Steelers WR George Pickens Reflects On Toxic Rivalry With The Ravens: "Automatic Hatred"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting the Baltimore Ravens this week in a thrilling AFC North showdown which will decide the divisional leader heading into Week 12. Both teams have seven wins so far, but the Steelers sit in first place in the division with only two losses on the season. In 2023, George Pickens made his mark in the classic rivalry by securing a game-winning touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett, and the standout wide receiver is excited to create more memories against Baltimore. 

The Ravens are coming off of a confident win against the Cincinnati Bengals in which they won by a score of 35-34. Though Lamar Jackson threw four touchdown passes and Derrick Henry also scored, Baltimore's defense allowed over 400 passing yards and four touchdowns by Joe Burrow, and 264 of those yards were caught by Ja'Marr Chase. The Jackson-Henry duo is a major problem for opposing defenses, but Baltimore's defense gives Pittsburgh a great opportunity to put up more points than usual. 

Since quarterback Russell Wilson took over for Justin Fields, the passing game, specifically with Pickens, has vastly improved. Pickens caught five catches for 91 yards and a score in last week's win over the Washington Commanders, who has a much more efficient pass defense than the Ravens. Baltimore, 32nd in the NFL, allows over 290 yards per game through the air, while Washington has only allowed just over 180. Pickens and the rest of Pittsburgh's receivers should be able to take advantage of Baltimore's defensive weakness and put together a nice attack though the air. 

Speaking with the media after Friday's practice, Pickens reflected on the historic rivalry between the two AFC North franchises. 

Pickens also told Pittsburgh reporters how he used to watch Hines Ward play during the Steelers-Ravens classic games. Ward had a multitude of insanely physical plays when Pittsburgh would play Baltimore, but Pickens says players can't play that way these days. Nonetheless, Pittsburgh's number one wideout doesn't deny that "automatic hatred" comes with playing the Ravens.

This week's matchup between the two teams seems to have more significance than in recent seasons because of both records this late in the year. Unfortunately, the NFL was unable to flex this game to Sunday Night Football due to the Steelers having a Thursday Night Football game with the Cleveland Browns next week. 

Steelers' Defense Has Sneaky Edge Over Ravens Offense No One Is Talking About

Everyone is talking about how dominant the Ravens' offense has been. Led by Jackson and Henry, their offense leads the NFL in rushing yards per game with over 180. However, Pittsburgh and its defense has had Henry's number over the years. In three games, according to Statmuse.com, Henry has only run for 32 yards once and 75 yards twice against the Steelers. Pittsburgh has had success in stopping Henry and Jackson in the past, although, they've never had to play them at the same time. 

The Ravens' offense will cause some problems for Pittsburgh, but will their defense be able to slow down Wilson and Pickens? The statistics point to a huge game out of the new duo in the Steel City, which could lead to a Pittsburgh upset on Sunday. 

What do you think? Will the Steelers be able to perform on both sides of the ball against the Ravens and remain as the AFC North leader? Or will the Ravens take back control? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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