The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for a pivotal AFC North clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with playoff positioning and division supremacy hanging in the balance. For the Ravens, this isn’t just about catching the Steelers in the standings—it’s about breaking a frustrating four-game losing streak to their biggest rivals.
The Ravens haven’t beaten Pittsburgh since December 2022, and the string of one-score losses has led to plenty of criticism. NFL analyst Kyle Brandt even questioned whether the matchup can still be considered a rivalry, declaring, “It’s not a rivalry. A rival is back-and-forth, you win, I win, you win, I win. Right now, it’s just the Steelers winning.”
Lamar Jackson has heard it all before. Despite a stellar season that has him back in the MVP conversation, his 1-4 record as a starter against Pittsburgh remains a blemish on his resume. This week, Jackson kept his focus simple: “Losing, in general, bothers me—not the team we play, really. Just got to find a way to get a ‘dub.’”
Lamar Jackson's cousin knows stopping him is nearly impossible
Adding a layer of intrigue to Sunday’s game is the family battle between Jackson and his cousin, Steelers cornerback James Pierre. Tasked with helping stop one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league, Pierre didn’t hold back when asked about the challenge.
“Ain’t no key,” Pierre said. “He’s crazy. That guy’s crazy.”
#Steelers CB James Pierre on what the key is to tackling his cousin, #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson.
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) December 18, 2024
“Ain’t no key. He’s crazy. That guy’s crazy.” pic.twitter.com/fOPjMnhlBg
Pierre, who grew up playing football alongside Jackson in South Florida, knows better than most just how dangerous Lamar can be. While their family connection might make for fun headlines, Pierre is well aware that defending Jackson is a near-impossible task.
Jackson’s numbers this season back that up: 3,580 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, along with 743 rushing yards and three rushing scores. Against the Giants last week, Jackson accounted for five touchdowns and had more scores than incompletions—proof that even the best-laid defensive plans can unravel in an instant against him.
This game is about much more than family bragging rights for the Ravens. A win would tie Baltimore and Pittsburgh at 10-5, keeping the Ravens’ AFC North title hopes alive. Anything less, and the Ravens will likely settle for a wildcard spot, extending their frustration against their fiercest rival.
Jackson’s cousin may respect his game, but Pierre and the Steelers won’t make it easy. For Lamar, Sunday is an opportunity to rewrite the story of this rivalry—and prove that family or not, he’s a problem no defense can solve.