The Pittsburgh Steelers entered their first AFC North game of the 2024 season as underdogs. Facing the Baltimore Ravens, known for their explosive offense led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the Steelers leaned on their defensive prowess to keep the game within reach. Despite failing to score a touchdown, the Steelers pulled off a gritty 18-16 victory, showcasing the resilience and dominance of their defense in one of the most intense matchups of the season.
The key to the Steelers' success was their ability to neutralize the Ravens' star-studded offense. Jackson was kept in check through relentless pressure, while Henry found few opportunities to break through the defensive front. The secondary played a crucial role, slowing down Baltimore’s receiving corps and forcing key turnovers. This defensive masterclass not only secured the win but sent a clear message to the rest of the NFL: Pittsburgh’s defense remains one of the league’s most formidable units.
Chris Simms, analyzing the game on Pro Football Talk, admitted he was stunned by the Steelers' ability to completely disrupt what he considers the NFL’s best offense. Simms highlighted the Steelers' game plan and execution, calling their defensive performance one of the most impressive he’s seen this season.
"This is the Ravens," Simms said. "Their offense is arguably the best offense in football. We've talked about it: it's them or the Lions. And the fact that they can do that to them with the way Lamar has been playing through the first 11 weeks, that's where I'm shocked by it."
Simms fully expected Jackson and Zay Flowers to establish a stronger connection throughout the game. He also anticipated Henry would find more success on the ground and receive a heavier workload.
Simms views the Ravens and the Detroit Lions as the two most dangerous offenses in the NFL, making Pittsburgh's ability to hold Baltimore to just 16 points a statement performance. For Simms, this dominant defensive showing underscores the Steelers' status as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
"I thought we'd see a few more plays from the Ravens on that side of the ball," Simms said. "It makes me think differently about the Steelers."
As the AFC landscape takes shape, the Steelers are emerging as one of the conference's top contenders. At the start of the season, few would have predicted this rise, but an impressive 8-2 start has forced the NFL to take notice.
With Russell Wilson leading the offense, Pittsburgh has shown it can win games with firepower. But as Sunday’s gritty win over the Ravens proved, even when the offense struggles, the defense is more than capable of carrying the load against the league’s best.
Steelers Are Starting To Earn The Label Of Super Bowl Front Runners
The Steelers aren’t just poised to end their playoff drought in 2024; they have a legitimate shot at making a run for their seventh Super Bowl trophy.
While the offense will need to step up from its performance against Baltimore, the defense’s dominant showing provides plenty of reasons for optimism. With a balanced team that can win in multiple ways, Pittsburgh has established itself as a serious contender in the AFC.
Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson had a breakout performance, highlighted by one of the most jaw-dropping interceptions of the season. TJ Watt delivered his usual brilliance, Joey Porter Jr. locked down Jackson’s passing attack, and Nick Herbig continued his habit of making game-changing plays, including forcing a crucial fumble from Henry.
Patrick Queen also had a big game getting a fumble recovery against his former team. This Steelers defense is not only legit—it’s still getting better.
