Ravens are dealing with huge pressure to beat Steelers, former QB says

The Baltimore Ravens are under enormous pressure, they go into their own AFC Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelersaccording to the former NFL quarterback Alec Smith. During ESPN’s NFL Postseason Countdown, Smith shared his thoughts on the high-stakes showdown set for Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET.

Smith praised the Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished the season 10-7 despite slumping in their final four games. The team positioned itself to win the AFC North, but narrowly missed out.

“The coaching job Mike Tomlin has done this year has been phenomenal,” Smith he said. “At the beginning of the year, if you asked all the Pittsburgh fans, listen, this team is going to have a chance to win the division in Week 18 and make the playoffs — let’s not forget, Kenny Pickett started at quarterback for them last year, right? ?”

Smith continued, highlighting Pittsburgh’s impressive turnaround. “They cleaned the house.” Bringing in two quarterbacks who were lost on one-year contracts, a new offensive coordinator — it’s been a successful year.”

Alex Smith highlights the Ravens’ push in the AFC Wild Card showdown against the Steelers

While praising the Steelers, Smith focused on Baltimore, highlighting the heightened expectations surrounding the Ravens.

“I think all the pressure is on Baltimore,” he said. “Listen, they’re leading the league in Pro-Bowlers again, they’re probably going to have an MVP again, they’re playing at home. No more excuses. I think all the pressure is on Baltimore to get this done. I think Pittsburgh is playing with house money, if you want me to be honest.

The Ravens finished the season 12-5, winning the AFC North title. The two teams split their season series, with The Steelers narrowly beat the Ravens 18-16 in Week 11 in Pittsburgh. Baltimore responded in Week 16 with a dominant 34-17 home victory. in that game Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes for 207 yardsand Derrick Henry added 162 rushing yards.

Despite their strong showing in the regular season, postseason struggles have haunted the Ravens during Lamar Jackson’s tenure. The two-time MVP quarterback led Baltimore to 2024 AFC Championship, but fell short, losing 17-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Steelers enter the playoffs with lower expectations but a record of resilience under head coach Mike Tomlin. This dynamic has created contrasting levels of pressure for the AFC North rivals ahead of their Wild Card clash.

With the stakes high in the playoffs, the Ravens aim to overcome their postseason hurdles, while the Steelers look to capitalize on their underdog status in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries.