The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens will open another chapter in their ferocious rivalry when they host the first-ever version held at formerly Heinz Field, now Acrisure Stadium. The 53rd game between the two teams is what will be another physical battle with two teams trying to stay in the playoff hunt.
The Steelers at 5-7 are more of the desperate team right now, clinging to slim playoff hopes. The Ravens are 8-4 but are fighting to keep pace with the Cincinnati Bengals for the division while dealing with the"week to week" loss of Lamar Jackson according to ESPN.
The big hits and physicality have always been defining of the rivalry between these two franchises. (Photo Credit: Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens)
The Steelers and Baltimore both have young rosters entering the season with average ages of 25.9 and 25.8 according to PhillyVoice.com. Rookies Kenny Pickett, George Pickens, Tyler Linderbaum and Kyle Hamilton will be getting their first taste of the bitter distaste these two sides have for one another.
Even the coaches can't contain how much they really don't like each other.
Steelers Who Understand the Rivalry
The 13-year veteran Cameron Heyward has lived in this rivalry his whole NFL life. He has eight career sacks in 21 career games against Baltimore. He knows that the team that out-hits the other one generally tends to come away with a victory in the battles between these two franchises.
He said Head Coach Mike Tomlin is getting his troupes ready for the physicality of this first meeting with the Ravens this season.
"That's why Mike T's relaying the message," Heyward said via Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. "It's not an easy matchup. When you play Baltimore, there's usually something at stake for both teams, vying for playoffs. They have good guys over there that have done it for a long time and are successful. They got some real good players over there. This rivalry is about who's gonna be the most physical."
Cameron Sutton is also very familiar with this matchup taking his 6-3 record in nine games into the matchup on Sunday. The six-year corner for the Steelers has seen everything in this matchup and that's why he loves it.
"It's been everything. All the ups and downs, comeback victories, last second drives. It's exciting." Sutton told Varley. "Within the division I love all of our games. This is the biggest one I have enjoyed over time. I have seen a lot in six years."
Pittsburgh Steelers Cornerback Cam Sutton (20) during the first regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sun., Sept. 11, 2022 in Cincinnati. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh is trying to extend the first winning streak of the season and a stretch where they are 3-1 since the bye week and the Ravens are trying to avoid spiralling into a four-game losing streak. Pittsburgh is feeling the pressure of starting "December football" with a tough task.
Even if the opponent doesn't have a former MVP, Tyler Huntley is certainly serviceable and knows how to run Baltimore's system. It's a rivalry game so no one should be surprised if this one is close because the last four games between these two teams have all been one-score games.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 09: Tyler Huntley #2 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball while defended by Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
So, Steeler Nation how do you feel starting the Kenny Pickett era of the rivalry with the Ravens, what are you hoping to see this Sunday? As always let us know in the comments below or on our social media feeds.
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