In many ways, it was a fitting end to one of the most complex and disappointing seasons in recent memory.
With a chance to redeem themselves from their dismal performances over the past month, the Pittsburgh Steelers instead fell to the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 28-14, ending their season on a five-game losing streak. This loss marked the team's sixth consecutive playoff loss and their fifth consecutive first-round exit.
In essence, the first half was disastrous for the Steelers. Despite opting to receive after winning the toss, quarterback Russell Wilson and his offense failed to score on their opening drive. For Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, however, it was a different story. Starting at their own five-yard line, the Steelers' defense had no answer for Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, who finished the first half with 100 rushing yards. Jackson eventually capped off a 13-play, 95-yard drive with a touchdown pass to receiver Rashod Bateman, giving the Ravens a 7-0 lead.
The majority of the first half saw the Ravens giving the Steelers' offense little to work with, as they failed to cross the midfield. On the other side, the Ravens' offense had their way both on the ground and in the air, with tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely making significant contributions. By the end of the first half, the Steelers' defense had given up over 300 yards of total offense and were down 21-0.
In the second half, the Steelers offense responded in a big way with two touchdowns to cut the lead to 28-14. Wilson made touchdown completions to both receiver Van Jefferson and George Pickens to ignite the offense. Unfortunately, the Steelers defense could not contain Jackson and the Ravens offense enough to close the gap. Though Wilson had an opportunity in the fourth quarter, it was derailed by a sack and an eventual turnover on downs.
Though he was not targeted much in the first half, Pickens ended up leading all pass catchers in the game with 87 yards on five receptions. Wilson finished the game with 270 passing yards on 20 completions and two passing touchdowns. On defense, rookie Payton Wilson registered six tackles, including one for a loss. Linebacker Elandon Roberts finished with 14 tackles, and Patrick Queen recorded 10 tackles, with one of them for a loss.
Considering the monumental collapse of the team, including this playoff loss, the Steelers enter the offseason with more questions than answers. The team is stuck in limbo, leading to speculation about the future of marquee players such as running back Najee Harris and wide receiver George Pickens, as well as the coaching staff. Head coach Mike Tomlin is likely to face criticism for the collapse, and there have been suggestions that the team might move on from him. What is certain is that it will be a long and difficult offseason for the Steelers.
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