The Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers for moments like this—big games against fierce rivals. On Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium hosted another classic battle between the Steelers and Ravens. This rivalry dates back to the 1996 season when the Ravens emerged from the ashes of the Browns. In their first 64 matchups, over half were decided by just one score, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of these teams.
The Steelers edged out the Ravens 27-22, which was exciting because it placed them ahead in the AFC North. But it’s only early December, and a single victory doesn’t mean much yet. What was truly significant was that the Steelers needed this win after a rough patch, losing five of their last seven games. As former players like Bubby Brister would say, “Things were fixin’ to come unglued.”
The Steelers faced a Ravens team that had won five out of their last six games. They needed to stop their skid and mount an offensive strategy. The focus was on their run defense, which has been hit-or-miss this season. In previous games against the Ravens, they struggled, allowing a staggering 643 rushing yards across three encounters this year. That’s tough in any rivalry, especially when their own offense managed only four touchdowns in those games.
This time, the Steelers needed to fight back with their own offense. They aimed to secure the ball, make third-down conversions, and finish drives with touchdowns. Rodgers stepped up to the plate. After the Ravens kicked a field goal on their opening drive, he responded by leading a powerful offensive march, capped by a touchdown run. A deep connection with DK Metcalf on first down set the tone for the game.
By halftime, the Steelers were ahead 17-9, enjoying more yardage and a solid third-down conversion rate. The Ravens were put on alert; they couldn’t afford to just sit back anymore. The Steelers maintained their momentum, and the dreaded “third-quarter slump” didn’t happen this time.
When the second half kicked off, Rodgers struck with another deep pass to Metcalf, resulting in a 41-yard gain. He continued to distribute the ball effectively, connecting with Jaylen Warren for a 38-yard touchdown. His leadership was clear as he directed plays and energized the team. Rodgers felt comfortable with offensive coordinator Art Smith’s approach, focusing on aggressive play-calling. He credited Metcalf for his impactful contributions, noting how key plays helped the team build momentum.
Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized why they brought Rodgers into the fold, stating that his experience is invaluable during tense moments like these. He thrives under pressure, showing why he’s a key asset for the Steelers, particularly in December games.
However, the season is still unfolding. The Steelers can’t rest on this win. Next up is a matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who have been on a roll, averaging over 192 rushing yards per game in their last four outings. Following that, they’ll face the Lions and conclude the month in Cleveland against a tough defense. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling December, with substantial playoff implications on the line. That’s exactly why the Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers—to help them rise to the occasion and secure victories when it matters most.
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Labriola On,Non-Sponsored,Featured,Sights and Sounds,Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (2025-REG-14)
