Don’t miss the game between the Ravens and the Steelers, Sunday from 1 p.m., on RDS and RDS.ca.
Avant-match Ravens-Steelers
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens is filled with “bad guys on both sides,” as Mike Tomlin put it.
Lamar Jackson is still waiting for his chance to become one.
Seven years into his career, the Ravens quarterback has won more NFL MVP awards (two) than he has victories against the Steelers. Jackson is 1-3 as a starter against the Steelers heading into Sunday’s showdown at Acrisure Stadium.
Asked if the lack of success in one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries bothers him, Jackson nodded.
“Yes, certainly,” he replied. But I have the chance to face them this year, so I can’t wait. »
Actually, Jackson might be better than that.
The 27-year-old sits atop the NFL in passing efficiency and passing touchdowns while masterfully leading the league’s most powerful offense.
Jackson appears to be at the top of his game and that’s one of the reasons Tomlin, the longest-tenured head coach in the league, called him “Mr. Jackson” several times this week.
“He represents quite a challenge (for us), admitted Tomlin. It is a challenge in all circumstances. »
Except, it seems, when the Steelers (7-2) are on the other side of the field. The Pittsburgh team has largely succeeded where so many others have failed.
Jackson’s next rushing touchdown against the Steelers will be his first. He only threw four touchdown passes while getting intercepted seven times. Veteran Cam Heyward doesn’t believe his team has the Ravens’ quarterback’s number.
“It’s not like he didn’t do anything against us,” Heyward said. You know, it’s a whole talent that you try to contain, but you never really succeed. »
If Jackson and the Ravens (7-3) want to win, they’ll have to take it to the next level against the NFL’s second-best run defense. And if that happens, the Steelers believe they have the elements in place to respond, unlike in recent years.
The Steelers have shifted into another gear since Russell Wilson returned from a calf injury last month. The quarterback is undefeated in his three starts, averaging 30 points per game on offense.
“I certainly believe we can score points and we can do special things,” Wilson said.
The veteran offered a glimpse of it during his team’s 28-27 victory last week against the Washington Commanders. Wilson connected with Mike Williams at the very end of the game for the decisive touchdown.
“That play alone was special,” admitted Wilson’s teammate, Zach Frazier. Being able to come back in close games like that is cool. I think we are on the right track. »
The winners of this duel will find themselves at the top of the Northern section of the American Association and the players are well aware of this.
“We still have the same goal. We want to win, Jackson said. We always want to emerge victorious from our matches, and that will be the objective before this clash. »
