The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 season was a rollercoaster, ultimately hinging on Sunday night’s AFC North Division title showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. After a promising 4-1 start, the team stumbled, raising serious questions about their consistency and playoff potential.
Pittsburgh initially appeared poised to dominate the AFC North as the Ravens began the season with a disappointing 1-5 record. However, the Steelers then lost three of their next five games, followed by two more losses in the subsequent three contests. Baltimore rallied, closing the gap on Pittsburgh before a three-game winning streak briefly restored optimism, only to be shattered by a stunning upset loss to the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns’ victory cast doubt on the authenticity of the Steelers’ recent success, highlighting a season-long struggle with inconsistency. Despite impressive consecutive wins against Baltimore, Miami, and Detroit, the team’s performance remained unpredictable.
The loss in Cleveland was particularly damaging, with much of the blame falling on DK Metcalf. His suspension for punching a fan during a game in Detroit—resulting in significant financial losses and a two-game NFL suspension—proved costly. Metcalf’s absence was keenly felt in the Browns game.
Beyond Metcalf’s suspension, questions arose regarding Arthur Smith’s game plan, Mike Tomlin’s coaching decisions, and the performance of Aaron Rodgers. The puzzling lack of involvement of running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell in the passing game, coupled with Rodgers’ repeated attempts to connect with Marquez Valdes-Scantling on crucial downs, left fans bewildered.
Initially, many Steelers fans believed a division title was out of reach following the Cleveland defeat. However, sentiment shifted as the week progressed, fueled by the anticipated return of T.J. Watt. A key statistic emerged: with rookie Derrick Harmon on the field, the Steelers defense ranked first in the NFL in run stopping, compared to 26th when he was absent. Harmon is expected to play Sunday night.
The future of head coach Mike Tomlin has been a central topic of discussion. A win over Baltimore has sparked debate about whether it would secure his job, even if followed by a first-round playoff exit. A deeper playoff run, however, would undoubtedly strengthen his position. Many believe Tomlin needs to win at least one playoff game to remain with the team, potentially requiring a resignation if the Rooney family is unwilling to make a change.
Even a victory over Baltimore followed by another early playoff loss wouldn’t necessarily alter that assessment. Changes are anticipated regardless, with Teryl Austin potentially being replaced. While Arthur Smith is considered a solid coach, the team needs an offensive coordinator willing to embrace a more aggressive approach. Potential replacements for Tomlin include Jon Gruden, known for his tough demeanor, and Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy.
A sense of stagnation has settled around Tomlin’s tenure, with some fans yearning for a fresh perspective. Now, the focus shifts to on-field analysis.
When the Ravens Have the Ball
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Lamar Jackson is expected to play despite a recent back issue. Historically, Jackson has struggled against the Steelers, holding a 3-6 overall record and a 2-3 record in Pittsburgh. He sat out the Ravens’ last game against Green Bay due to his back, but claims to be healthy, though some believe he may be downplaying the severity of the injury.
Many Steelers fans have expressed a preference for Jackson to play, even with his injury concerns, rather than face backup Tyler Huntley. The Steelers defense will be heavily focused on containing Derrick Henry, who has had mixed results against them. In six games against Pittsburgh, including his time with the Tennessee Titans, Henry has rushed for 32, 75, 75, 65, 162, and 94 yards. He finished with 186 yards and two touchdowns in last year’s playoff game.
In those six regular season games, the Titans lost all three contests featuring Henry. After signing with Baltimore, Henry lost his first two games against the Steelers before the Ravens won with Henry rushing for 162 yards. He has only scored three rushing touchdowns in six regular season games against the Steelers, averaging 83.8 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry, inflated by that single 162-yard performance.
If Jackson opts to pass, the Steelers will need to closely monitor Zay Flowers, Baltimore’s leading receiver, as well as Mark Andrews, Deandre Hopkins, Isaiah Likely, and Rashod Bateman.
When the Steelers Have the Ball
The Steelers’ offense struggled mightily last week. Questions remain about why Aaron Rodgers repeatedly targeted Marquez Valdes-Scantling three times near the end of the game, failing to complete a single pass. Valdes-Scantling’s poor performance has led to calls for his release.
The sudden abandonment of throws to Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell out of the backfield was also puzzling, given their previous success. Pat Freiermuth made key catches to move the Steelers into scoring position, but was underutilized as the game clock wound down.
The game plan was flawed, and the hope is that lessons have been learned. Rodgers and the offense are expected to return to a more fundamental approach, relying on the defense to create opportunities. Facing Baltimore’s defense will be a different challenge than what they experienced against Cleveland, requiring smart play and minimizing penalties and turnovers.
Intangibles
Home-field advantage has diminished in recent years, but the energy at Acrisure Stadium could be a factor. Steelers fans are acutely aware of the stakes. Winning the turnover battle could prove crucial, as Baltimore has lost 11 of 15 games under John Harbaugh when losing that battle.
Interestingly, the Steelers are one of only four teams since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to finish a season with opponents rushing for 800 or more yards than they did. This year, the Steelers were outrushed by 903 yards, and also exceeded the 800-yard mark in 1989. The other two teams to achieve this dubious distinction are the 1983 Seattle Seahawks and the 2017 Buffalo Bills.
Historically, Mike Tomlin’s teams have responded well after poor performances, and that trend could continue here. The defense is expected to be particularly motivated, entering the game with a fierce intensity. The Steelers, coming off a humiliating loss in Cleveland, will be determined to avoid a repeat performance.
