Some things to ponder about this Ravens championship...

I'll emphasize the point I have been making all week about a good Ravens team = a good Steelers team:

1. Of the eight trips the Steelers have made to the Super Bowl, six of those occurred when a division opponent made the playoffs.
2. Three times, the Steelers defeated a division opponent for the AFC Title (78, 79, 08)
3. The rise of the Ravens in 2000 had a direct effect (imho) on the Steelers' resurgence in the early 2000s, leading to the SB XL title. If the Ravens stunk, I'm not sure the Steelers win either of their last two titles.
4. The resurgence of the Steelers under Cowher happened in part because the AFC Central was a juggernaut in the late 80s. From 86-89, the Browns were dominant. The Bengals went to a Super Bowl in 88. The Oilers were a title contender from 88 to 93.
5. Go back to the NFC East in the 80s and early 90s: 8 Super Bowl titles in 14 years, from one division??? Is Dallas (92-95) a dynasty if Gibbs and Parcells were not in that division?

We may hate the Ravens for various reasons, but these two franchises have a symbiotic relationship, of sorts. They need us, and we need them. Best rivalry in pro football? better believe it. The ONLY rivalry in which the two teams each have a trophy the past five seasons. There isn't a rivalry in the NFL that can touch this one.

 

we will see how they handle their rising cap situation next year.

 

agree they are a bunch of thughs , i prefer the browns they have good young players