It would seem that the Baltimore Ravens have nothing to play for in Sunday’s regular-season finale.
Except for the fact of who it’s against.
“It’s a big deal, as always, to play the Steelers,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said during a conference call with Pittsburgh reporters. “It’s a rivalry. We know the history and how physical – we know what kind of game always it’s going to be when we play against them. … I know they’d be ready to play, no matter what.”
The Ravens (13-2) have locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Steelers (8-7) are alive for a postseason spot, and a win would aid their cause.
"It’s a rivalry game. It’s the Steelers. They have everything to play for, and we recognize that and we’ll be looking to put our absolute best foot forward, play our best football game."https://t.co/OyQK4dq6sG
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 24, 2019
The all-time series between the two AFC North foes is 25-22 in favor of the Steelers in the regular season in addition to 3-1 for the Steelers in the playoffs. Since Harbaugh became coach in 2008 and has faced Mike Tomlin’s Steelers, each team has won 13 games.
While the dislike between the teams doesn’t simmer as much as it perhaps used to, it remains a rivalry game. Regardless of that, though, Harbaugh said his players are professionals.
“The motivation comes from different places, and I wouldn’t want to discount anything,” he said. “The main thing is winning the next game. It’s always been that way for us: All hands on deck, all focus on the next game. This is the next game and it also is the Steelers. You never want to downplay that because we have so much respect for them. We know what kind of game it’s always going to be and always been. That’s what we’re looking forward to.”
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