Ravens vs. Steelers: Instant analysis of Baltimore's heartbreaking loss in Week 18

4 days ago 2

NFL seasons are a marathon and not a sprint, and Baltimore's season is over after a 26-24 loss in Pittsburgh after rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired. Mike Tomlin's Steelers will now host the Houston Texans next Monday night in the Wild Card round.

For Baltimore, there will be questions about head coach John Harbaugh, quarterback Lamar Jackson, and a defense that melted down late. The Ravens appeared to have a win after Isaiah Likely went way up to make a leaping grab with 12 seconds left, putting Baltimore in field goal range with 0:14 left.

Sunday marked the first time in the storied Baltimore-Pittsburgh rivalry that the two clubs clashed for a division championship in the final week of regular-season play, and it was an instant classic that'll be discussed for years to come.

With the reaction set to go on for days, we're looking at instant analysis of the dramatic loss.

QB matchup

A matchup for the ages, Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers put on a duel that'll have fans clamoring for more. Jackson was 11-18 for 238 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a 121.5 rating. Rodgers was tough and fought through pain, finishing 31-47 passing for 294 yards, one touchdown, and a 90.2 rating.

RB matchup

Derrick Henry and Kenneth Gainwell put on their own show. Henry had 100 yards in the first half and finished with 226 yards on 20 carries. Gainwell won a Super Bowl with the Eagles last season and took that winning energy to Pittsburgh. Gainwell finished with eight catches for 64 yards, complementing the 66 yards rushing for Jaylen Warren.

Kyle Hamilton

Baltimore's All-Pro defender had nine tackles and one pass defended before exiting with a concussion in the second half. With Hamilton out, the Ravens allowed big plays in the passing game to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Zay Flowers

Flowers was unable to assist the Ravens in the playoffs last season, but showed he's a superstar, logging four catches for 138 yards (34.5 avg) and two touchdowns, including a 64-yard score.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Instant analysis of Ravens 26-24 loss ot the Steelers in Week 18

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