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    • Lamar Jackson can’t explain the Steelers struggles after the Ravens loss
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    Lamar Jackson can’t explain the Steelers struggles after the Ravens loss

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    As of last Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin referred to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson as “Mr. Jackson.” It was a sign of respect from a Super Bowl-winning coach to a two-time NFL MVP.

    But Tomlin and the Steelers continued to confuse Jackson Sunday as Pittsburgh made six field goals and held on late to beat the Ravens 18-16 and create further separation atop the AFC North. Jackson is now 1-4 lifetime against the Steelers, his team’s most fervent rival.

    ‘I can’t name it. I can’t call it,” Jackson said in response to a question about why the Steelers have his number. “It felt like we were taking steps in the right direction, and something was happening.”

    Jackson completed 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception. With 1:06 remaining and a chance to tie the game on a two-point conversion, Jackson desperately threw the ball skyward when he ran out of space near the sideline and a contingent of Steelers defenders between himself and the goal line.

    “They just stopped it,” Jackson said. “They did a good job.”

    Jackson has thrown eight interceptions in five career games against Pittsburgh, compared to five touchdown passes.

    In classic Tomlin fashion, his team won a game in which it averaged two fewer yards per play than the opponent (6.1 to 4.1). But a turnover margin of plus three and a time advantage (36:23) made up for the lack of explosiveness. Russell Wilson moved to 4-0 as the Steelers’ starter, going 23-for-36 with 205 yards and an interception.

    “It’s the (team) that has more possession and keeps it safe,” Jackson said of what Steelers-Ravens games come down to. “And we didn’t do that well.”

    Baltimore leads the league in penalties (92) and made 12 against Pittsburgh for 80 yards.

    The Steelers were flagged seven times for 45 yards.

    “We have no control over when the referees make their decisions – that’s their job, to make those decisions – we just have to do a better job of not getting penalties,” Jackson said.

    He added: “Be smart.”

    Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said it felt like his team was in first or second place all afternoon.

    “We need to reduce penalties,” Harbaugh said.

    Harbaugh noted that the Ravens, who entered as the league’s top-scoring offense, have kept the penalty kill in check during explosive performances this season.

    “Today that was a big problem,” he said.

    Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made six field goals in a win for the second time this season, while future Hall of Famer Justin Tucker’s struggles continued for Baltimore. Tucker missed two field goals in the first quarter but made a 54-yard kick in the third.

    “Tuck has to make kicks. He knows that,” Harbaugh said. “That’s important. He makes them in practice. He made the long one later.

    “He is very capable. Just kick them straight and we’ll be fine.”

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