Pittsburgh Review

With the expansion of the NFL playoff format, rematches between division rivals have become more frequent. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are set to face off in a Wild Card playoff game next weekend, marking their fifth postseason meeting since 2001. This matchup underscores a lengthy playoff history between the two teams.

The Steelers first encountered a divisional opponent in the playoffs in 1978, defeating the Houston Oilers 34-5 in the AFC Championship. Since then, they have faced divisional opponents 11 more times with an impressive record of 10-2. The upcoming game will be their first postseason meeting against the Ravens in Baltimore.

Historically, Pittsburgh has been successful against Baltimore, winning three out of four previous playoff encounters. The Steelers defeated the Ravens in 2001, 2008, and 2010 but lost to them most recently in 2014.

The rivalry's intensity is evident from past games:

On January 20, 2002, at Heinz Field during a Divisional Round match-up, Pittsburgh triumphed over Baltimore with a score of 27-10. Amos Zereoue scored two rushing touchdowns for the Steelers as they advanced to play New England Patriots.

In another memorable encounter on January 18, 2009, also at Heinz Field during the AFC Championship game, Pittsburgh secured a victory with a score of 23-14. Troy Polamalu's interception return for a touchdown was pivotal as it sent Pittsburgh to Super Bowl XLIII.

On January 15, 2011, again at Heinz Field during another Divisional Round clash, Pittsburgh edged out Baltimore with a scoreline of 31-24 after rallying from behind thanks to key plays by Rashard Mendenhall and Antonio Brown.

However, on January 3rd, 2015 at Heinz Field during a Wild Card Round game without their leading rusher Le'Veon Bell due to injury—Pittsburgh fell short against Baltimore with a final score of Ravens winning by scoring thirty points compared seventeen points made by Steelers; thus ending their season prematurely despite Ben Roethlisberger throwing for over three hundred yards throughout that contest but facing challenges such as multiple interceptions along way too.

As both teams prepare for yet another chapter this weekend amidst historic rivalry already marked by intense competition spanning decades long—fans can expect nothing less than thrilling spectacle unfolding when these two formidable foes meet once again under postseason lights vying advancement deeper into playoffs ahead while carrying legacy fierce battles past into future awaiting eagerly anticipation what lies store next between them moving forward beyond current campaign underway presently now too alike shared histories intertwined forevermore ever since initial encounter way back beginning original confrontation itself years ago started all...