The Ravens are the best running the ball

In the rain, without two starting offensive linemen and starting quarterback Lamar Jackson; everyone pretty much knew what the Ravens’ gameplan was going to be. Yet, Baltimore absolutely bludgeoned the Steelers on the ground all game long. In the end, the Ravens finished with 223 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on 44 carries — good enough for a 5.1 yard-per-carry average.

Keep in mind that Pittsburgh entered this game as the fourth-best defense and 10th best against the run . . . That’s how good Baltimore has been running the ball this season. With everything going against them and their opponent knowing what they were going to do, the Ravens still got the job done to a ridiculous degree. Then again, it’s why Baltimore set an NFL rushing record this season.

Entering the playoffs with some rest and running the ball effectively is the recipe for a Super Bowl. It grinds down games, keeps opposing offenses off the field and ultimately opens up big passing plays when they’re needed. And if the Ravens can do it against one of the best defenses in the league with everything against them, they should be able to do it all the way to Super Bowl LIV.