Steelers' Dominance Of Ravens In Last 9 Games Was News To Marlon Humphrey: "It Was Surprising"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. Their dominance in the AFC North has created amazing rivalries between the four teams. However, the rivalry between the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens is not just one of the best in the division, but one of the best in the entire league. 

The Steelers are currently 36-25 against the Ravens, but it has been more lopsided recently. One of the most outspoken Ravens players is cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who had a lot to say when the Steelers signed Patrick Queen. Humphrey, drafted by the Ravens in 2017, was asked about the fact that Baltimore has lost eight of its last nine games against Pittsburgh. 

"I didn't know it was eight of the last nine until the last game, but it bothered me when I found out," said Humphrey. "It was surprising. I know the guys in the locker room, we want to win this rivalry. But eight of our last nine? It's not good at all. It's gonna take a lot to get that back on our side, but you want to be able to beat your rival."

In Week 11, the Steelers came out on top, 18-16, with NFL MVP Lamar Jackson playing. Jackson, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, seems to miss games against the Steelers. In his career he is just 2-5 against Pittsburgh. 

Another reporter asked Humphrey how he plans to help address this with the team, noting that the fans believe this has gone on far too long. Humphrey said he agreed, but noted they just returned to the facility on Tuesday. Regardless, he said he plans to address this with his team. 

"I'm definitely talking to the team at some point this week, but that's got to be the message," admitted Humphrey. "I feel like in the past, there's been a lot more talk about it. The team meeting today was a little fiery. It's just gonna build this week. It will get talked about. Some people got a taste of it, a couple skirmishes in the last game. This is big. This means a lot to a lot of people. It means a lot to me, being here for a long time. The message will be very clear as the week goes on."

The Ravens and Steelers' many similarities probably fuel the rivalry. They are only a few hours apart geographically. Both are blue-collar cities with an industrial history. They both favor strong defenses and heavy run games for a smashmouth style of football. Players from teams have said these games are just at a different level, and they have to be mindful so they don't draw penalties that will negatively impact the game. 

The Steelers are currently 10-4 and sit atop the AFC North, with the Ravens hot on their heels at 9-5. Pittsburgh has already secured a playoff berth and is now playing for seeding. The Ravens haven't secured their seat at the table yet and would like the win at Pittsburgh to help them make the playoffs and possibly steal the title of Kings of the North.

Steelers-Ravens Trash Talk Has Already Begun

Unsurprisingly, when two teams have this much venom, the trash talk never seems to end between them. During the media sessions on Tuesday, Ravens' wide receiver Zay Flowers said he isn't worried about the Steelers' defense, saying they don't do much. 

The Steelers will have their hands full trying to keep tabs on Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. However, the black and gold defense is tied with the Buffalo Bills for the most turnovers this season at 18. The Steelers are coming off an ugly loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and last time they had an ugly loss to the Browns, they bounced back in a major way against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

How do you think the Steelers will do in Baltimore on Saturday? Click to comment below. 

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