The Pittsburgh Steelers came into M&T Bank Stadium with every reason to feel confident. Zay Flowers, Baltimore’s electric second-year wide receiver and one of the most explosive weapons in the NFL, was sidelined with a knee injury.
His absence left the Ravens without their top deep threat, and the question loomed: could the offense maintain its firepower without him?
Baltimore didn’t just answer the question—they obliterated it.
On their first full drive of the game, the Ravens marched 95 yards down the field in 13 plays, putting the Steelers’ defense on skates. The absence of Flowers wasn’t just managed—it felt irrelevant. Lamar Jackson found Rashod Bateman for a 15-yard touchdown to cap the drive, but the real story was how seamlessly the Ravens adapted without their Pro Bowl receiver.
Baltimore’s offensive depth flexes early
This opening series wasn’t just about points; it was a statement. The Ravens showcased a diverse attack that left Pittsburgh grasping for answers.
- Rashod Bateman: Tasked with stepping into the WR1 role, Bateman wasted no time proving he could handle the load. His sharp route-running and clutch hands made him an immediate focal point, culminating in the touchdown grab.
- Derrick Henry: The Ravens leaned on their bruising back early, and he delivered. His 34-yard run to the Pittsburgh 12-yard line was vintage Henry, showcasing his combination of power and deceptive speed.
- Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews: Baltimore’s tight ends played a key role in moving the chains, with Likely ripping off a 25-yard catch-and-run that set the tone for how the Ravens plan to exploit mismatches in the middle of the field.
The absence of Flowers was supposed to simplify Pittsburgh’s defensive game plan. Instead, it forced them to deal with an offense firing from multiple angles.
If their first drive was any indication, the Ravens don’t plan to let Flowers’ injury derail their playoff aspirations. Jackson was calm, composed, and ruthless, using his legs and arm to keep Pittsburgh off balance. The offensive line held up against T.J. Watt and the Steelers' front, giving Jackson just enough time to make plays.
This kind of versatility is what makes Baltimore dangerous. Even without their best receiver, the Ravens have enough weapons and creativity to keep opposing defenses in constant recovery mode. With Derrick Henry pounding the ball and Jackson’s ability to improvise, Baltimore looks every bit as capable of making a deep postseason run.
The Ravens lead early in the second quarter 7-0.
Updated at halftime
The Ravens closed out the first half with a dazzling 90-yard, nine-play drive that took just under two minutes. Lamar Jackson was masterful, orchestrating the drive with surgical precision. He hit Nelson Agholor on a deep 25-yard strike, threaded a dart to Isaiah Likely for 19 yards, and capped it off with a quick touchdown pass to Justice Hill from five yards out.
Baltimore now leads 21-0, and Pittsburgh looks shell-shocked. The Steelers’ defense is struggling to contain Derrick Henry, who’s already hit the century mark with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jackson’s 13-for-15 passing for 144 yards and two scores has been nothing short of elite.
The Ravens’ defense has been just as dominant. Pittsburgh has managed only 63 total yards, with Russell Wilson and Najee Harris unable to find any answers against Baltimore’s suffocating unit. Roquan Smith has been all over the field, and the secondary has completely shut down the Steelers’ receiving corps.
If the first half is any indication, the Ravens look poised to make a deep postseason run, with or without Zay Flowers.