The Pittsburgh Steelers had their biggest win of the season against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. It was a bold statement, considering the Ravens have been the odds-on favorite to win the AFC North and even the Super Bowl since before the season began. For as much respect as the Ravens have been given, the Steelers have been on the opposite side, with few expecting them to do much. However, no one told the players in the Steel City that, and they defended their home turf. The game carried on the tradition of being a physical slugfest as well.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' TJ Watt and Patrick Queen make a play on Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
Like all divisions in the NFL, rival teams harbor an extreme dislike for each other. The Steelers and the Ravens are no exception. The defenses show up whenever these two teams play, and they are often low-scoring, hard-won affairs. This game was no different. The Steelers won 18-16, and once again, all of their points came off the toe of Chris Boswell. The Steelers managed to primarily keep the Ravens out of the end zone, too, and fortunately, their usually reliable kicker, Justin Tucker, kept choking.
During his weekly press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the offensive improvement during the second half of the game. Pittsburgh struggled to convert third downs, particularly in the first half, but in the second half against the Ravens, they had four straight drives of eight plays or more. The Steelers have been making halftime adjustments and improving most of the season. However, this time, Tomlin said it wasn't as much about sustaining the drives, as it was about controlling the "chippiness."
"I don't know that there was any adjustments made. Sometimes it's just fluidity of performance," admitted Tomlin. "Particularly in a game like that, where emotions are a major component of it, you saw some 'chippiness' on both sides early in the game. I think halftime was an opportunity for us to gather ourselves and control our emotions, and direct it properly toward execution. At least, that's what we talked about. I think the play is kind of reflective of that."
The Steelers started the 2024 season with a game that was won because of Boswell's abilities—that one was against the Atlanta Falcons. A lot went into explaining that kind of win—a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback, new offensive linemen, etc. This time, it was different. When it comes to the Steelers and Ravens, every point counts—literally. Games between these two bitter rivals are nearly always won by three points or less.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Chris Boswell (9).
That's why it is critical for players to keep cool heads whenever possible. The Steelers and Ravens players go out of their way to get under each other's skin, and it doesn't take much. The "chippiness" started early and continued, particularly throughout the first half. There was even a pair of off-setting, unsportsmanlike penalties. When the game was over, cornerback Marlon Humphrey told the media the Steelers just continue to get the best of them.
Steelers-Ravens Fighting Isn't Surprising
It isn't surprising to anyone that the two teams were at each other the entire game. What is more surprising is that they didn't come to blows, especially with how this has been building up. The Steelers added former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen to their roster after Baltimore chose not to offer him a contract. He and Humphrey have been volleying shots back and forth against each other ever since Queen switched sides.
The rivalry is only fueled by the Steelers' recent success besting the Ravens. The Steelers haven't been the postseason threat they used to be with Ben Roethlisberger, but that hasn't stopped them from shutting down the Ravens.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Patrick Queen (6).
It is such an intense rivalry that former coaches and players talk about it frequently, even calling it "a bloodbath." Over the past several years, the league has taken measures to ensure player safety. While the Steelers and Ravens don't necessarily break those rules, they toe the line as closely as two teams can.
Do you think the two teams' "chippiness" is a positive or a negative thing? Click to comment below.
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