NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Recent Ravens/Steelers rivalry very rarely disappoints

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 09: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball while being chased by Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens in over time at M&T Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 09: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball while being chased by Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens in over time at M&T Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Ravens and Steelers renew acquaintances in Pittsburgh on Sunday. And it would be surprising if it wasn’t another close encounter between these rivals.

There have been some phenomenal players associated with one of the NFL’s premier rivalries that dates back to 1996. From Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed to Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Antonio Brown, and Troy Polamalu.

Some of those aforementioned performers are already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Others may be there one day. And there are numerous other standouts that have made their mark when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Things have really revved up since 2008 when John Harbaugh was hired as the Ravens’ head coach in 2008. One year earlier, Mike Tomlin was Bill Cowher’s replacement in the Steel City. Including postseason clashes in 2008 (AFC Championship Game), 2010 (Divisional Playoffs), and 2014 (Wild Card Playoffs), the Ravens and Steelers have met a combined 31 times during the Tomlin/Harbaugh Era. The Steelers own a 17-14 overall lead during this span.

And the team currently owns that advantage because Tomlin’s club has swept the Ravens each of the past two seasons. Those four wins are by a combined 13 points. And that’s pretty much the story of this series under these head coaches.

All told, 23 of the 31 meetings have been decided by seven points or less. And 16 of those 23 contests have been decided by three points or less. Five of those 31 contests have gone to overtime, including the coaches’ first meeting in 2008 and their last clash in 2021.

On Sunday afternoon at Pittsburgh, Harbaugh’s and Tomlin’s squads renew acquaintances for the first time this season. The former’s team is expected to be led by quarterback Tyler Huntley (in place of injured starter Lamar Jackson). Rookie signal-caller Kenny Pickett is at the helm for the Steelers. It is an important game in the AFC. And regardless of the clubs’ win-loss records, it figures to be very close once again.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers