The Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for being a scary, physical team for a long time now. Even without legends from the past, guys like TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward are known for their ability to make plays and wreck the game. Even Elandon Roberts made some headlines for his big hit at the end of the team's Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys. The only reason it didn't get more attention was because the Cowboys ended up scoring anyways. Either way, this team is always in the spotlight for their physicality week in and week out.
Jeffrey Dean / AP Photo
Edge rusher TJ Watt and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward celebrate during a 2023 Pittsburgh Steeler' game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Antonio Pierce, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, doesn't see the Steelers the same way as the rest of the league does, however. He was asked about if Pittsburgh was one of the most physical games on their schedule, and he didn't hesitate to point out a different team.
"No, Baltimore is physical. I could tell you that on Monday."
The Steelers have occasionally had issues with being bullied in the trenches due to issues during the practice week, but to outright dismiss them as one of the most physical teams is just asinine. You can say many things about Pittsburgh, both good and bad, but to question their abilities on that front doesn't make sense. When they're at their best, the Steelers may be the best team in the league in terms of physicality.
Benjamin Hager / Las Vegas Review-Journal
Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby has developed into one of the league's best, and he has caused issues for the Steelers the past two seasons.
Steelers Are A Major Threat That Pierce May Not Recognize
Pierce is known for being a coach that preaches that style of defense more than many others, and he talked about that during his press conference as well, saying that his own players should "take an Advil" before and after the game. Mike Tomlin, however, is the poster child for teaching physicality, as he is the only coach to implement full tackling drills during training camp.
Tomlin is also known as one of, if not the best motivator in the NFL. He doesn't need bulletin board material, but with Pierce talking about the Ravens being a more physical team, Tomlin's job became easier for the week. He can play that little snippet throughout the weekend leading up to the game to help get his defense fired up and ready to attack the Raiders' somewhat-battered offense and their new starting quarterback, Aiden O'Connell.
Even with that crazy take by Pierce, that is no insult to the Baltimore Ravens. They have prided themselves in mimicking the Steelers defensively, and it has worked for them throughout their entire existence. That style of defense has led them to a pair of Super Bowl victories, as well as being a part of arguably the toughest rivalry in the NFL currently.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith sacks Lamar Jackson and forces a fumble during a win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 of 2023
When the Steelers and Ravens face off against each other, everyone in the world knows exactly what they will get. The games are almost always a bloodbath where every yard gained is a win for the offense. Any flash and pizzaz that either unit has is immediately taken away and forced into a grindy, physical battle where a win means so much more than a stat to determine playoff seeding.
Those two teams may be the most physically challenging teams to play against in the NFL. The Raiders were able to beat the Ravens with a fourth quarter comeback earlier in the year, but if they keep poking the bear, they may see exactly how tough the Steelers really are. As long as the Steelers don't repeatedly beat themselves like they did the past two weeks, they should be able to show Las Vegas everything that they have. Advil may not be enough for either team once the game is over.
What do you think about Pierce downplaying the Steelers' physicality and praising the Ravens instead? Let us know in the comments.
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