In a dazzling display of dominance, the Baltimore Ravens raced past the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14, amassing a franchise record of 299 rushing yards and leaving their rivals wondering if they should’ve brought a running game.

The Ravens not only secured their spot in the playoffs but also served the Steelers a lesson in ground control, outpacing them to the tune of 299 rushing yards—nearly ten times what Pittsburgh managed in the same category. With Lamar Jackson’s dazzling performance and an offensive line that could probably out-run a traffic jam, the Ravens are now poised for further playoff glory, while the Steelers might need a crash course in basic football strategy.

Derrick Henry, known for his bulldozing style, contributed significantly to the Ravens' ground game, rushing for 186 yards on 26 carries and scoring two touchdowns. That's roughly equivalent to the distance some folks walk to avoid talking to their neighbors during an awkward encounter. Head coach John Harbaugh praised Henry's efforts, noting that his physicality made a noticeable impact. It's safe to say that the only thing bigger than Henry's rushing stats might be the collective groan from Steelers fans.

The first half was a disaster for Pittsburgh as the Ravens bolted to a 21-0 lead, suggesting that perhaps their flight was delayed. Lamar Jackson proved to be a conductor for this running symphony, completing 16 of 21 passes for 175 yards and tossing two touchdown passes. His precision led to chants of 'M-V-P!' echoing through the stands, a fitting title as he continues to orchestrate these impressive performances with finesse.

The Ravens’ offensive drives were nothing short of spectacular, with touchdown marches that covered 95, 85, and 90 yards, attaining more yards than some other teams can claim in an entire game. For the Steelers, the offense must have felt like it was on a tricycle—slow and prone to crashing. Russell Wilson, the Steelers' quarterback, managed to complete 20 of 29 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns, but his efforts were somewhat overshadowed by his team’s utter inability to establish a run game, finishing with a paltry 29 rushing yards.

In contrast, the Ravens' offense boasted 29 first downs compared to the Steelers' unimpressive 11. That’s a statistic that might make even the most optimistic Steelers fan question their team’s game plans. The Ravens’ defense played hardball, sacking Wilson four times, which may have led some viewers to ponder if the Ravens had installed a revolving door at quarterback.

To add to the bizarre nature of the game, Jackson couldn’t help but draw comparisons between Henry’s running style and Lightning McQueen from the animated film 'Cars.' Considering Jackson's own remarkable agility and speed, it seems the Ravens' offense was operating on a different level altogether, akin to Formula One racing while the Steelers were still figuring out how to put gas in the tank.

Even with the absence of key wide receiver Zay Flowers due to injury, the Ravens defied the odds and continued their winning streak to five games. Their resilient gameplay shows just how impressive their next moves can be, leaving fans speculating just how far they can go in the playoffs. At this rate, the Ravens are not just aiming for the end zone but might just drive all the way to the Super Bowl.

The day has certainly drawn a line in the sand for both teams. The Ravens now march forward with a game plan that not only emphasized physicality but also a newfound appreciation for speed and strategic depth. The Steelers, meanwhile, might want to invest in some running classes soon—unless, of course, they’re still planning on crouching behind the line and hoping for a sudden strike from the heavens. This wild-card game was a vivid reminder that sometimes, it really is about how you run.