Joey Porter Jr. is ready to add excitement to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. The rivalry between these teams is historic and intense, a sentiment that Porter feels deeply. “Ever since I was little, I’ve had that rivalry,” he stated. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, he looks forward to this matchup.
High Stakes in the Season Finale
The Steelers will host the Ravens on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium. This game marks the first time the two teams meet in a winner-takes-all scenario at the end of the regular season. The winner will clinch the AFC North division title, while the loser will miss the playoffs entirely. The significance of this clash amplifies the usual heat of the Steelers-Ravens rivalry.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
Since 2002, this is only the 10th time an NFL matchup in the regular-season finale holds such high stakes. Some notable past games include:
- 2013: Green Bay Packers defeated Chicago Bears, 33-28 for the NFC North title.
- 2014: Carolina Panthers won against Atlanta Falcons, 34-3 for the NFC South title.
- 2022: Jacksonville Jaguars edged out Tennessee Titans, 20-16 for the AFC South title.
The Steelers previously faced the Ravens in an earlier matchup this season, winning 27-22 in Baltimore. This close contest fits a recurring theme, as ten out of the last twelve games in this rivalry have been decided by seven points or fewer.
Porter’s Passion for the Rivalry
Porter, who knows the Pittsburgh-Baltimore history well, amplifies his competitive spirit during these games. “I play ten times harder when I face the Ravens,” he admitted. His enthusiasm for this rivalry might also be influenced by his father’s legacy, a former Steelers linebacker.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin commented on the intensity Porter displays. “He really likes it when the stakes are high as a competitor,” he noted. With this game representing a win-or-go-home scenario, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Significance of the Game
This season finale not only provides thrilling entertainment but also historical context. It is rare for two teams to meet with both playoffs and a division title on the line. According to the Steelers, the only other time they entered the last week with a division title at stake was in 1963.
As this pivotal game approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Porter and his teammates are eager, and they want their home crowd to be loud and supportive. “It’s the only game on TV, and it’s a special feeling,” Rodgers remarked, underscoring the unique nature of this matchup.
Final Preparations
The Steelers have made roster adjustments in preparation for this showdown. Cornerback D’Shawn Jamison has been promoted from the practice squad for this crucial game. With all these elements combined, fans can look forward to a thrilling battle that encapsulates the essence of one of the NFL’s greatest rivalries.
