The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens is heated as Malik Harrison talks spicy about Lamar Jackson.

The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens is one of the fiercest and most storied in the NFL. For years, these two teams have battled on the field, not only for supremacy in the AFC North but for dominance in the entire NFL. The intensity of this rivalry can be felt in every matchup, every hit, and every play. It’s a rivalry marked by physicality, passion, and deep-rooted animosity. And in recent weeks, it has only intensified.

Malik Harrison, the linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, recently found himself at the center of a firestorm when he made some spicy comments about Lamar Jackson and the impact of Jackson’s game on the Steelers. As the Ravens and Steelers head toward their next matchup, Harrison’s remarks are sure to add another layer of intrigue to an already heated rivalry.

The Rivalry’s Backstory: A Historic Battle of Two Heavyweights

Before diving into the specifics of Harrison’s comments, it’s essential to understand the deep history between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. The rivalry between these two teams dates back to the 1996 season when the Ravens were formed as a franchise after the Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore. From the very first meeting between the two teams, it was clear that this would be a rivalry based on tough, physical football, and it has only grown more intense with time.

Both the Steelers and the Ravens have built their identities around defense. The Steelers are known for their “Steel Curtain,” a defense that has been one of the most dominant in NFL history, while the Ravens are synonymous with tough, hard-nosed defense, thanks to players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs. The battles between these two teams have often been won and lost in the trenches, with both sides taking pride in their ability to out-physical the other.

Over the years, the rivalry has evolved. The Steelers have had their fair share of dominance in the series, while the Ravens, especially with Lamar Jackson at the helm, have emerged as an offensive juggernaut in recent seasons. But it’s not just the teams that have fueled the fire—players like Ben Roethlisberger, Terrell Suggs, and now Lamar Jackson and TJ Watt, have added their own personalities to the rivalry, each contributing to the hatred between the two sides.

The Steelers and Ravens have met over 50 times in their history, with each game feeling like a championship battle. These two teams know how to get under each other’s skin, and that psychological warfare has often been as important as any physical hit. Whether it’s on the field or in the media, the animosity between Pittsburgh and Baltimore is always simmering just below the surface.

Malik Harrison: A Rising Star in the Ravens’ Defense

Malik Harrison, a young linebacker drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has already started to make a name for himself in the NFL. Known for his physicality, football IQ, and ability to disrupt plays, Harrison has been a key contributor to the Ravens’ defense. While he may not have the same legendary status as players like Ray Lewis or Terrell Suggs yet, Harrison’s potential is undeniable. His ability to read the game, stop the run, and contribute to the pass rush has made him a valuable piece in the Ravens’ defensive scheme.

However, it’s not just Harrison’s play on the field that has been drawing attention lately. Recently, the linebacker found himself making headlines for comments he made about Lamar Jackson and the rivalry between the Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a candid interview, Harrison spoke about how Lamar Jackson’s unique style of play had impacted the way the Steelers approach their games against the Ravens.

“I think we all know that the Steelers have always prided themselves on being the toughest team in the league, but we’re built differently. We’ve got a guy in Lamar Jackson who’s unlike anything they’ve faced. They can talk all they want about stopping the run or playing physical, but when you’ve got Lamar moving the way he does, it changes everything,” Harrison said. “If they think they’re going to stop him the same way they stopped other quarterbacks, they’re in for a rude awakening. Lamar is going to make them look foolish.”

The “Spicy” Comments: What Malik Harrison Said About Lamar Jackson and the Steelers

Harrison’s comments quickly became a talking point in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and across the NFL. While it’s common for players to talk about their team’s abilities and rivalries, Harrison’s remarks about Lamar Jackson and the Steelers were particularly fiery. His confidence in Jackson’s abilities and his direct challenge to the Steelers’ defense added fuel to the fire of an already intense rivalry.

At the heart of Harrison’s remarks was his belief that the Steelers’ traditional approach to stopping opposing offenses would not work against the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. The Steelers, known for their physical style of play and their commitment to stopping the run, have always had one key strategy when facing the Ravens: stop the ground game. They believe that if they can limit the Ravens’ rushing attack, they can neutralize their offense and force Jackson to rely solely on his arm.

However, Harrison made it clear that this strategy was outdated when facing a quarterback like Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s ability to make plays with both his legs and his arm has made him one of the most difficult quarterbacks to defend in NFL history. His quickness, agility, and field vision allow him to escape pressure, make pinpoint throws, and keep defenses on their heels. The Steelers, according to Harrison, were too focused on trying to stop the Ravens’ running backs when they should have been preparing to contain Jackson’s unique skill set.

“We’ve seen the Steelers’ defense. They’re good, no doubt about that. But they’re not built to stop Lamar. They’re used to facing stationary quarterbacks or traditional pocket passers, but Lamar is different,” Harrison added. “He’s not just running the ball; he’s creating opportunities for everyone around him. The Steelers are going to have to adjust if they want to keep up with him, and I don’t think they can.”

Harrison’s comments were a bold statement about Lamar Jackson’s importance to the Ravens’ success, but they also served as a direct challenge to the Steelers’ defense. His words suggested that Pittsburgh’s defensive identity would not be enough to stop Baltimore’s dynamic offense, and that the Steelers would have to completely rethink their approach to stopping the Ravens. For Harrison, this wasn’t just about defending Jackson; it was about sending a message that the Ravens were ready to take their rivalry with the Steelers to the next level.

The Impact of Harrison’s Words: Adding Fuel to the Rivalry

As with any intense rivalry, the words of players like Malik Harrison only serve to amplify the already-charged atmosphere surrounding the matchup between the Ravens and Steelers. While some may view Harrison’s remarks as confident, others may see them as an invitation for Pittsburgh’s defense to take the challenge personally. After all, the Steelers’ defense is known for its pride, and players like TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick won’t take kindly to being disrespected.

The timing of Harrison’s comments was also significant. With the Ravens and Steelers set to meet in the upcoming weeks, his remarks set the stage for what promises to be another heated matchup. The Steelers’ defense, which has been one of the league’s top units for years, will undoubtedly take Harrison’s challenge as a personal one. The rivalry between these two teams has always been about physicality and toughness, and now it’s about pride. Each team wants to prove that they are the better squad in the AFC North, and Harrison’s words have made sure that this game will be filled with even more intensity.

On the other hand, for the Ravens, Harrison’s comments reinforce the confidence and belief they have in Lamar Jackson. Jackson has often been questioned for his ability to win in the postseason and for his unorthodox playing style, but the Ravens have consistently rallied behind their star quarterback. Harrison’s comments are just another example of how Jackson has transformed the team’s identity—no longer just a run-first offense, the Ravens are now led by one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.

Steelers’ Response: What Will TJ Watt and the Defense Say?

With Harrison’s words stirring the pot, the next question is: how will the Steelers respond? For years, the Steelers have prided themselves on their ability to shut down elite quarterbacks and claim victories in the most physical matchups. TJ Watt, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is the heart of Pittsburgh’s defense, and his leadership will be crucial when it comes to shutting down Lamar Jackson.

Watt has already established himself as one of the best pass rushers in the league, and his ability to disrupt the quarterback will be tested against Jackson’s unique skill set. The Steelers have historically focused on stopping the run and getting after the quarterback, but as Harrison pointed out, Jackson is not an ordinary quarterback. He has the ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs. The Steelers will need to adjust their game plan to account for Jackson’s ability to extend plays and create opportunities for his teammates.

As the rivalry heats up, all eyes will be on Watt, Fitzpatrick, and the rest of the Steelers defense to see how they will respond to Harrison’s spicy comments. Will they take the challenge head-on and prove that they can stop Lamar Jackson? Or will the Ravens’ offense continue to push past the Steelers, further cementing their dominance in the AFC North?