Head coach Mike Tomlin summed up the coming match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens this way:
"It would be big if it was a scrimmage. This is for the AFC Championship."
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present the candidate for understatement of the year.
This game is more than big. It's colossal. Huge. Gigantic. Herculean. Pick a word that is synonymous for extremely large, and you still will fall short.
This is not just a battle between two teams fighting for the right to represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLIII. The Titans and Chargers would be a battle. The Ravens and Colts would be a battle.
This, ladies and gentlemen, will be a death match.
Baltimore comes into this game knowing that they have failed twice already this season against the Steelers. One of the two is still being questioned. Losing three times to the Steelers in one season is unthinkable to them.
How much are the Ravens looking forward to next week's game? Consider Terrell Suggs's response when asked about his status for next week:
"The only way I wouldn't be there is if I didn't have air in my lungs. I'll see you next week."
Indeed.
This is not a new rivalry. The animosity between these two teams stretches all the way back to the Ravens' franchise history in Cleveland. Back then going to a Browns-Steelers game was to go see two teams out to get each other, no matter the stakes.
While the new Cleveland Browns are no slouches in the hits department, the level of dislike bordering on pure hatred just isn't there. No, the Steelers and the Ravens seem to save their best efforts for each other.
This third game in one year, and the first time it has happened since the Ravens moved to Baltimore, is as much another opportunity to knock a few more heads as it is to earn a trip to Tampa.
It's fortunate that there is a two-week break between the championship game and the Super Bowl. Whichever team emerges victorious from this one is going to need the extra time to learn how to walk again.
8 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Angel Navedo 5 months ago
I can't even say how much I'm looking forward to this one. It's my kinda football. SMASH...MOUTH!
Edit Comment Cancel
L.J. Burgess 5 months ago
Hmmm, no Big Ben vs Ed Reed (3rd in Defensive PoY behind Harrison is a big deal here) matchup...no mention of Ngata, interesting...we like that.
Is there another game after this one? I've heard rumors that there is an NFC too...
Edit Comment Cancel
Bryan Hollister 5 months ago
It's coming, probably tonite....stand bye for contact...
Edit Comment Cancel
Tony Wisniewski 5 months ago
Polamalu is the best safety since Ronnie Lott? Wow. Way to snub Ed Reed. But, what's the difference, we never get any respect anyway. I love how we're "overmatched," "fatigued," and "not good enough," to win this game from matchup to matchup.
When Mike Tomlin was asked about beating a team three times in a season, he called that kind of statistic "hocus pocus." Well, it's very very tough to beat even a mediocre team three times in one year. If I were a Steeler fan, I would clutch my dish-towel very tightly, because I'm telling you, this is not the team you wanted to play. Trust me. We had you on the hook twice, we'll finish the job this time.... It'll be sweet to get awarded the AFC crown on Heinz Field.
Edit Comment Cancel
Bryan Hollister 5 months ago
You will notice that I made no mention of the Ravens being too tired to play. They will walk out on that field with crutches and oxygen mask is they have to, but they will show up and they will play hard. This will probably be the toughest game the Steelers have played all year...same for the Ravens.
You might have had us on the hook, but all the stories about "the one that got away" will do nothing to console you during the long off season. The only thing lacking from the Steelers two victories over the Ravens this year is a lot of points. We out-gained Baltimore and eventually outplayed them as evidenced by two victories so far. Hate to say it, but next week will be Strike Three for Flacco and company.
Edit Comment Cancel
Matt Craig 5 months ago
Tony I dont wanna hear this we get no respect BS you like us play in the AFC with elite teams like New England and Indy and sometimes San Diego the AFC North never really gets its respect it deserves except for the Defenses.
Ed Reed is touted as the Best Safety by everbody else but there are alot of similarites between Reed and Polamalu.
As for the Hocus Pocus stat that is what it is its not impossible to beat someone three times in one season. If you look back the Steelers outgained the Ravens 548yds to 446yds with both teams having 3 turnovers. If Pittsburgh's Offense is clicking like they did against San Diego, Pittsburgh will win this game. They held the Chargers to 15yds rushing TOP to .17 seconds and one play in the 3rd quarter I mean who does that.
I beleive who ever wins this game will win the Super Bowl.
Edit Comment Cancel
Evan Lloyd 5 months ago
It'll be sweet to get awarded the AFC crown on Heinz Field.
That one hurts, I pray that is not teh outcome, but if it is, that will be the hardest pill I've ever had to swollow!
Edit Comment Cancel
Matt Craig 5 months ago
I dont mean the steal a line from wrestling annoucer Jim Ross but "This one is gonna be a Slobber Knocker"
These two tuff as nails teams know each other very well. When you look at the previous 2 battles because you cant call them games. The Steelers out gained the Ravens 548yds to 446yds with both teams turning over the ball 3 times in both games combined.
The difference in this game is is a couple things, One Ed Reed and that defense has 7 turnovers in two games which maybe a factor against Pittsburgh. Terrell Suggs is a game time decsion and he will probably play but he wont be effective.
The difference on the Steelers side is Willie Parker looks to back in the shape he was in before the injuries. Parker's games against Cleveland & San Diego is proof that the running game is back. Granted that those defenses are not Baltimore I dont think it will matter I believe the Steelers put up 100yds on the ground against the Ravens maybe even 150.
The return of the running game will keep the pressure of Roethlisbeger and Baltimore will see another tough game slip away.
After all the dust clears and the Bodies are carted off the field Pittsburgh will be victorius 24-20.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.