Lamar Jackson had a standout 2024 NFL season, and now, his sights are set on translating that success into playoff triumphs, aiming for his first appearance in the Super Bowl. The road to achieving this goal kicks off on Saturday as the Baltimore Ravens face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the Steelers entering the postseason with a four-game losing streak, they have historically posed a challenge for Jackson. His encounters with Pittsburgh have often seen him struggle to find his rhythm, with the Steelers effectively containing his rushing abilities and pressuring him into turnovers as a passer.
Jackson’s statistics against the Steelers paint a challenging picture. He has thrown nine interceptions against Pittsburgh, the highest number against any team, and holds a passer rating of just 73.1 versus the Steelers, his lowest against any opponent. In eight games, including six starts, Jackson has never managed to rush for a touchdown against the Steelers. His completion rate of 57.98% against Pittsburgh, along with other key stats, further highlight the obstacles he faces when going up against this formidable division rival.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Ravens fans. Jackson did lead his team to a convincing 34-17 victory over the Steelers in their most recent encounter. In that game, he showcased his skills by completing 15-of-23 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, snapping Baltimore’s four-game losing streak against Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, challenges persist, as evidenced by his performance earlier in the season where he struggled, managing just 16-of-33 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown, and an interception against the Steelers.
In his six career starts against the Steelers, Jackson holds a 2-4 record. His victories over Pittsburgh came in his initial start against them in the 2019 season and in Week 16 of the 2024 season. Injuries and other circumstances caused him to miss six games against the Steelers, contributing to the Ravens’ combined 5-9 record against Pittsburgh since Jackson joined the team in 2018.
Turning to his playoff record, Jackson mirrors his performance against the Steelers, standing at 2-4. His playoff journey began with a victory in 2021 and included his most significant win of a 24-point margin against the Houston Texans last season. Despite these successes, Jackson has yet to secure two playoff wins in a single postseason, a feat he aims to achieve this year, starting with the wild-card round clash against the Steelers.
The upcoming showdown between the Ravens and the Steelers holds significant implications for Jackson and his team. As they navigate through past struggles and recent victories, all eyes are on Jackson to lead the Ravens to further success and potentially make a deep postseason run. With the weight of history against the Steelers and the hopes of Ravens fans riding on his shoulders, Jackson’s performance in this critical matchup will be closely watched and eagerly anticipated.
