Mike Tomlin identifies Baltimore Ravens as primary Pittsburgh Steelers rival

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin designated the Baltimore Ravens as the franchise's most significant rival during his 19-year tenure. While the New England Patriots frequently faced the Steelers in high-stakes postseason matchups, Tomlin stated that the proximity and physical nature of divisional play against Baltimore created a more intense competitive environment. Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, Tomlin explained that professional respect characterized his view of the New England Patriots, whereas the Baltimore Ravens represented the fundamental target for team identity. He noted that the necessity of winning within the division before achieving AFC dominance fueled the animosity between the two clubs. This distinction highlights the unique pressure of divisional rivalries compared to out-of-conference challenges.

• 7:15 PMYahoo Sports — Mike Tomlin settles debate on Steelers' ultimate AFC rival team