Tomlin Quiets Critics 

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published January 5, 2025, 12:29 AM

PITTSBURGH, PA – If the Ravens make the field goal, the world of the Steelers as we know it would cease to exist. They didn’t. And Mike Tomlin summed it up afterward.

“If my aunt had a male part, she’d be my uncle.”

That line fit a night that made no sense, because nothing about Steelers–Ravens ever does.

Twenty-seven points scored between both teams in the final quarter is enough to allow you to embellish how the ending unfolded. Chris Boswell missing a extra point left the Ravens a chance for a game winning field goal.

In the confines of Acrisure Stadium, it was mentioned the luxury for Baltimore if their former kicker Justin Tucker on the roster and how it might aid in Baltimore’s chances of winning on a field goal.

Rookie, Tyler Loop replaced Tucker and failed to secure the Ravens win. His missed field goal from 44-yards out went wide right and Baltimore now inherits the media mess that Pittsburgh eluded with the missed field goal.

That kick make the up rights the entire scenario for Pittsburgh is different, however that’s not case and Pittsburgh advances to the playoffs.

This wasn’t the crowd of past frustrations.

This wasn’t about old chants or debates about Tomlin’s job. From the opening kick, it was unified, intense, and relentless noise as a weapon, belief as fuel. Every snap felt like a city leaning forward together.

Baltimore struck first, leaning immediately into Derrick Henry. After an early long run and a flag, the Ravens were stuffed at the Steelers’ own 38, only for Lamar Jackson to erase it with a backyard throw over the defense for a touchdown on a drive of eight plays, 85 yards, 4:06, capped by a score to Devontez Walker.

“Man, it’s an honor to be a part of this rivalry with that group.” And he framed the night as part of something larger than one game.

The Ravens pushed it to 10–0, forcing the Steelers offense into an uncomfortable urgency. But the crowd didn’t splinter. When Pittsburgh managed just one yard on 3rd-and-7 from its own 38, the response wasn’t resignation it was demand. Pressure, constant and coordinated.

With 8:52 left in the second quarter, the Steelers finally got on the board to make it 10–3. It was becoming obvious Lamar Jackson wasn’t healthy, while Henry had already piled up 90 rushing yards with 6:10 left in the half. A baffling holding call how is it holding when the guy takes off instantly?only added to the tension. Kenneth Gainwell began seeing more work as Pittsburgh searched for anything resembling rhythm.

And then, in the most Steelers way possible, it flipped. Ugly. Crooked. Effective. Pittsburgh took a 13–10 lead in the third quarter as the Ravens offense went completely missing. It was the first Steelers lead of the night, and somehow Baltimore’s offense hadn’t been on the field in over an hour. Nick Herbig came up big again, No. 51 delivering a critical sack when it mattered most. Winning ugly wasn’t just alive it was being powered by belief from the stands.

The fourth quarter opened with the Steelers holding the ball, a 13–10 lead, and the Ravens sitting on zero points in the frame. What followed was chaos twenty-seven total points, momentum snapping back and forth, every decision magnified. When it finally ended, Baltimore was left staring at the kick that never came, the single moment that would’ve changed everything.

Afterward, Tomlin spoke with appreciation, not relief.

“They fought and fought and fought, not only tonight, but throughout the entire journey, and so we move forward. I’m thankful for that, excited about what lies ahead.”

What lies ahead is Houston.

The Steelers will host the Texans next Monday, carrying momentum forged not just on the field, but in a stadium where a fan base once accused of being divided has moved as one.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com