The Pittsburgh Steelers’ impressive start to the 2024 season was largely attributed to quarterback Russell Wilson. However, Wilson was more than happy to accept responsibility after losing to the Baltimore Ravens on December 21 for the second straight game. He told reporters, “I put that game on me in the sense that there are two great opportunities there.” In Week 16, the Ravens defeated the Steelers 34–17. Wilson made two crucial turnovers that helped Baltimore win by the biggest margin in the AFC North rivalry in almost seven years.
During the first half, Pittsburgh’s veteran quarterback initially fumbled inside the Ravens’ 5-yard line. Wilson then threw an interception in the fourth quarter, which defensive back Marlon Humphrey ran back for a touchdown. “I just got hit when I tried to cut back.” Wilson told reporters, “The ball came out just before I hit the ground.” “Not acceptable. It is not possible.
Wilson continued, “The interception just hurt us.” Just two bad plays, really. I believed our players made some excellent plays, and I felt like I was seeing it clearly. I believed that all night long, players were making amazing catches. Just different players were making plays and catching the ball, Calvin and Pat. The run game performed admirably, in my opinion. The O-line seemed to be fighting, in my opinion. We were aware that the battle would be difficult all the way to the end.
“They made two significant plays against us. Unfortunately, I cannot let it happen.”
Russell Wilson Mistakes Costly in Loss to Ravens
Although the numbers may not reflect it, Wilson performed admirably in the Ravens loss. He demonstrated more movement than he has all season, keeping plays alive and executing passes on the run. After the Ravens scored early to take a 7-0 lead, play-action passing sparked the Steelers’ offence late in the first quarter. Wilson tied the game early in the second quarter with a touchdown pass to tight end MyCole Pruitt. Wilson led another great Steelers drive on the following possession. On second-and-6 from the Ravens’ 23-yard line, Wilson spotted a running lane in the centre of the field open for a big gain.
But Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington closed down on Wilson as he reached the 10-yard line. Instead of sliding, Wilson took Washington’s contact and coughed up the ball. “I was going for it [the touchdown],” Wilson explained to reporters. “I am not afraid to go for it.
I’ll have to watch it to verify whether I did everything correctly. I tried cutting inside.” On their next possession, Baltimore replied with a 96-yard touchdown drive to regain the lead. Wilson and the Steelers offence eventually responded by tying the game in the third quarter.
But while down 7 points again in the fourth, Wilson fired possibly his worst pass of the season on another target to Pruitt. After intercepting the ball, Humphrey scored a defensive touchdown to give the Ravens a 14-point advantage. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers failed to score. Wilson had multiple turnovers for the first time this season in Week 16 after a lost fumble and interception.
Since the Steelers’ 26-9 victory over the Ravens on October 1, 2017, neither team has won this rivalry by a margin of at least 17 points until Baltimore’s 17-point victory.
Wilson Calls on Steelers to Respond Against Chiefs
In addition to taking responsibility for his errors in Week 16, Wilson used the media to reassure his squad following the Ravens defeat: “There’s still football to be played. Listen, I think the reality is that we really have to respond in the right way after this one,” Wilson said.
I don’t think there’s enough time to sulk; we play on Wednesday. The Steelers will not only return to the field in four days after what may have been the most violent game of the season, but they will also visit the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs. Because of the December 21 loss, the Steelers must win their last two games to guarantee a home playoff game.
The Steelers’ response on December 25 remains to be seen. But Wilson was correct in one respect: there is no time to mope around.