The Ravens lose another divisional match in a late game loss to the Steelers. The Ravens’ season is now on the operating table and waiting to be salvaged.

Lamar Jackson Lamar Jackson played his best game after returning from injury. He was accurate and took shots from the sideline. He continues to get healthier every week and runs the ball with a lot of determination. He also made more runs that were designed, showing his confidence in his body’s ability to recover. Although he wasn’t perfect it is encouraging to see that the Ravens franchise QB is on his way to returning to top form.

Derrick Henry While the Ravens’ listless performance in the first half was due to their poor running of the ball, they made a tremendous effort during the second half. Henry had 25 carries, for 98 yardage. That’s a modest 3.8 yards per carry. While the Ravens did not have great success, they did stick with it. Especially in the second-half, when they were down.

Zay Flowers There’s been much talk about Flowers lately, and after a slow period he had one of his better games this season. Eight catches and 124 yards was one of the best performances by any Ravens on Sunday. He began with a huge sideline catch, while on the ground. This was a great example of the type of performance that makes a top receiver.

Keaton Mitchel: Do you remember when this guy was a healthy scratch? Now he makes at least one explosive move a game, and he gets a lot more touches. Six carries, 76 yards including the 55-yarder that kicked off the Ravens second half. He injured his left knee and was unable to complete the run. The Ravens said today that Mitchell’s injury is not serious and is only day to day.

Lamar Jackson He has been playing better, and is getting healthier. But it’s still not enough. Jackson has carried the franchise for many years. Is it fair that he isn’t doing more? Unfortunately, being a franchise quarterback is not easy. If you’re a multiple-time MVP, the team will need you to be that way. Jackson’s interception was as bad as it gets if he is not playing up to his potential. If they are to make it to the playoffs, Jackson must take the next step.

Isaiah Likely First of all, I’d like to say that it should have been a touchdown. A week after Likely had fumbled away a touchdown, he was unable to hold onto the game-winning score. The NFL has been having problems with catching for years, despite the bad reversal. It’s impossible to rely on the NFL anymore. Keep the ball.

Rashod bateman: Fourth Quarter, third down in red zone, 11 point deficit. Rashod bateman, with plenty of room to run, could easily make the first down. He might even manage to make a few moves and reach the endzone. He dropped it instead. Bateman will be crucial to the Ravens’ chances of winning in the next two weeks. He is one of the Ravens’ best man-beaters and an excellent red zone target. They cannot afford to make any more mistakes.

Defense Pittsburgh’s offense was anemic when they arrived. One of the worst passing attacks downfield all year. But the Steelers came and threw it across the field. Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf had a season-high in yards. After zero passes in November, they had multiple passes exceeding 20 air yards. The Ravens were unable to pressure the entire game. The Ravens did well in stopping the run, eliminating the short pass and yards after catch but Rodgers consistently made plays and hit shots downfield. Zach Orr is not certain of his future, nor if he will be in Baltimore. I believe he is a good football player, but his last two seasons have been a burden.

Special teams: Tyler Loop’s kickoffs are a problem because of their short distances and large returns. The Ravens have had a less-than-stellar kickoff return record. They are often stopped at the 30 yard line. LaJohntay wester hasn’t had a major return in weeks. Since the Cleveland game, a unit that seemed to be improving over last year has been struggling. When you don’t get any traction on the special teams, it is a sign that your team has failed.

2-minute drill Even though Likely’s touchdown was taken away, somehow the Ravens still managed to get the ball one last time and had the chance of taking the lead and winning the game. With 1:56 remaining and a timeout available, the Ravens were on their own 26 yard line. It took less than 30 seconds for them to get past midfield. It was sloppy, and it was disappointing. Especially considering Lamar Jackson’s success at moments like this.

Referees’ performance: Abysmal and awful. Isaiah Likely’s touchdown reversal, and Aaron Rodgers’ interception which they changed into a catch made by Rodgers come to mind. We could debate all day whether or not Isaiah Likely performed the necessary actions to make the catch. If Likely did not do this and the touchdown was reverted, then I don’t know how Rodgers completed his “catch”, despite the facts that he did not survive the ground. The ball ended up in Teddye Buchanan’s hands. This discussion has been going on for decades and we’re still not sure what a “catch” in an NFL game means.

Add to that the roughing call for Travis Jones on the early field goal. The penalty was called and the Steelers were given a new set of downs at the 6-yard-line. The Steelers then score a touchdown for a four point swing. John Harbaugh said the next day that the league had told him it was a mistake and the call should not have happened. Unbelievable calls can swing a game.

The Ravens’ playoff chances: With the Steelers leading the division, the Ravens are now 6-7. The Ravens are still in control of their fate. They only have to win and they’re in. All they have to do is go on the road, beat the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. They also need to beat the New England Patriots, who are ranked number one, at home in a primetime game. The Ravens are in a tough spot, and their chances of making the playoffs look bleak.