The Pittsburgh Steelers once again proved to be a thorn in the Baltimore Ravens side, grinding out an 18-16 victory in Week 11 of the NFL season at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh’s defense stifled Lamar Jackson and the league’s top-ranked offense, while kicker Chris Boswell carried the day with six field goals, tying a franchise record.
The win continued Pittsburgh’s dominance in the rivalry, marking their seventh victory in the last eight meetings. True to the history of this bitter AFC North matchup, this was the ninth straight contest decided by seven points or fewer.
Boswell’s unerring leg was the difference, as he drilled field goals of 32, 52, 32, 57, 27, and 50 yards. His precision capitalized on Baltimore’s miscues, including 12 penalties and three turnovers. The Steelers’ offense managed only 262 yards and failed to score a touchdown, but Boswell’s consistency ensured they made the most of their opportunities.
The Ravens (6-4) entered the game boasting the NFL’s most prolific offense, but the Steelers (7-3) held them to season lows in points (16) and total yards (329). Lamar Jackson struggled to find his rhythm, completing 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was also sacked three times and pressured consistently by Pittsburgh’s ferocious pass rush.
Baltimore’s ground game, anchored by Derrick Henry, was similarly muted. Henry, who tied a franchise record with his 15th rushing touchdown of the season, was limited to 65 yards on 19 carries. The Ravens’ inability to sustain drives proved costly, with their mistakes leading directly to Pittsburgh points.
Baltimore’s comeback hopes were alive late in the fourth quarter when Jackson connected with rookie receiver Zay Flowers on a 16-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute remaining. However, the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Ravens two points short.
Earlier in the quarter, with the Steelers nursing a 15-10 lead, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey intercepted Russell Wilson in the end zone to swing momentum. Jackson then led a promising drive but was undone by a penalty for an ineligible man downfield, negating a 15-yard completion to Henry. On the next play, Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson made a pivotal interception, setting up Boswell’s 50-yard field goal to extend the lead to 18-10.
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, controlled the trenches and neutralized Baltimore’s stars. Watt recorded 1.5 sacks, while Fitzpatrick broke up several key passes. Meanwhile, Payton Wilson’s game-changing interception underscored the Steelers’ knack for making clutch plays.
The Steelers now hold a slim lead atop the AFC North, while the Ravens are left searching for answers after another frustrating loss to their rivals. Baltimore’s struggles in high-stakes divisional games are cause for concern as the playoff race heats up.
For Pittsburgh, the formula of opportunistic defense and Boswell’s golden leg keeps them firmly in contention, even as their offense continues to search for consistency.
The rivalry lives on, as intense and unpredictable as ever, with Pittsburgh once again emerging victorious.
