The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry is one for the ages, steeped in tradition and intensity. This storied matchup has seen its share of thrilling moments, but the latest encounter left the Ravens with a bitter taste. Despite the efforts of quarterback Lamar Jackson, it was the Steelers who emerged victorious, further solidifying their dominance in this fierce competition.
Following the hard-fought battle, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey took to the airwaves to share his thoughts on the matchup. On his podcast, "Punch Line," Humphrey opened up about the emotional rollercoaster that came with facing the Steelers.
Marlon Humphrey’s Intense Experience
“I had to pray against the Steelers,” Humphrey confessed. “Because I was finna crash out. I could not control myself. I never had contact with that many o-linemen in my life, not gonna lie.”
The intensity of the game was palpable, and Humphrey’s candid remarks highlight just how much pressure players feel in these high-stakes situations. He went on to express his frustration with the aftermath of the game, mentioning a fine he received for his actions on the field. “And I got fined,” he lamented. “Wild.”
Looking Ahead: Ravens’ Upcoming Challenges
After the Steelers game, the Ravens quickly regrouped, showcasing their resilience by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in a commanding performance. However, their momentum was halted in their most recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where they fell short with a score of 24-19.
What lies ahead for the Ravens? Their schedule includes crucial matchups against the New York Giants, a rematch with the Steelers, and games against the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns. Each game will be pivotal as they strive to secure their playoff position.
Roquan Smith: A Defensive Powerhouse
While the Ravens’ offense garners much attention, their defense is equally formidable. Roquan Smith, the standout linebacker, has been a key player in the Ravens’ defensive strategy. He shared insights into his preparation and how he studies opposing offenses to enhance his performance on the field.
“I think it just goes back to my preparation, and the coaches giving me what I ask for throughout the week, what teams like to do in certain situations,” Smith explained. “At the end of the day, I look at it from this perspective: offensive coordinators, humans, they’re all creatures of habits.”
Smith’s analytical approach allows him to anticipate plays and react swiftly, making him a vital asset to the Ravens’ defense. “Being able to pay attention to that, being able to dissect it and knowing how offenses are going to try to attack you … little things like that, I’m always just trying to pay attention to and if I catch those things it just allows me to play faster,” he added.
The Impact of Lamar Jackson on the Team
For Smith, having Lamar Jackson as a teammate is both a privilege and a challenge. The dynamic quarterback is known for his electrifying play, and Smith recognizes the unique skill set Jackson brings to the team.
“It’s pretty special what he’s able to do,” Smith stated. “In practice, he doesn’t even run, so that’s the thing where he just beats you from the pocket. Just imagine when he adds this other thing like being able to actually pull it down and run.”
Smith continued to praise Jackson’s abilities, marveling at his no-look passes and acrobatic throws. “He’s as quick as a cat, as we all know,” he said. “I never got to play against him, and I’m glad I never got to play against him because I’d be scratching my head a lot.”
What’s Next for the Baltimore Ravens?
As the Ravens look to bounce back from their recent loss, the focus will be on preparation and execution. With a mix of challenging opponents ahead, the Ravens will need to harness their talent and teamwork to achieve their goals.
- Bye Week
- vs New York Giants
- vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- vs Houston Texans
- vs Cleveland Browns
The journey continues for the Baltimore Ravens, and with players like Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith, fans can expect thrilling performances and intense competition. The road ahead may be tough, but the spirit of the Ravens remains unyielded. With each game, they strive not just for victory, but to uphold the legacy of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
