You don’t have to tell Jimmy Smith twice about the importance of Sunday’s game.
“It’s the biggest game of our season right now. It’s going to determine a lot,” said the Ravens cornerback.
The Ravens (4-4), coming off back-to-back losses, host the division-leading Steelers (4-2-1). It’s as close to a must-win as you’ll get with half the season to go.
“Now it’s like, it’s eight games (left). So, if you do math and you’ve been through these playoff things it’s gets sticky if you’re 9-7. It gets sticky if you’re 10-6,” said Smith.
“If you want to consider yourself a playoff team you have to beat good teams,” said quarterback Joe Flacco. “You have to beat teams at the top of their division, top of the conference.”
“I still love these games. I still love playing in these games. These games are definitely a little bit more edgy than others,” added linebacker Terrell Suggs when describing the Ravens-Steelers rivalry.
The Ravens are looking to stop a Steelers team that hasn’t lost since Baltimore beat them in week four.
“I think they’ve looked good in the short time since we’ve played them,” said Flacco. “I think these guys are really playing well. They’re playing fast. “
Making his debut for the Ravens this Sunday should be a new weapon for the offense in running back Ty Montgomery.
The fourth-year pro was acquired from the Packers on Tuesday in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick in 2020. He can do a variety of things including lining up at receiver and returning kicks.
“It’s been beautiful. The transition’s been smooth so far and I’m glad to be here,” said Montgomery.
“Very versatile player, running back,” said head coach John Harbaugh. “Obviously very good in the pass game as a running back as well, protection and catching the ball out of the backfield, things like that.”
On if Montgomery can help this Sunday specifically, Harbaugh said “possibly”.
The Ravens are looking to sweep the season series from the Steelers for the first time since 2015.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
