Ravens superstar dumbfounded over utter lack of success against Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are two bitter rivals in the NFL, but lately, it hasn't been much of a rivalry. Since 2020, the Steelers are 7-1 against their AFC North rival.

Baltimore's only win during this stretch was a two-point victory in 2022 when Mitch Trubisky was the starting quarterback of the Steelers. Still, it required a three-interception game from the backup quarterback for the Ravens to pull off the 16-14 win -- their only victory against the Steelers since 2019.

Lamar Jackson can't seem to make sense of it.

The two-time MVP quarterback is well aware of his team's struggles when facing Pittsburgh, but he can't put his finger on the issue. Recently, Jackson spoke to the media to voice his frustration with how things have gone against the Steelers.

"I don't know what it is, man," Jackson said. "Last year, we [were] supposed to [beat] them, but things just didn't go our way; the football gods weren't on our side. But it's a whole other year, it's a new year, [and] I'm looking forward to the game."

Jackson is having the best statistical season of his career. Entering Week 11, the star quarterback leads the NFL with 24 touchdown passes and a 123.2 passer rating while throwing just two interceptions. All the while, the Ravens' offense is averaging a league-high 31.8 points per game and Jackson is the frontrunner candidate to win the 2024 Most Valuable Player award.

Steelers must prepare for a different Ravens team in Week 11

As much as the Steelers have been the kryptonite to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens over the years, Mike Tomlin and his team can't underestimate Baltimore in Week 11. Instead, they must prepare to face the toughest Ravens offense they've ever played against.

The Ravens are no stranger to having a great rushing attack. Back when Jackson was paired with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, this team broke rushing records on the ground. However, it's the new and improved passing offense that should have Pittsburgh worried.

This isn't yesterday's Ravens offense that relies solely on the rushing attack for its success. John Harbaugh's team is third in the NFL in passing yards per game and first in passing touchdowns. Even if Pittsburgh finds a way to neutralize running back Derrick Henry, they are subject to being exploited through the air.

The good news is that Pittsburgh is catching their opponent when Baltimore's defense is at an all-time low. The Ravens are allowing 367.9 yards per game (27th in the NFL) while surrendering 25.3 points per game (25th).

The Steelers may not be able to hold Lamar Jackson and company to under 20 points on Sunday, but there's an avenue to win a shootout in this contest. Jackson would love for this rivalry to be more competitive, but Pittsburgh will do their best to make this the eighth win of their last nine contests against Baltimore.