Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have issues to deal with.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it a habit to arrive in Baltimore for their regular-season finale on the bubble of the playoffs.
Today’s game between the Ravens and Steelers is crucial for Pittsburgh even though it has little bearing on Baltimore’s postseason seeding. If the Steelers win and either Buffalo or Jacksonville loses, they will guarantee a spot in the postseason. There is a chance that Pittsburgh could qualify with a loss, but more than one team would need to contribute.
“We’ve been in this situation so many times, you can’t afford to look at all the, ‘We need this to happen, we need that to happen,'” T.J. Watt, a linebacker for Pittsburgh, said. “At the end of the day, if we don’t take care of our business—I know it sounds so cliche—but it really doesn’t matter.”
MVP front-runner Lamar Jackson is not participating in this game, and Baltimore (13-3) has already secured the top seed in the AFC.
When the Ravens hosted Pittsburgh to close the regular season and had the opportunity to hold out Jackson, the situation was similar in 2019. The Steelers were battling for a postseason berth, but they were defeated by Baltimore, who had quarterback Robert Griffin III, and were eliminated.
Jackson was hurt in 2021. After Jacksonville upset Indianapolis, Pittsburgh defeated the Ravens in overtime, and the Steelers advanced to the playoffs to prolong the career of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
To get to this point, Mason Rudolph has led the Steelers to victories over Seattle and Cincinnati.
LOUNGING AWAY
The Ravens have ruled out receiver Odell Beckham Jr., cornerback Marlon Humphrey, guard Kevin Zeitler, linebacker Malik Harrison, and defensive back Daryl Worley. Tyler Huntley will start in Jackson’s place for the team. Zay Flowers, the wide receiver, is doubtful, and Kyle Hamilton, the safety, is dubious due to a knee injury.
