The Ravens dropped another tough one at home, falling 27-22 to the Steelers in a game that felt like a snapshot of everything that’s gone sideways for Baltimore lately. That’s two straight AFC North home losses, and this one stung not just because of the final score, but because of how it unfolded. Let’s break down what went wrong - and what it means moving forward.
1. Defensive dominance on the ground, but torched through the air
Baltimore’s defense bottled up the Steelers’ run game, holding them to just 2.0 yards per carry. That’s usually a recipe for success.
But the Ravens gave all that back - and then some - by allowing four completions of 20+ air yards. That’s against a Pittsburgh offense that had just seven such completions all season coming into Sunday.
For the second straight week, this defense looked ordinary when facing a quarterback who can push the ball downfield. That’s a red flag heading into the stretch run.
2. A busted coverage that summed up the day
Jaylen Warren’s 38-yard touchdown on third-and-4 wasn’t just a missed assignment - it was a defensive breakdown. Warren was wide open, and if that wasn’t bad enough, Pat Freiermuth was also streaking down the seam uncovered.
This wasn’t a short week or a surprise opponent - the Ravens had extra time to prepare. And they still got caught flat-footed.
3. Lamar Jackson looked healthier - and that matters
Yes, there was an ugly interception. And yes, the red-zone struggles continued.
But Lamar Jackson looked more like the dynamic force we’re used to, especially in the second half. The movement, the confidence - it was there.
For a team that needs its MVP-caliber quarterback to carry them down the stretch, that’s a silver lining worth noting.
4. Clock management meltdown in crunch time
The final two-minute drill was a mess. After getting the ball back with a chance to win, Baltimore burned 56 seconds running just two plays - going from 1st-and-20 at their own 16 to 3rd-and-10 at the 26.
That kind of time mismanagement is inexcusable, especially in a game this tight. The drive ended with Jackson getting sacked at the Steelers’ 38 as time expired.
That sequence will haunt this team.
5. Officiating controversy rears its head again
There’s not much left to say about the officiating that hasn’t already been said, but the unnecessary roughness call on the field goal attempt stood out. It was one of three questionable calls in the game, and the NFL reportedly admitted to John Harbaugh that this one was flat-out wrong.
In a game this close, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
6. Special teams struggles at the worst time
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop had a day to forget. He missed an extra point and sent the opening kickoff of the second half out of bounds - a brutal combo that gave Pittsburgh momentum.
Loop hasn’t been tested much in high-pressure situations, but his kickoffs need to be more consistent if he’s going to stick.
7. The pass rush disappeared again
After showing signs of life in recent weeks, Baltimore’s pass rush went quiet. The most glaring example?
On the first play of the second half, Aaron Rodgers had so much time in the pocket it felt like a 7-on-7 drill. The Ravens have just one sack over the last two games - not the kind of production you want heading into December.
8. Jackson needs more help from his receivers
Zay Flowers continues to be the go-to guy, but beyond him, the receiving corps isn’t doing much to help. Case in point: Rashod Bateman’s drop on a key third-and-4 in the red zone early in the fourth quarter.
That drive stalled, and the red-zone woes continued. Jackson can’t do it all alone - and right now, he’s not getting enough support.
9. The interior offensive line is a problem
Daniel Faalele has taken his share of criticism, but Andrew Vorhees hasn’t exactly been a stabilizing force either. Faalele getting beat by a 179-pound nickel corner for a sack was a lowlight, but the bigger issue is that the guard play overall just isn’t holding up.
For a team with postseason aspirations, that’s a glaring weakness.
10. Health has been a quiet advantage - for now
While Pittsburgh lost multiple players during Sunday’s game, Baltimore has been relatively healthy, with Nnamdi Madubuike being the only major season-ending loss. That’s a big deal in December.
But it’s also worth remembering that this team started 1-3 after injuries piled up before the bye week. The margin for error remains slim.
**11. Where’s the buzz?
**
For a rivalry that once defined AFC North football, Sunday’s atmosphere was surprisingly flat.
Empty seats. Low energy.
Even with the division still within reach, the fanbase seems lukewarm right now - and that’s something the organization can’t ignore. The Ravens-Steelers rivalry used to be appointment viewing.
This one didn’t feel like it.
12. A home record to forget
With this loss, the Ravens clinched their first losing home record since 2015 - not exactly a season fans look back on fondly. To make matters worse, the effort didn’t match the occasion.
The Super Bowl XXXV team was in the building for its 25th anniversary celebration, but the current squad didn’t rise to the moment. And with playoff positioning on the line, that’s a missed opportunity.
The Ravens still have time to right the ship, but Sunday’s loss was another reminder that this team has real flaws - and not much time left to fix them.