The Steelers’ celebration will certainly be taken out of context by the Ravens

On By Littum

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost four straight games and are close to 10-point underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card round. The Steelers have all the motivation they need, a veteran quarterback who has been there before under center and an opponent they usually play quite well in the Ravens, minus the recent 34-17 drubbing in Week 16.

Steelers fans are rightly upset with how the season ended, but fortunately, Pittsburgh earned a playoff spot despite their own actions on the field. Those are the same actions that were questioned by some Ravens fans during Pittsburgh’s midweek practice when the Steelers were seen celebrating on the field. NFL aggregators quickly jumped at the chance to make a statement.

It should be noted that this is NOT what happens in the video, but that didn’t stop some Ravens fans from running with the bogus explanation. Fortunately, most fans had the sense to call this post what it is – a lie for clicks.

Steelers reporter Nick Farabaugh was quick to clear this up officially. Pittsburgh, like many NFL teams, increases the intensity of its practices around the postseason. In this case, the team is clearly dancing to the song playing on the speakers rather than rehearsing any kind of choreographed celebration this weekend. That’s one hell of a reach.

The Steelers and Ravens have enough to play for this week. While message board material is fun for the respective fanbases, what really matters is the talent and game planning between two rivals. For Pittsburgh, another loss would raise further questions about Tomlin’s tenure — perhaps even opening the door to trade discussions — and send quarterback Russell Wilson packing.

It’s a stretch to suggest Tomlin’s legacy is on the line as the Steelers head coach has 18 consecutive winning seasons and a Super Bowl to his name, but Pittsburgh fans are running out of patience.

As for the Ravens, Lamar Jackson is chasing his own ghosts. Lamar is on track to win his third MVP—and incredible accomplishments and yet another personal recognition for his mantle—but the striking thing about Jackson’s career is how little he’s accomplished in the postseason. Jackson is 2-4 in his playoff career, and really earned the ire of pundits with his play against the Kansas City Chiefs in last season’s AFC Championship Game in Baltimore.

No amount of Steelers practicing dancing will take Jackson’s eyes off the prize.