NFL MVP front-runner can’t explain struggles vs. one team
Starting last Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin referred to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson as “Mr. Jackson.” It was a sign of respect from a Super Bowl-winning coach to a two-time NFL MVP.
But Tomlin and the Steelers continued to perplex Jackson Sunday as Pittsburgh kicked six field goals and hung on late to defeat the Ravens 18-16 and create further separation atop the AFC North. Jackson is now 1-4 lifetime against the Steelers, his team’s most ardent rival.
“I can’t call it. I can’t call it,” Jackson said in response to why the Steelers have his number. “It felt like we were taking strides in the right direction, and something happens.”
Jackson completed 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception. With 1:06 remaining and a chance to tie the game on a two-point conversion, Jackson desperately flung the ball skyward as he ran out of room near the sideline and a contingent of Steelers defenders between himself and the goal line.
“They just stopped it,” Jackson said. “They did a good job.”
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Jackson has thrown eight interceptions in five career games against Pittsburgh compared to five touchdown passes.
In classic Tomlin fashion, his team won a game in which it averaged two yards less per play than the opponent (6.1 to 4.1). But a plus-three turnover margin and a time of possession advantage (36:23) negated the lack of explosivity. Russell Wilson moved to 4-0 as the Steelers’ starter and was 23-for-36 with 205 yards and an interception.
“It’s the (team) who has more possession of the ball and keeping it safe,” Jackson said of what Steelers-Ravens games come down to. “And we didn’t do a good job of that.”
Baltimore leads the league in penalties (92) and committed 12 against Pittsburgh for 80 yards.
The Steelers were flagged seven times for 45 yards.
“We can’t control when the refs make their calls – that’s their job, to make those calls – we just got do a better job at not having penalties,” Jackson said.
He added: “Being smart.”
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said it felt like his team found itself in first- or second-and-long all afternoon.
“We got to cut down on the penalties,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh noted the Ravens, who entered as the league’s top scoring offense, have kept the penalties in check during explosive performances this season.
“Today, that was a big problem,” he said.
Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made six field goals in a win for the second time this season, while future Hall of Famer Justin Tucker’s struggles persisted for Baltimore. Tucker missed two field goals in the first quarter, but made a 54-yard kick in the third.
“Tuck needs to make kicks. He knows that,” Harbaugh said. “That’s important. He makes them in practice. He made the long one later.
“He’s very capable. Just kick them straight and we’ll be good.”
