With rain expected for Ravens game Sunday, Steelers have wet, windy practice outdoors

Cold, breezy, rain. Even some mud. It was AFC North football Friday, even if it was only a practice.

With one of the biggest divisional games of the year on tap Sunday, and with rain forecasted for it, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin took advantage of an opportunity to put his team through a wet final practice before facing the Baltimore Ravens 48 hours later.

“We realized that weather will be something we deal with in AFC North,” running back James Conner said after Friday’s soaked workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “The weather is supposed to be similar in Baltimore as it was today, so we had to practice through it because that’s what it’s going to be like on game day.”

AccuWeather is calling for afternoon showers Sunday in Baltimore. The kickoff for Steelers-Ravens is scheduled for 1 p.m.

At least the projected temperature for the game is 62 degrees, a much more pleasant outlook than the low-40s that the Steelers practiced through Friday as, in part, the remnants of Hurricane Zeta pelted players and coaches with a stinging rain.

The Steelers elected to keep their practice outdoors despite the presence of a 125,000-square foot indoor facility they typically opt for during inclement weather.

“I don’t know,” star linebacker T.J. Watt said, laughing off the decision. “I don’t really get a say in it, so wherever they say practice is, I’m there. It doesn’t really matter to me.”

The weather could perhaps play into the strengths of both teams: The Steelers rank No. 1 in yardage defense and the Ravens No. 1 in scoring defense. The teams are also in the top nine of the NFL in rushing offense and in the bottom 10 of passing offense.

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