The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season came to a bitter end Saturday night as they were eliminated from the playoffs in a 28-14 defeat by their AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens. The loss marked Pittsburgh’s sixth straight postseason exit without a victory and capped a five-game losing streak that erased the promise of their strong 10-3 start.
Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed disappointment with the team’s performance in the high-stakes game. “In the single-elimination tournament, I’m really just disappointed in how we performed tonight, given the opportunity we had,” Tomlin said.
Pittsburgh’s defense, a strength throughout the regular season with an NFL-leading 33 takeaways, struggled to contain Baltimore’s offense. Ravens running back Derrick Henry dominated with 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Lamar Jackson added 81 yards on the ground and threw for two scores. The Ravens amassed 299 rushing yards, leaving the Steelers with little chance to mount a comeback.
While quarterback Russell Wilson praised his team’s effort, he acknowledged the challenges of keeping pace with Baltimore’s offense. “The best part about the game is the guys didn’t give up,” Wilson said. “In the National Football League sometimes guys check out. We didn’t.”
"It's been one of the best years for me personally to be a Pittsburgh Steeler… Obviously I hope I'm here."
– Russel Wilson on if he wants to remain with the Steelers pic.twitter.com/wLE1VUUpNE
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 12, 2025
After a quick three-and-out on their first possession, Baltimore responded with a 95-yard touchdown drive led by Jackson. The Ravens then extended their lead to 21-0 before halftime, capitalizing on a Steelers timeout that allowed them to score just before the break.
Pittsburgh showed flashes of life in the second half with a touchdown pass from Wilson to Van Jefferson, but Baltimore immediately countered with a 44-yard touchdown run by Henry. Despite closing the gap to 14 points twice, the Steelers were unable to rally.
The Steelers have now been eliminated in their opening postseason game in each of their last five playoff appearances. Tomlin, who has never experienced a losing season in his 18-year tenure, remains under scrutiny for his team’s struggles in high-pressure moments. His postseason record now includes six consecutive losses, one shy of the NFL record held by Marvin Lewis.
.@JoeStarkey1 believes it's time for the #Steelers to move on from Mike Tomlin. Do you agree?
Listen: https://t.co/z2rnbIfHkC pic.twitter.com/7TuUd4NNra
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) January 13, 2025
For Wilson, who joined the Steelers this season after stints in Seattle and Denver, the season had personal significance despite the team’s struggles. “It’s been truly a blessing in my life, one of the best years for me personally, to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” he said. “I hope I’m here [next season]. I love black and gold.”
