Lamar Jackson can’t explain his struggles against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he’s very interested in solving them.
Jackson’s 1-3 career record as a starter against the Steelers has been a talking point this week heading into Sunday’s rivalry game in Pittsburgh. With 10 turnovers and 20 sacks taken in those four games against the Steelers, Jackson has found their defense to be the most puzzling in the AFC North.
However, Pittsburgh can’t rely on the past to cool off the present version of Jackson. He’s been consistently excellent for two months, with a passer rating of at least 100 in eight straight games, and he’s playing in the most balanced offense of his career.
No. 8 is a fierce competitor who doesn’t believe that any team has his number. He gives the Steelers their props, but on Sunday, he’ll be determined to help Baltimore (7-3) give Pittsburgh (7-2) a loss, with first place in the AFC North at stake.
“It’s a new year, I’m looking forward to the game,” Jackson said. “I’m just focused right now, I’m having fun.
“I hate everybody in the league – well, every team in the league – when I’m going against them. I don’t have [any] heart for a team when I’m going against them – I’m trying to win – because they don’t have a heart for me, when they’re going against me. Probably, after the game, it’s all love, but on that field, no.”
Jackson only faced the Steelers once last season, and Pittsburgh prevailed, 17-10, in a game where Baltimore was plagued by drops and didn’t score in the second half.
However, Baltimore’s offense this season is more dynamic and diverse. The Steelers have never faced Jackson playing in the same backfield with Derrick Henry, who leads the NFL in rushing. Under second-year Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens have increased their use of screen passes and quick tosses to Zay Flowers, which could leave the Steelers vulnerable if they are caught blitzing trying to increase pressure on Jackson.
Pittsburgh’s front seven is loaded with talented players including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. Watching the Steelers’ defense on tape, Jackson came away impressed, and his ability to extend plays by escaping Pittsburgh’s pass rush could be a key to the game.
“Those guys are flying around,” Jackson said. “They’re getting after it, creating turnovers and making explosive plays for the defense. Their front seven is amazing. They’re just an all-around great defense, from what I see on film.”
Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet spent two seasons in Pittsburgh (2021-22) and was privy to the defensive game plans that were used against Jackson. However, Maulet said trying to defend the Ravens, who have the NFL’s No. 1 ranked offense, is more difficult now than it was when he played in Pittsburgh.
“That’s MV3 over there,” Maulet said, looking toward Jackson in the locker room. “I can’t wait to see him go to work Sunday.
“It’s a little bit of a different offense now. Let’s see how they handle it now. He gets better every year, really every week. He has so much poise. A lot of people talk about all these other quarterbacks that’s better than him, but I just don’t see it. There’s no other quarterback better than that guy.”
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talked this week about the problems that Jackson poses when trying to defend him this year.
“He’s a challenge in all circumstances,” Tomlin said. “He’s doing a really nice job of spreading the ball around to a variety of people. Mr. Jackson has got a lot of people to throw to.”
Jackson smiled when told he was called “Mr. Jackson” by Tomlin.
“I appreciate that, coming from a coach [with] all the success he’s had. But when we’re on that field, it’s a different ballgame; that’s with any opponent, though, not just the Steelers. My mindset is totally different when I’m out there, regardless. But I appreciate it, though.”
It’s hard not to appreciate the way Jackson has played this season, but the Steelers have been his nemesis in the AFC North. With Jackson healthy and playing the best football of his career, he hopes to make the right moves against an opponent that has found ways to keep him in check.
“There were different guys last year, and it’s a different unit this year, but it’s always the same goal; we want to win,” Jackson said. “We want to be the ones that come out victorious, and that’s going to be the goal going into this game.”