The Steelers-Ravens rivalry has been uncharacteristically lopsided as of late, as Pittsburgh has won of eight of their last nine games against Baltimore. The Steelers have also won four straight in the Charm City.
Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey is stressing to his teammates this week that their arch rival has had their number.
“I’m talking to the team at some point this week after practice. That’s gotta be the message,’ Humprhey told the Baltimore media on Tuesday. “I feel like the past, there’s been a lot more talk about it. Defensive meeting today was a little fiery. Team meeting was a little fiery. It’s just gonna build this week. It’ll get talked about.”
Losing eight of the last nine to Pittsburgh is something that doesn’t sit well with Humphrey. That would have never happened during the Ray Lewis/Ed Reed era.
“It bothers me when I found out,” Humphrey said of the Ravens winning just one game over the Steelers since 2020. “It was surprising. I know guys in the locker room, we want to win. It’s a rivalry. Eight of the last nine, it’s not a good number. Focus has gotta be at a premium this week. It’s going to take a lot to get back on our side, but you want to be able to beat your rival.
“You’re not a Raven until you beat the Steelers” is a statement that John Harbaugh has preached for years. For most of the Ravens roster, they have never beat the Steelers.
“If you don’t understand, the message will be very clear as the week goes on,” Humphrey said.
The Steelers will clinch the AFC North title with a win over the Ravens on Saturday. If not, the Ravens will tie the Steelers for first place with two games remaining. The Steelers would hold the tiebreaker due to conference record, however.
Saturday’s AFC North showdown at M&T Bank Stadium will have a playoff-like atmosphere.