The Baltimore Ravens will go into this game with plenty of motivation:
The Baltimore Ravens can either come into their week 4 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers shell-shocked from their 44-7 loss or with something to prove. This loss could serve as a way for the Ravens to get focused. It could put a chip on their shoulder moving forward, which is exactly how the Ravens are at their best.
The Ravens have never needed extra motivation against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are without question the biggest rival of the purple and black. This is the type of game that makes or breaks the season and everyone in the locker room knows it.
Baltimore has a long history of embarrassing losses to teams they should never have lost to. They also have a long history of showing up against the Steelers. This is one game that John Harbaugh doesn’t need to write a pep talk for. While the Ravens don’t need a reason to come into this game a little extra edginess, the loss in London provides just that.
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A chance to get revenge:
Add on top of this, the loss the Ravens suffered on Christmas day last season, and you have another galvanizing factor for Sunday. With just seconds remaining, Antonio Brown scored the game winning touchdown by reaching the ball barely across the goal line. The moment stung the Ravens franchise harder than almost any moment in franchise history. There is no way the Ravens have another sleep walking performance, not against Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers currently own the bragging rights in this divisional rivalry. The Ravens however have won nine of the last 14 games against the Steelers. Baltimore is also holding on to a home game winning streak in this match-up. The Ravens have sent the Steelers back to Pittsburgh with a loss, four straight times at M&T Bank Stadium. Protecting their home stadium is very important, especially since many Steelers fans will fill purple seats. Nothing is more painful for the Ravens’ fanbase than watching Pittsburgh fans celebrate in their house.
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The Bottom Line:
The Ravens always have and always will get up for their battles with their arch rival. The defense always gets after Ben Roethlisberger. There is just a different energy about Ravens vs. Steelers. Win or lose, expect the Ravens to give their best effort of the season.