The Ravens would love to start fast against the Steelers in Saturday’s game, but even if the game doesn’t begin how they would want, Jackson and the Ravens have to know they’re in for a long back-and-forth contest. They must remain patient.

“You have to try to be mistake free,” Jackson said. “The game is won with the turnover battle and keeping the ball in your control – moving the ball down the field, getting first downs, putting points on the board, obviously. That’s how you win those games.”

Jackson’s 2-4 playoff record is the only criticism Jackson’s detractors have left these days for a man that’s a top contender for a third MVP and has shattered numerous NFL records.

Jackson’s teammates know how focused Jackson has been all season. They also know how much outside scrutiny there will be of Jackson’s playoff performances, and they want to take some of the pressure off their leader.

A closer look at Jackson’s playoff stats show a quarterback that has played well. It’s going to take everybody around him playing at a high level, and that’s what Jackson has been stressing all season while raising his own standard.

“It’s our job to try to limit that, the pressure he’s feeling, the anxiety he’s feeling. When he’s at his best, he’s playing free and having fun,” center Tyler Linderbaum said. “That’s our job to try to get him in that state of mind.”