The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens headline one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL. The Ravens were first established in 1996, and Maryland football fans were overjoyed to have an NFL franchise back in the city for the first time since the departure of the Baltimore Colts in 1984. In just their second ever game, the Ravens faced the Steelers on September 8, 1996. The Steelers, a historic franchise, used their experience to their advantage and beat the newly established team 31-17. Just weeks later, however, the Ravens got their revenge during a Week 14 contest. Just like that, a rivalry was born.
The Baltimore Sun
Since then, the rivalry has only been heating up. The all-time record is led by the Steelers 33-25, but it's hard to find a single matchup between the two teams that isn't competition at it's finest and captivating to watch. Whenever it's "Ravens week" as Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin calls it, it's destined to be a nail-biter.
The Steelers Had To Get Accustomed To The NFL With Lamar Jackson
Since acquiring quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2018, the Ravens have put themselves back on the map as one of the NFL's most exciting teams to watch. Jackson, who had been previously critiqued for being a more skillful runner than thrower, took the NFL by storm in 2019. During his sophomore season, the young quarterback led the team to a 14-2 record and was downright sensational. After breaking the single-season rushing record for quarterbacks, Jackson was unanimously voted as league MVP for the 2019 season. Despite their regular season success, the Ravens have only been able to put together one playoff victory throughout Jackson's tenure during the Wild Card round against the Tennessee Titans in 2021.
The Ravens had a noteworthy 2023 offseason, to say the least. Jackson, who was representing himself alongside his mom, had valued himself at a higher price than the team was willing to dish out. Nearly two years of negotiation had passed and a deal began to seem improbable. Things took a turn for the worst when the quarterback publicly requested a trade on March 2nd. Head Coach John Harbaugh never pressed the panic button and continued to publicly praise the quarterback. His strategy proved to be effective come April 27 when both parties agreed to a five-year deal worth up to $260 million.
RAVENS.COM
Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson signing a record-breaking contract on May 4, 2023.
In the meantime, the Ravens have completely transformed their receiving room. In what appeared as a ploy to bring back Jackson, they signed Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal. The veteran receiver will line up alongside Rashod Bateman and the Ravens 2023 first round draft pick, Zay Flowers. While Jackson is known for his running abilities and connection with tight end Mark Andrews, the new additions to the Ravens offense could introduce an entirely different offensive scheme.
Monday, Steelers All-Pro defensive lineman, Cam Heyward took to the 3 and Out With John Middlekauff show to talk about the outlook on the season and the revamped Ravens offense. When asked about the new additions to the offense and if the Ravens would opt for utilizing more receivers, rather than sticking to their rush-heavy setup, Heyward didn't hold back.
"It's going to be different for them, but I'm wondering if there's going to have to be a mixture of both. Whether it's staying on the same page as you had last year, or adding some things because that running game is second to none."
AP PHOTO / NICK WASS
Steelers' quarterback Kenny Pickett playing against the Baltimore Ravens in M&T Stadium for the first time.
Like Heyward, many suspect that the Ravens' offense will be less predictable this season and rely less on running. While typically the key to success against the Ravens is for the Steelers to stop the run, this time might be different. Joey Porter Jr., Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson will have to be ready to matchup against the receivers of the Ravens' new dual-threat offense. While the Ravens offense will look different this year, so will the Steelers defense. With strong additions made this offseason, the Steelers are ready to face what comes their way in 2023.
Will the Steelers shock the Ravens this season or vice versa? What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Comment below!
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