Takeaways, observations from Ravens 34-17 win over the Steelers
Baltimore clinched an AFC playoff berth after a convincing 34-17 win over Pittsburgh at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens and Steelers are tied atop the division at 10-5, and Mike Tomlin’s team would win if they finished with the same record thanks to a tiebreaker featuring common opponents.
Both teams will turn around on four days of rest as the Ravens will face the Texans, while the Steelers will face the Chiefs, with both games being played on Christmas Day.
With preparation already beginning, we’re looking at takeaways and observations from the big win.
Calvin Austin
Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) catches a pass along the sideline in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
After snagging a 44-yard bomb down the sideline, Austin kept another drive alive with a 16-yard grab across the middle. Playing without George Pickens, Austin logged four catches for 65 yards.
Ravens pass catchers
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 21: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
With Nelson Agholor out and Zay Flowers heavily guarded, Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews stepped up as the primary pass catchers. Flowers had 100 yards, while Likely and Andrews combined for seven catches, 66 yards, and two scores.
Najee Harris/Jaylen Warren
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 21: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled by Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Warren had 12 carries for 48 yards, while Najee Harris had nine for 42 yards.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) intercepts a pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Fitzpatrick had six tackles; two passes defended, and an interception.
Zay Flowers
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 21: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers grabs the facemask of Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Flowers erupted for five catches, 100 yards, and a score, going over 1,000 yards.
David Ojabo
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: David Ojabo #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Ojabo was active all game and logged one tackle, one QB hit and multiple pressures.
Madubuike
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 21: Jaylen Warren #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled by Nnamdi Madubuike #92 of the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The 2023 All-Pro had seven tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and two QB hits.
