Ravens vs. Steelers: MVP, 12 Winners and 3 Losers

The Winners and Losers from Week 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens kick the Pittsburgh Steelers out of M&T Bank Stadium with a 34-17 beatdown and have officially clinched the 2024 playoffs. Below are Saturday’s MVP, Winners and Losers.

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MVP: Lamar Jackson

For the first time in four years, Jackson played the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. It may have been the difference-maker, as Jackson sliced and diced their defense to the tune of three touchdowns. And while he wasn’t perfect — the errant third quarter interception, his performance rocked the Steelers’ injured unit.

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Winners

John Harbaugh: No mistakes. No questionable challenges and the penalties were void in this contest. Critique for discipline has been frequent when the Ravens are racking up penalties. So, notice of his coaching when they’re not around is necessary.

More importantly, Harbaugh was the superior coach in this one. Tomlin didn’t out-maneuver him. In fact, it was the opposite. Tomlin burned the Steelers’ first timeout in the second quarter. He went for a questionable 4th & 6 to start the fourth quarter. He also played scared down two scores later in the fourth quarter, not going for it on 4th & 11. Instead, punting to the Ravens.

Tylan Wallace: A heroic, diving punt coverage save from him pinned the Steelers at the 3-yard line as opposed to a 20-yard touchback. The ball was bouncing directly into the end zone. Instead, he leapt, swatted it back into play and it was downed, putting the Steelers’ offense 97 yards from a touchdown.

Isaiah Likely: For the third time in four games against the Steelers, Likely has scored a touchdown. Even better, it was the first Lamar Jackson passing touchdown in the first half against the Steelers since 2020 to Miles Boykin.

Ar’Darius Washington: Russell Wilson broke loose for 20 yards and was three from hanging a touchdown on the Ravens, only to be detonated on by Washington who knocked the ball loose and Kyle Van Noy recovered. What an answer by Washington who was partially at fault for the first-quarter touchdown reception from tight end MyCole Pruitt.

Rashod Bateman: For the seventh time this season, Bateman has scored a touchdown. In the second quarter, Bateman reeled and toe-tapped a 3rd & 8 strike from Jackson to put the Ravens up 14-7. Bateman entered the season with four total touchdowns. He has eight on the season.

Marlon Humphrey: The Ravens rumbled right into Steelers territory after a 45-yard rush from Henry, only to be given away from Jackson on his fourth interception of the season. A few plays later, Humphrey continued his All-Pro season by intercepting a poor pass from Wilson and scoring his first career pick six.

Derrick Henry: The King got loose for over 150 rush yards and hammered a highly praised Steelers run defense. Though they were down a few players, the vaunted Steelers still couldn’t keep Henry down as they did in their first matchup.

Mark Andrews: The Ravens’ franchise leader in touchdowns scored his first-ever touchdown against the Steelers. It’s been a long time coming.

Kyle Van Noy: On a night many looked to T.J. Watt to generate pressure and sacks, it was the Ravens’ pass rusher who got in on the action. And by games’ end, he surpassed his single-season career best and broke the ever-elusive double-digit mark.

Zay Flowers: His contributions all throughout the game helped the Ravens, but none were more incredible than his 49-yard reception on 3rd & 5 to get a back-breaking first down against the Steelers and put them in prime territory to go up by three scores. He has also eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his exciting, young career.

Kyle Hamilton: His deep safety play combined with his attack at the line of scrimmage was something to behold in this rivalry matchup. His pass breakup on Austin was one of the biggest turning points of the game.

Offensive Line: There were issues in and out of the game, but not enough to critique them too heavily. After all, T.J. Watt did play in this game. And yet, he was never heard from. Strikingly quiet game from him and that’s due to the blocking up front.

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Losers

Ball Security: Twice in the first six minutes the Ravens fumbled the football. They were fortunate to recover it both times. Ravens OC Todd Monken was highly critical of the wide receivers drilling ball security without taking it seriously. This proved his sentiments exactly.

Jordan Stout’s Consistency: A 14-yard punt in the second quarter to hand the Steelers momentum after a sloppy offensive drive is brutal.

Desmond King: A muffed punt and a fumbled return. This will not bode well, even in such a dominant win.