Ravens vs. Steelers: Takeaways from first half as Pittsburgh holds a 17-9 lead

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Dec 8, 2025 - 01:30
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Ravens vs. Steelers: Takeaways from first half as Pittsburgh holds a 17-9 lead

It wasn't the usual AFC North blood bath, but Baltimore and Pittsburgh played an intense first half as both quarterbacks had rushing touchdowns at M&T Bank Stadium. The two teams combined for 299 total yards, but big plays in the Steelers' passing game and a Lamar Jackson interception helped put Pittsburgh in scoring position multiple times.

With the second half set to begin, we're looking at key takeaways from the first half as Pittsburgh holds a 17-9 lead over Baltimore.

Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry carried the ball four times on the Ravens' opening possession for an average of 2.8 yards. After a 7-yard run and a 6-yard run, T.J. Watt chased him down from the backside for no gain and a loss of 2, and it's been a frustrating 30 minutes as Henry has 11 carries for 34 yards (3.3 avg). Steelers running backs have combined for six carries and 23 yards.

Todd Monken's offense

The Ravens averaged 4.3 yards per play on 17 plays in the first quarter, and things really didn't improve from there. Overall, Baltimore has ten first downs, 3-7 on third downs, 129 total yards, and one turnover in the first half.

QB Comparison

Lamar Jackson throws his fourth interception in four games. He has yet to throw a touchdown in that span. Overall, it's his fourth interception in as many games, and Jackson has now gone four games without a touchdown pass. Making the interception more painful, Jackson threw it to his own cousin, Steelers cornerback James Pierre. Jackson is 7-13 passing for 64 yards (4.9 avg), one interception, and a 35.4 QB rating, far below his usual pace in a game. The 64 yards are Jackson's second-fewest passing yards in the first half this season (he had 59 yards vs. the Jets in Week 12).

Aaron Rodgers, on the other hand, is 13-20 passing, for 148 yards, two bombs to DK Metcalf, and an 87.1 rating.

DK Metcalf

Pittsburgh went eight plays, 65 yards on the first drive, including a 52-yard catch by DK Metcalf down the right sideline to put the Steelers in scoring position. Overall, Metcalf has four catches for 92 yards (23.0 avg) and nine targets.

Ravens pass catchers

Flowers had six yards in Week 13, but had 31 on the first drive. Overall, Zay Flowers has four catches for 46 yards, while Mark Andrews was held without a catch. Rashod Bateman has one catch for five yards. Isaiah Likely has two catches for 13 yards.

TJ Watt

Watt has three tackles and one tackle for loss in the first half.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Takeaways from first half as Steelers hold a 17-9 lead over Ravens

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