Ravens, Steelers Look for QB Answers as Jackson and Rodgers Seek Late-Season Reset

The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers arrive at Week 14 with identical 6–6 records, a pair of teams stuck in the league’s middle ground and searching for a spark. Neither club has positioned itself as a legitimate playoff contender to this point, but both understand that a strong final month could shift the narrative. Their meeting this week provides an opportunity for one of these former MVP quarterbacks to take command of the moment.

Lamar Jackson’s recent slump has raised questions about how effectively he can lead Baltimore down the stretch. Once the catalyst for one of the league’s most explosive offenses, Jackson has struggled to find rhythm or consistency, and injuries have only complicated matters. His production has dipped noticeably compared with his 2024 form, leaving the Ravens in need of decisive improvement.

On the other side, Aaron Rodgers continues to battle through physical setbacks and familiar controversies. The veteran quarterback has publicly called for better execution from his teammates while acknowledging his own need to improve. Yet his season-long struggles — combined with declining mobility and limited surrounding talent — have hindered Pittsburgh’s ability to sustain momentum.

As both teams prepare for a pivotal division clash, the storyline is clear: whichever quarterback can elevate his game may determine not only Sunday’s outcome, but the trajectory of the final month of the season. The stakes are rising quickly, and the margin for error is shrinking.

1. Lamar Jackson Searches for Answers

Jackson remains the more likely candidate to rebound, given his age, athleticism, and proven ceiling. Despite lingering injuries, observers still see the potential for a resurgence if he recalibrates the fundamentals of his game. Former Ravens defensive back Rod Woodson believes Jackson can rediscover his form, emphasizing that cleaner technique and decision-making may unlock what’s been missing. Woodson pointed to the “little things” — footwork, progressions, and taking easy completions — as areas that could help Jackson return to his best. He noted that forcing downfield plays has contributed to recent struggles, urging the quarterback to embrace shorter, efficient opportunities that keep drives alive. In his view, Jackson can still be the player Baltimore needs, but only if he commits to rebuilding his foundation. The statistical drop-off is hard to ignore. Jackson is completing 64.8% of his passes with a 15-to-4 touchdown-to-interception mark, numbers that appear respectable but mask a decline in overall impact. His per-game averages — 205 passing yards and 1.7 touchdowns — fall well short of last year’s production. He has also failed to record a passing or rushing touchdown in three straight games, a rare drought for a player known for explosive plays. Despite these concerns, Woodson maintains that Jackson has always embraced high-pressure moments, and the Ravens will need that competitiveness now more than ever. Whether his past playoff inconsistency continues to follow him remains an open question, but Baltimore has little choice: Jackson must lead the way if the Ravens hope to revive their playoff hopes.

2. Aaron Rodgers Battles Injuries and Frustration

Rodgers’ situation differs markedly. While the Steelers’ veteran quarterback continues to show toughness by playing through injuries — including a fractured left wrist in Week 13 — his production has dropped to career-low levels. His personality remains unchanged, mixing public self-critiques with pointed comments about teammates’ mistakes, a dynamic that has long defined his leadership style. The inconsistency has contributed to Pittsburgh’s slide. After a promising 4–1 start, the Steelers have gone just 2–5, with Rodgers struggling to elevate an offense lacking playmakers and stability. His latest outing — 10-of-21 passing for 117 yards — offered little optimism that a breakthrough is coming soon. Rodgers is averaging 189.6 passing yards per game, easily the lowest mark of his career. At 42 years old, the margin for physical recovery has narrowed, and his trademark precision has not resurfaced with any regularity. Though respected for his willingness to play through pain, the results have not matched that determination. Still, this week gives Rodgers a stage to push back against doubts. A standout performance in a divisional matchup would fuel Pittsburgh’s faint postseason hopes and give the veteran another chance to silence criticism. The challenge, however, is steep — and recent evidence suggests the Steelers may not have enough around him to support the kind of resurgence he would need to engineer.

3. A Matchup Defined by Urgency

The Ravens’ path to victory hinges on Jackson rediscovering his rhythm and trusting the structure around him. Baltimore’s offense has sputtered without his trademark improvisation and confidence, and the team cannot afford continued stagnation. Jackson’s ability to execute simple plays and avoid unnecessary risks could determine whether the Ravens control the game’s tempo. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, needs stability from Rodgers — not necessarily greatness — but enough efficiency to avoid the long lulls that have plagued the offense. His experience remains an asset, but the physical limitations and lack of dynamic weapons require a streamlined approach built on quick reads and manageable throws. Defensively, both teams are equipped to make life difficult for these quarterbacks, adding pressure to perform despite recent struggles. With two inconsistent offenses preparing to clash, execution in crucial moments may be the deciding factor. Whichever quarterback better adapts to adversity could tilt a tight contest. Ultimately, both Jackson and Rodgers enter Week 14 with questions to answer and dwindling time to respond. The outcome may not determine the AFC landscape, but it will shape the outlook for two teams fighting to stay relevant in December.