Everyone in Baltimore knows that the only thing sweeter than a Ravens win is a loss by any other team in the AFC North; particularly those of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ variety.

So there’s a bittersweet satisfaction in the Steelers gagging against the Cleveland Browns last night , because while you want the Browns to crumble under the weight of their own ineptitude, the Steelers’ misery is far more compelling.

Truthfully, deep down, Ravens' fans want a competitive Steelers team at full strength. No one in Baltimore wants anyone in Pittsburgh to enjoy the excuse of injury or misfortune tempering the white hot angst between the teams. No excuses, no sympathy.

Still, soaking in the death knell proclamations of Hines Ward is like a bit of sunshine in the coldest part of the city. The Ravens have many miles to go before they can exhale for the playoffs, and not having the Steelers in step for the playoff run takes away some of the luster.

But it doesn’t make it any less hilarious.

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