The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a hard fought victory in a pivotal Week 12 AFC North clash against their long-standing rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. This win propelled the Steelers to a 7-4 record for the 2023 season and significantly bolstered their chances of making the playoffs.
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Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger gets sacked during game against the Bengals.
Amidst the on-field action and fierce competition, an intriguing revelation surfaced, as former Steelers' legendary quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, shared a remarkable anecdote on the DVE Morning Show. Roethlisberger engaged in a lively discussion alongside comedian Billy Gardell. In a candid moment, the two-time Super Bowl champion revealed that during his illustrious career, he used to say a prayer before facing off against the Bengals. But this was no ordinary prayer; it was a prayer for his own survival.
Prayers for Survival: The Bengals vs. Steelers Rivalry
Gardell, in a jesting manner, disclosed that he would pray before every Baltimore Ravens game too, fervently hoping that Roethlisberger would emerge unscathed. The Ravens-Steelers rivalry has been a hallmark of the NFL, defined by mutual respect, unyielding determination, and hard-hitting encounters. Both teams have earned a reputation for their physicality and unwavering commitment to winning. The Steelers and Bengals have developed their own bitter distaste for one another in their own way.
TJ Watt's Controversial Hit Sparks Debate
During the Week 12 game against the Bengals, the spotlight fell on TJ Watt, a frontrunner for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Award, as he was accused of delivering a questionable hit on Bengals quarterback, Jake Browning. This contentious moment added fuel to the already intense rivalry between the two teams. However, it was Roethlisberger's humorous reminiscence that truly caught the attention of fans and the media.
"And die like legally. You played Cincinnati, I prayed that I wouldn’t die from some illegal things happening. Baltimore was like, you know, I know I’m going to get destroyed but it’s going to be within the legal confines of the game, but still," said Roethlisberger.
Respect in Rivalry
Despite the fierce competition, there has always been an underlying respect between the Ravens and the Steelers. Legendary Ravens players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs were renowned for their intimidating presence on the field. Roethlisberger himself acknowledged the brutal nature of these contests. It seems the "respect" has always been a little different with the Bengals.
Bengals' History of Dirty Hits
ESPN
Steelers' Antonio Brown takes vicious hit from Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
The Bengals, in the past, had players who gained notoriety for their controversial and dangerous hits. Vontaze Burfict and Adam "Pacman" Jones were among the names synonymous with such actions. These incidents gave rise to a perception that some Bengals players aimed to inflict harm on their Steelers counterparts. However, it is essential to note that the Steelers also dished out their fair share of physicality during these confrontations.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Seeking Justice
JuJu Hit Stick = Deadliest Weapon 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/KBsYMrJI7s
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 17, 2018
One particular hit that remains etched in memory is JuJu Smith-Schuster's retaliation against Burfict for his notorious hit on Antonio Brown during the January 9th, 2016 Bengals-Steelers game.
I’m no doctor, but maybe Antonio Brown never recovered from this disgusting hit by Vontaze Burfict pic.twitter.com/7FKGRs9AiD
— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) January 2, 2022
This act of revenge symbolized the intensity of the rivalry and the desire to protect one's teammates at all costs.
A Different Era of Football
I do, but only because they were filming. https://t.co/WPshtBBLlU
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 27, 2020
Reflecting on the past, it is evident that the NFL landscape has evolved significantly. Ryan Clark, former Steelers safety, acknowledged in a past interview that his hit on Ravens running back Willis McGahee would have resulted in “jail time” or a lengthy suspension. Remarkably, during the 2009 incident, Clark did not even receive a fine. The league's stance on player safety and the physicality of the game have shifted over the years.
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Rob Carr/ Associated Press
Willis McGahee told doctors he felt significant neck pain after being hit by Ryan Clark. He was taken off the field on a stretcher.
The Changing Face of the NFL
In recent years, the NFL has implemented various rule changes aimed at reducing the occurrence of massive hits and enhancing player safety. The league's commitment to protecting its athletes has resulted in a more controlled and less physically brutal version of the sport.
Roethlisberger's humorous revelation about praying for his safety before Bengals games sheds light on the intense rivalry between the Steelers and the Bengals. While the Ravens-Steelers clashes are known for their physicality, facing the Bengals came with concerns about player safety due to alleged illegal actions. The evolution of the NFL and its emphasis on player welfare have contributed to a changing landscape where such extreme measures are no longer necessary for survival on the gridiron.
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