Story by
DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Captain Cam, Aaron Rodgers Show They’ve Still Got It
- Story by
- DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Captain Cam, Aaron Rodgers Show They’ve Still Got It
Steelers
Even in a year where both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have felt lethargic through stretches, this AFC North rivalry delivered an instant classic under the lights. With multiple fourth-quarter lead changes, heroic moments from each Hall of Fame quarterback, and some special teams gaffes for good measure, this game had a little bit of everything. But it was Mike Tomlin's club who came away with a 26-24 victory in the end and, as a result, took home the division title.
The Steelers will host the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in the Wild Card round as they look to end an eight-year winless postseason drought. Before we look ahead to another heavyweight bout, let's talk through some winners and losers from an all-time rollercoaster of a game. Here we go.
Pittsburgh Steelers DT Cam Heyward in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 5, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dude: DT Cam Heyward
Heyward's list of accomplishments over the course of his illustrious 15-year career may very well be enough to land him in Canton one day. The lone missing component to his resume was that signature game in a high-stakes matchup, like so many of the Steelers greats before him. Tonight was that moment for Heyward, as he seemed determined to will Pittsburgh to the playoffs. He was an impenetrable force versus the run, leading the team with five stops, and his tipped pass turned interception helped set the offense up in scoring position. All-Pro honors are in order as he continues to somehow defy Father Time.
Advertisement
Duds: Safeties Jalen Ramsey & Kyle Dugger
Baltimore only managed a 34% offensive success rate on the night but was still able to have success because there were stretches, particularly late, where they were generating explosive plays at will. Dugger was involved in the miscommunication that led to Zay Flowers running free to the end zone and lost containment on a scrape exchange earlier. Ramsey got beat in the first quarter on a deep crossing route for a touchdown and wasn't able to break up the pass to Isaiah Likely that set up the final field goal attempt. The good news is that despite all this, the defense survived. However, Ramsey's lack of playmaking at safety figures to be a talking point this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers run a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 5, 2026,. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dude: QB Aaron Rodgers
The wily vet got off to a slowish start in this one by missing a couple open targets down the field and relying on underneath checkdowns for modest gains. With that being said, the four-time league MVP was absolute nails in the fourth quarter, going 11 of 14 for 133 yards and the go-ahead touchdown score with under a minute to go. When things got tight, we saw glimpses of vintage Rodgers in the clutch as he continued to look at his most comfortable in those no-huddle situations. It's not always been pretty, but this experiment has gone about as well as the organization could have possibly hoped for, all things considered. Now, we wait to see if he's got a little more magic left in that right arm.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III catches a game-winning touchdown pass against the Baltimore Raves on Jan. 5, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dude: Calvin Austin III
It's been a strange season for the Memphis product, and for one reason or another, the connection between him and Rodgers just hasn't been strong. That may even be an understatement, knowing that he finished the season dead last in cumulative receiving EPA. But the signal between the duo was crucial on the final drive of the game. Austin caught a slant versus single-high to move the chains into Ravens territory. On the most important play of the season, Rodgers trusted him to win on a stop-and-go, and boy, did he ever. Without DK Metcalf in the lineup, the Steelers needed a receiver to step up tonight. Austin was that guy, and he helped extend their season.
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell after missing an extra point in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dud: K Chris Boswell
The 34-year-old deserves kudos for banging home a 57-yarder to get the Steelers on the board in the second quarter. But once he missed the extra point in the final minute, it felt like the start of a nightmare for the home team. Luckily for him, the rookie kicker on the opposite sideline wasn't able to connect on the game-winner that would have ended Pittsburgh's season. Boswell has been a bit shaky lately, even if it hasn't cost them in the end. Given his lengthy track record of excellence, it's too soon to be overly concerned about his performance. It is, however, worth noting that when a kicker's confidence/play begins to fade, it's extremely difficult to come back from.
Advertisement
Dude: HC Mike Tomlin
If a head coach wins the division, no matter the fashion, it feels appropriate that they land on the right side of this list. Even at a disadvantage in the quarterback department, Tomlin has had John Harbaugh's number recently for the most part. Most will chalk it up to luck, but it cannot be ignored that the Ravens always seem to play tight when things get dicey like tonight. The Steelers don't seem to have that same problem, which is a reflection of their head coach. He was even the more aggressive decision maker in this one! Ultimately, he will be fairly judged by his success in the postseason, but in order to get there, they needed to be the better team tonight. The scoreboard says they were.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : DB's Steelers Dudes & Duds: Captain Cam, Aaron Rodgers Show They've Still Got It
Related Headlines
Advertisement
