It wasn't a coincidence that Will Gay had just walked out of the Steelers' weight room and then started talking about playing the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday night. Because Gay, as well as all of his teammates, knows it's going to be a physical battle any time the two teams face each other.
"It's called cold tub week and be in the weight room every day week," said Gay. "It's going to be a good game and we're ready for it. Thursday Night Football, primetime, and at our rival's home field…it's always a good time."
For both teams it will be the second consecutive AFC North game, the Steelers defeating the Cleveland Browns at home 30-27, while the Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-16, at home.
"It's awesome to get the division games going and see where you stand in the division," said center Maurkice Pouncey. "It's a long season, we still have a lot of games ahead of us, but we are ready for it.
"It's going to be physical, but it's a rivalry that the fans love seeing and we enjoy playing in. It's a good game, it gets everybody going and it's going to be exciting this Thursday."
Both teams have the advantage of knowing just a bit about each other, which makes things a little easier preparing on a short week.
"I can't wait to get to Baltimore and see what these guys are really about," said running back Le'Veon Bell. "They are going to play tough. They know what we like to do; we know what they like to do. Both teams are similar. It's going to be a good game."
The Steelers and Ravens split the series last year, both teams winning at home. But Steelers players know getting this win on the road is big.
"You don't need any extra motivation," said Gay. "It is what it is when it's Baltimore versus Pittsburgh. The fans are excited for it. We are excited for it. The coaches are ready.
"We are going to give a great show."
