Here are a half-dozen Steelers from a defense with more talent than the numbers may indicate.

Since their first meeting in 1996, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have met 63 times, with the last 38 coming under John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin. Lately, both coaches have seen their standing within their organizations tested. The NFL’s two longest-tenured current coaches have found themselves under unusual scrutiny.

The Steelers faithful sound like they have had enough. Tomlin’s expectation seems clear. Win now, or else. Harbaugh’s hot seat has seemingly cooled after the calls for his job came early.

Justified or not, we could all see why everyone was frustrated with the Ravens‘ performance. A 1-5 start wasn’t exactly what the public expected.

Pittsburgh started faster, but they’ve now hit a wall. Baltimore answered the criticism with five consecutive wins after their bye week. Both teams lost during Thanksgiving weekend. Their records are an identical 6-6.

The thirst for championship glory in Baltimore hasn’t disappeared. It has intensified. It seems the path to the postseason in the AFC North is winning the division. Each of the four teams put too many games in the loss column to qualify any other way.

Sunday’s matchup is the first of two meetings this season between two partners in a longstanding feud. The Ravens’ offense faces pressure. Facing this defense won’t make the task of winning any easier.

Patrick Queen, linebacker

It has been hard for Baltimore’s fans to look at this guy in a Steelers uniform for obvious reasons. Patrick Queen was a first-round draft choice who hung out with the Ravens for the first four seasons of his Ravens career.

On March 15, 2024, he signed a three-year contract with the Steelers worth $41 million. He ranks second on the team with 89 total tackles. He has also racked a sack, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He’s cleared to play in this one, and we expect his best effort.

Payton Wilson, linebacker

Payton Wilson leads all Steelers defenders in both solo (60) and total tackles (103). He has also added a sack, two pass breakups, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr., cornerbacks

The Ravens’ receiving corps has a tough day ahead. Jalen Ramsey may have already stamped his ticket to Canton. Joey Porter Jr. is a stud in his own right and the son of a Pittsburgh Steelers legend.

Collectively, they have notched 101 total tackles, three sacks, 17 pass breakups, and two interceptions. Joey Porter has missed three games this season, but he’ll certainly be present for this one. Lamar Jackson had better be careful with his ball placement in this one.

Cam Heyward, defensive tackle

While we’re on the subject of future Pro Football Hall of Famers, we’d like to offer Cameron Heyward for your viewing pleasure. He has been named an All-Pro five times. All but his 2020 nod were First-Team mentions.

He has tallied 52 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble this season. He was also named the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. He’s a leader both on and off the playing surface.

T.J. Watt, EDGE

You didn’t think we’d leave this guy out, did you? It’s impossible to discuss the Steelers’ defense without mentioning this future Hall of Famer. Pittsburgh played with fire and almost ruined this working relationship, but ultimately, they found a way to keep their guy in the black and gold.

Watt’s resume is the stuff of envy: Seven Pro Bowls and counting, four First-Team All-Pro nods and counting, two Second-Team All-Pro mentions, and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Heads must be on swivels whenever Watt is in an offensive player’s general vicinity. It doesn’t take much for this guy to shift a game’s momentum.