Hey everyone,

Garrett here, and I’ve got some thoughts on that Steelers vs. Ravens game on January 12th. If you’re anything like me, you were on the edge of your seat the entire time, and my heart was definitely racing through that whole 60 minutes. So let’s dive into the highs, the lows, and everything in between!

The Good: Defensive Dominance
Let’s start with the positive — and there was plenty to love about the Steelers’ defense. Once again, TJ Watt was a force to be reckoned with. I honestly think opposing quarterbacks have nightmares about him. His pressure was relentless, and he played a huge role in disrupting the Ravens’ offense. The defense as a whole was aggressive, staying disciplined and making crucial stops when they mattered most.

I also have to give a shoutout to Minkah Fitzpatrick. The guy is everywhere on the field. His awareness and playmaking ability in key moments were a game-changer. The Steelers’ defense showed that they’re one of the toughest in the league, and they’ve earned that reputation for a reason. I mean, that interception was clutch. When they needed to make a statement, they came through.

The Bad: Offensive Struggles
Alright, here’s where things get tricky. I don’t think I’m alone when I say the offense was just… off for most of the game. Kenny Pickett had some flashes of brilliance, but consistency was a real issue. The Ravens’ defense came to play, and they weren’t letting anything easy slip by. That being said, I felt like the Steelers were just a beat behind on offense, with too many missed opportunities and stalled drives. The running game, which we’ve all been hoping would get back on track, didn’t do much to ease the pressure off Pickett either. Najee Harris did what he could, but it wasn’t enough to really control the game.

That red zone performance — or lack thereof — was frustrating. It seemed like the Steelers were inches away from making a big play, only to see it slip through their fingers. They have to be better in those critical moments, especially against a team like the Ravens. You can’t leave points on the table in a divisional matchup like that.

The Turnaround: Resilience When It Counts
Now, as frustrating as the offense was at times, I have to give credit to the Steelers for hanging in there. The game wasn’t pretty, but they fought until the very end, and that’s something we’ve come to expect from this team. There was a crucial moment in the second half when the offense finally came alive, and they put together a drive that gave us all hope. George Pickens came through with some clutch catches, and that was a nice reminder of the talent this team has in the passing game — they just need to find a way to tap into it more consistently.

The Verdict: A Win Is a Win
So, what’s the takeaway? Well, it wasn’t the cleanest win, but it was a win nonetheless. The Steelers managed to come through in a tough divisional battle, and sometimes, that’s all you need. The defense was stellar, and even though the offense left a lot to be desired, they did enough to secure the W.

I’m hoping this game is a wake-up call for the offense — we need more cohesion and fewer mistakes if this team is going to make a run in the postseason. The defense is playing at an elite level, but the offense needs to find its groove to make this team a true contender.

But for now, we’ll take the victory and move on.

Here’s to hoping for better execution next time — let’s go, Steelers!

Garrett