The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious in a gritty 18-16 battle against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday.
The victory marked their seventh win in the last eight matchups with their AFC North rivals.
Despite the triumph, the Steelers’ offensive struggles were evident, as they relied solely on six field goals from kicker Chris Boswell to secure the win.
Regardless, nothing is ever pretty in the AFC North – especially when it comes to Steelers-Ravens – so a win is a win is a win.
While the lack of touchdowns might raise concerns, a massive victory over the hated Ravens is always a reason for celebration in Pittsburgh.
This sentiment is certainly echoed by Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger.
On his Footbahlin podcast, Big Ben reflected on the Ravens’ reputation and the preparation required to face them.
“If I were trying to pinpoint why … to be honest, I really think that Mike Tomlin is cooking in [Baltimore head coach John] Harbaugh’s kitchen,” he said. “I think that Tomlin’s out-coaching him.
“The way that Coach Belichick used to out-coach certain teams, it feels like that’s what we’re doing to [the Ravens]. We’re just out-coaching them.
“There was no Lamar [Jackson] magic. … The things that happened in that game are only things that happen in this rivalry, only things that happen to Baltimore against us. [Baltimore Kicker Justin] Tucker missing two field goals … I mean, [Steelers Kicker Chris Boswell] is in Tucker’s head. … It feels like Baltimore just can’t handle us.”
Next up for the red-hot 8-2 Steelers is another AFC North rival, the Cleveland Browns.
Speaking of those 2-8 Browns, let’s just say Big Ben is not too worried about the matchup…
“You’re still going into it. It’s not like you’re playing Cleveland, right? … Did I say that out loud?”
The shot was vintage Roethlisberger, a playful but pointed jab at the Browns – one of Pittsburgh’s most bitter rivals.
Interestingly, Big Ben’s “joke” may carry deeper roots. Back in the 2004 NFL Draft, the Browns, his hometown team, passed on him with the No. 6 overall pick despite needing a quarterback.
Instead, they selected Miami tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., a decision that immediately blew up in their face.
Roethlisberger, drafted five picks later by the Steelers, went on to have a storied career with two Super Bowl wins and six Pro Bowl selections.
Meanwhile, Cleveland’s quarterback carousel has been a cautionary tale of instability.
Big Ben’s jab, while cheeky, taps into the Steelers-Browns rivalry and his personal history with Cleveland. Regardless of his motivation, it’s a sentiment shared by many Pittsburgh fans, who have enjoyed watching the Browns struggle for decades.
Kickoff for tomorrow night’s rivalry clash is set for 8:15pm EST.
What are your thoughts on the shots Roethlisberger threw at both the Ravens and Browns?
More importantly, do you give Cleveland any shot at pulling off the upset tomorrow evening???
