Could usually grinder game be dominated by offense?
The rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers used to be about bone-jarring hits, trash-talking and lingering animosity long after the game ended.
Now, their matchup on Sunday night could revolve around skill players stretching the field and two veteran quarterbacks trying to out-duel one another.
Yes, the landscape has changed but the matchup between these two AFC North teams remains among the best rivalries in the NFL.
“It’s more than just winning and losing a game,” Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said. “It’s beating a division opponent up a little bit, so they feel the effects the next week.”
Both the Ravens (2-1) and Steelers (1-1-1) have put up big numbers offensively. Baltimore is averaging 32.3 points per game and Pittsburgh is scoring 29.3.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is ranked second in the league, throwing for 1,140 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. His counterpart Flacco also has been impressive and has thrown for 889 yards with six touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Roethlisberger sees much room for improvement for his team.
“To only have one win, I would say offensively we’re not doing our job,” he said.
While the offense has been clicking, the defense for both teams has also been impressive. The Ravens are ranked No 1 overall, allowing 819 yards over three games. The Steelers are tied with Dallas for second in the league with 11 sacks.
However, neither team will be intimidated.
“It’s a great environment to play,” Ravens tackle James Hurst said. “Their fans hate us, obviously. It’s fun to run out and get booed, but it’s a four-quarter game. It’s the greatest game in football.”
A Steelers victory would pull them ahead of the Ravens in the AFC North.
The game will mark the fifth straight season that the Ravens will play a prime-time game at Heinz Field. The last time Baltimore didn’t play a night game in Pittsburgh was 2013.
Several injured players, such as Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce, are looking to get back in the lineup for this game.
“You never want to miss Steelers week,” said Pierce, who has battled a foot injury. “This is a game unlike any other. Just knowing our history and stuff, you don’t want to miss two or three minutes. This is where legends are made.”
SERIES HISTORY: 45th regular-season meeting. Steelers lead series, 24-20. The last six Ravens-Steelers games have been split, 3-3. However, Pittsburgh has won three-consecutive contests, including a 39-38 thriller in Week 14 last season. Under John Harbaugh, the Ravens are 10-10 against Pittsburgh in the regular season and 1-2 in the playoffs.
