers a fresh opportunity for redemption.
Familiar Faces, New Teams
This year's matchup holds added spice with former Ravens players DeShon Elliott and Patrick Queen now donning the black and gold of the Steelers. Queen, reflecting on his move to Pittsburgh, candidly shared, "I didn't get the offer back, and it is definitely kind of upsetting being there for four years and the bond that you grow with your teammates and stuff. The first few months, you definitely go through those feelings. Now after playing games, you just go by and just want to win games. You want to win with your teammates, your new teammates; you want to bond with those guys." His transition from the Ravens to the Steelers adds an intriguing layer to this showdown.
In the meantime, the Ravens’ roster has been reinforced with Derrick Henry sharing the backfield with Jackson, contributing to an electrifying offense. Both Jackson and Henry pose significant threats on the ground, and the tandem is poised to challenge the Steelers' highly rated rushing defense.
Jackson in the MVP Conversation
Despite his struggles against the Steelers in the past, Jackson is enjoying a stellar season, asserting himself as one of the frontrunners for the Most Valuable Player award. His dynamic playmaking ability—whether through the air or on the ground—has made him a consistently daunting opponent for any defensive coordinator to game-plan against. Given his current form, Jackson will be looking to channel his best attributes as he seeks to reverse his fortunes against Pittsburgh.
Speaking about the upcoming game, Jackson noted, "There were different guys last year, and it's a different unit this year, but it's always the same goal; we want to win. We want to be the ones that come out victorious, and that's going to be the goal going into this game." His remarks reflect not only his own determination but also the team’s unified focus ahead of the critical encounter.
A Battle of Rival Titans
The Ravens-Steelers rivalry has consistently delivered intense, closely contested games, and the upcoming matchup promises to be no different. While Jackson will aim to improve his record against a staunch defense, Pittsburgh will be eager to maintain their defensive dominance and hinder one of the league’s most electrifying players.
As both teams gear up for this integral game, fans and analysts alike will eagerly anticipate which narrative will persist: Will the Steelers continue their defensive stranglehold over Jackson, or will the Ravens’ star quarterback finally rise to the occasion and carve out a pivotal victory?