New Season, But Steelers-Ravens Have Same Intense Rivalry
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- With a win finally under their belt this season, the Steelers are hoping to build on that when Baltimore comes to town Sunday.
But that's sometimes easier said than done when it comes to the Ravens.
Coach Mike Tomlin says that despite the fact that neither team has a winning record; he expects Sunday's Steelers-Ravens game to be just as intense as ever.
And the Steelers players agree.
"It feels the same," safety Ryan Clark says.
"Of course you miss Ray Lewis, James Farrior, James Harrison, the players who made this rivalry what it was with their passion. It's still a big rivalry. It's big to us and big to them," he says.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hasn't faced the Ravens since 2011. He missed both of last season's matchups with injuries.
"It was painful to sit out. I enjoy this rivalry. I know it sounds crazy, but I enjoy two of the best teams going at it," Roethlisberger says.
Through the years, there have been several players, on both teams, who have felt some pain after a Ravens-Steelers game.
It's something the rookies on this team won't fully comprehend until they're out there in the middle of it.
"I don't think they have a clue," wide receiver Antonio Brown says.
"Us older guys are going to try to explain it to them, but there's nothing like the first-hand experience," he says.
"My family grew up Pittsburgh Steelers fans, so I know how big the game is. I just haven't had the chance to be a part of it yet," rookie running back Le'Veon Bell says.
The intensity may be the same this Sunday, but the Steelers would like to change one thing: the outcome.
The Steelers have lost three straight at home against the Baltimore Ravens in the regular season.
The Steelers take on the Ravens at 4:25 p.m. Sunday at Heinz Field.
Watch it right here on KDKA.
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