Even Ravens greats such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed admit it: they never wanted to play the Steelers.

 Even Ravens greats such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed admit it: they never wanted to play the Steelers.




The future of the NFL quarterback position debuted 18 years ago on this ground, in a rivalry forged by two of football's greatest ever. On Sunday, Roethlisberger will play his final game at M&T Bank Stadium as the long-time rival Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens – now home to his successor, Lamar Jackson.

 The Steelers have had their share of extra-large, athletically imposing signal callers. From Terry Bradshaw to Joe Montana to Troy Aikman to Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh has attracted title contenders with its dramatic flair, flamboyant plays and larger-than-life legends. Roethlisberger fits handily within that lineage, which makes this weekend’s clash between the Ravens and Steelers so tantalizing. Roethlisberger’s career could end in a flash -- an all-too-familiar scenario when facing Baltimore’s defense, which he has torched over the years while standing firmly within the shadow (and under the wing) of former Steelers franchise pillar Ben Roethlisberger .

Even as Big Ben prepares to take his final bow, current and former Ravens still are eager for the team to get one last shot at the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback. After their late-game loss to the Steelers on Dec. 20, 2018, Suggs posted a message on Instagram that read: “We ain’t done! Next year we be back and got our 100 bricks man you already know”

Roethlisberger’s return Saturday to M&T Bank Stadium for the first time since his much-discussed release from the Steelers in March does not lack for story lines. This game will feature two rookie quarterbacks, third-round picks namely, in Pittsburgh’s Joshua Dobbs and Baltimore’s Jerod Evans. But Saturday’s game also marks the first one between the teams since Lewis, Ward and Polamalu retired as Ravens; Suggs was released by the Ravens during training camp. It will be a strange experience for Roethlisberger to go against the Ravens without Lewis patrolling the middle of the field or Suggs rushing off the edge or Ward playing his familiar role as the big slot receiver on third down.



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