With the loss of stars who have defined the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, there are questions whether this is still the NFL’s fiercest rivalry. With the early-season struggles of both teams, there is uncertainty whether Ravens-Steelers remains the league’s best feud.
What this AFC North grudge match continues to stand for, at least in the eyes of coach John Harbaugh, is a rite of passage.
“You’re not a Raven until you beat the Steelers,” Harbaugh told his players at Wednesday’s team meeting.
There are 30 players on the Ravens' current 53-man roster who carry Harbaugh’s badge of honor.