Rodgers' last-minute TD lifts Steelers over Ravens in shootout; Jackson battles injuries
Aaron Rodgers' last-minute touchdown capped a 26-24 Pittsburgh win over Baltimore in a shootout; Lamar Jackson fought injuries while the Ravens' defense faltered late Sunday.
USA TODAYAaron Rodgers proves to be game-changer Steelers needed him to be
USA TODAYAaron Rodgers proves to be game-changer Steelers needed him to be
The GuardianLamar Jackson is a once in a lifetime talent. And the Ravens are still going backwards
USA TODAYBaltimore Ravens' rocky season ends in fitting fashion
Overview
Aaron Rodgers threw a decisive 26-yard touchdown to Calvin Austin in the final minute, giving Pittsburgh a 26-24 victory after Baltimore missed a late field-goal opportunity.
Lamar Jackson played through multiple injuries, finishing with 238 passing yards and three touchdowns, including two fourth-quarter scores to Zay Flowers.
Kenny Gainwell's two-yard touchdown with 3:49 remaining briefly put Pittsburgh ahead; rookie kicker Tyler Loop later missed a 44-yard field goal that could have won the game.
Baltimore's defense struggled with pass rush inconsistency, allowing Rodgers 294 yards and a decisive late drive, despite overcoming Derrick Henry's early rushing success.
Pittsburgh clinches the AFC North and will host Houston in the playoff opener, seeking its first postseason win in a decade after a dramatic division-clinching victory.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Ravens' loss as a narrative of missed opportunities and resilience. The language choices highlight the emotional impact on Lamar Jackson and the team's struggles, using terms like "stunned" and "turbulent offseason." The emphasis on Jackson's injuries and the defense's inconsistency suggests a broader narrative of overcoming adversity, yet falling short. The structural choice to focus on key moments, like the missed field goal, underscores the theme of near-success.