Good Wednesday to you Steelers fans.
When the Cleveland Browns became the Baltimore Ravens in the late 1990’s, I’m not sure how many people would have believed just how massive the rivalry would become. Going back to the old AFC Central, the Browns and Cincinnati Bengals were of course long-time rivals but throughout the 1970’s and 80’s the rivalry with the Houston Oilers was probably bigger than both of those were. There is no question however that in the last 20 years plus, the rivalry existing between the Steelers and Ravens has been unmatched in professional football. There have been memorable plays and moments, tight games and blowouts and as always, these games typically decide the winner of the AFC North. In 2022, the Ravens find themselves atop the North at 8-4 but they’ll come to Pittsburgh without Lamar Jackson. If you are anticipating an easier game for the Steelers you can forget it. This rivalry has seen backups perform at high levels in previous years so don’t dismiss Tyler Huntley one bit. With the Bengals looking unstoppable right now, the game becomes even bigger for Baltimore as they try to keep one step ahead until their matchup in the final week of the season. You already know the Steelers’ situation. At 5-7 they are in no position to lose games which only ramps up the pressure to play well. While this week’s version of the rivalry won’t rank among the top in terms of the best teams fighting it out, it will no doubt be a war. Would we really have it any other way?
Watt
I don’t know how anyone can watch T.J. Watt right now and suggest he’s anywhere near 100%. Besides the knee and the pectoral problems he’s also battling a rib injury which is clearly taking its toll. He often looks winded and it has more to do with just working his tail off. Bad ribs also means that catching your breath is more difficult because the pain is intense every time you breathe. Now through in someone hammering away on you and it should make sense.
Tweet of the Day… Pretty straight-forward.
AFC North Football ?@PNCBank | #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/9EoDnx3zcQ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 7, 2022
That Tomlin Thing
I’m sure by now you’ve seen the video posted by a person who was recording Mike Tomlin as he walked to the locker room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. The individual tries to get Tomlin’s attention and Coach T responds with “I’m fucking working.” Some didn’t like the language. Some didn’t like the fact he acknowledged the person at all and some thought it was just fine. First of all I don’t like this new concept of fans being able to get so close to the players and coaches as they come in and out of the locker room. We expect these guys to play like warriors yet at the same time expect them to be cordial and willing to engage us in a friendly manner. Tomlin probably could have just ignored the guy but I really don’t care that he responded the way he did either.
Steelers History
This week Gordon re-visits a great moment in the Steelers-Ravens Rivalry where the game had a lot riding on it as usual.
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