OWINGS MILLS — Bone-breaking tackles, wild brawls, angry threats, bounty allegations and tooth-rattling blocks have defined the Baltimore Ravens’ blood feud against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"A bloodbath, yeah," Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon predicted. "It’s not going to be pretty."
Now, the latest rendition of this brutal rivalry has the added dimension of extremely high stakes. Serious playoff consequences will be contested between Baltimore (9-4) and Pittsburgh (10-3) today at M&T Bank Stadium.
An AFC North title hangs in the balance in this grudge match. This is arguably the Ravens’ most significant football game since a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts two years ago.
"I don’t think I need any extra boost for this one," Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "Since the 2006 playoff game, this is probably the biggest game I’ve played in. What better place to do it than in our own backyard?
"Both teams are going to put on one heck of a show. The football gods have blessed us. It’s definitely going to be a game to see."
The Steelers have the opportunity to clinch a second consecutive division title with a victory today because a win would propel them to a two-game lead with two regular-season games remaining on the schedule. They would own the first tiebreaker over the Ravens if they finish the season with identical records because they would have swept the head-to-head meetings.
For the Ravens, a tie would keep alive their hopes of winning the division even though they would need help. Pittsburgh could lose this game and still win the division by claiming their final two games against the Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns, earning them the title over Baltimore by virtue of a superior conference record.
"Realistically, you really can’t ask for a better scenario, period," Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis said. "No matter who it was."
Plus, the Ravens could conceivably clinch a playoff berth today under a few scenarios where they would require assistance.
If the Ravens defeat the Steelers and the New England Patriots lose in addition to either the Miami Dolphins or New York Jets lose, then Baltimore is guaranteed a playoff spot.
Or the Ravens could make the playoffs if they beat the Steelers and the Jets, Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts all lose.
Of course, the Patriots, Dolphins, Jets and Colts have all been installed as favorites today.
Scoreboard watching isn’t first and foremost on the Ravens’ minds, though. They’re focused on toppling the Steelers, and avenging a 23-20 overtime loss at Heinz Field in the third game of the season.
And their confidence has been bolstered by winning seven of their past eight games while scoring a league-high 29.8 points per contest during that span. Plus, the Steelers haven’t won a game in Baltimore since 2002.
"I think everyone in the state of Maryland understands and everyone in the state of Pennsylvania understands what this game means to both teams," wide receiver Derrick Mason said. "Every time we encounter them, something is at stake. That’s why it’s so heated because you have two teams that pride themselves on playing hard, fast, physical football. When you have them come together, it’s going to make for a very good game."
The two best defenses in the league will loom large in this confrontation.
The Steelers feature the top-ranked defense in the league, one spearheaded by strong safety Troy Polamalu, outside linebacker James Harrison and middle linebacker James Farrior.
Pittsburgh is allowing just 241.9 yards per game, also ranking first in rushing defense (73.0), passing defense (168.9) and scoring defense (14.1 points per game). The Steelers are trying to become the first team since the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles to lead the NFL in all three categories.
"They have a tenacious attitude about themselves," center Jason Brown said. "They do bring it. You see them on film and they’re relentless."
And the Ravens, led by Lewis, free safety Ed Reed, Suggs and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, rank second in the league in total defense.
Baltimore is allowing 253.4 yards per game, ranking third in rushing defense (77.0), second in pass defense (176.4) and third in scoring defense (15.4 points per game).
However, the Ravens are no longer consumed by statistical battles.
"The year we won the Super Bowl, we got into that battle with Tennessee: ‘We’re No. 1, they’re No. 1,’" Lewis said. "It means nothing at the end of the day. If you get caught up in all of those numbers, it’s going to get you in trouble sooner or later."
During the Ravens’ narrow loss to Pittsburgh earlier this season, they limited the Steelers to 11 first downs, 237 yards, one offensive touchdown and three field goals. The Ravens forced six three-and-outs in the first meeting compared to the Steelers’ four.
"Nobody defends them better than we do, so bring ’em on," defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "So, I think we know how to stop them. Our body of work over the years speaks for itself. We don’t have anything to prove to anybody in the league. We just go out and play."
The Steelers have won four consecutive games, and are looking to end their five-game losing streak in Baltimore. Pittsburgh is 4-0 in division games, and Baltimore is 4-1.
"For whatever reason, it’s hard to win in Baltimore," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said. "So, we’re trying to get that monkey off our back, trying to stay undefeated in our division and we’re playing for a home-field bye."
Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco was sacked a season-high five times in the first meeting with Pittsburgh, losing a fumble on a Harrison hit that was returned for a touchdown.
Even during that loss, though, the first-round draft pick from Delaware showed off his competitive mettle by leading the Ravens on a scoring drive to force overtime after squandering a 13-3 lead.
"The main thing he showed me from that first game is that he can’t be easily rattled," Farrior said. "We showed him a lot of different looks and it didn’t really confuse him. He played pretty well and it surprised me.
"He’s not playing like a rookie quarterback any more. We’re going to have a tough job ahead of us this game. He’s got ice water in his blood."
Since throwing five interceptions and being sacked nine times during a three-game losing streak, Flacco has rebounded for 12 touchdowns and three interceptions over the past eight games with a 95.6 quarterback rating during that span.
"I think I’m definitely a better quarterback," Flacco said. "More importantly, we’re a better offense at this point. The amount we’ve grown is huge."
The duel between Flacco and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should be worth the price of admission.
However, the focus will definitely be on the intimidation factor of two intense defenses built for epic games like this one.
"We are the top two teams in the division, you take it for what it’s worth," Lewis said. "No jawing, no more emotion into it. Defense, that’s your backbone. That’s your model to really go and win a championship."
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
