The Mission is Clear: Beat the Steelers

We’re often told not to hate. The theory is that there is an overabundance of it around this spinning globe of ours anyway, and the only thing that hating someone else does is fill your soul with anger and resentment.

But I hate the Steelers.

I just do. It’s not a hatred devoid of respect, mind you. I find the Pittsburgh Steelers to be one of the most well-run and admirable franchises in any major sport. They have a record of more than five decades of fielding tough, physical football teams while maintaining stability and cohesion amongst its decision-making apparatus.

And I do respect this bloody, beautiful rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers. It’s not about cheap shots or “running it up” or fighting Steelers’ fans in the parking lot. It’s about slobber-knocking hits, big plays and high stakes amongst division rivals. And, yeah, some of the luster from the Hines Ward–Bart Scott–Joey Porter–Ray Lewis clashes have worn off a bit, but still…

I hate the Steelers.

I hate that visions of Troy Polamalu streaking downfield with an interception in that 2008 AFC Championship Game still haunt me, and that I involuntarily shudder every Christmas as memories of Antonio Brown reaching across the goal line shattered the Ravens’ divisional title dreams for the 2016 season. I hate their stupid bumble bee uniforms, the song Renegade and the mere concept of cold cheese on pizza makes me want to release my stomach contents into the closest black and yellow towel I can find.

I just hate the Steelers.

So, yes, I’m on the beat-the-Steelers-to-a-pulp train this week, and not just because I want my Ravens to make it to the playoffs and give it another go to chase a ring. I also want the Ravens to win this weekend because it means we end their season for the second straight year.

My Petty Meter is already tingling at the thought of Mike Tomlin talking about missed opportunities in the post-game press conference and T.J. Watt cleaning out his locker. Imagine a world where the Ravens are taking a knee in a near-empty Acrisure Stadium as Yinzers can be heard loudly complaining about Tomlin as they walk to their cars with their heads hanging down, and knowing the Ravens are taking the AFC North for an unprecedented third consecutive year.

By the way, I also hate the name “Acrisure Stadium.”

And, look. I get that people are frustrated with the coaching staff or GM or quarterback or defensive coordinator or guards or what have you. The Ravens have been a frustrating watch this year, and the blown leads, playoff disappointments and questionable decisions have certainly left a bruise or two on the Flock’s collective conscience. These are all reasonable gripes, and ones that need to be addressed this offseason. But that’s for the offseason. This is this season, and this is Steelers week.

And, man, I hate the Steelers.

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