Steelers Vs. Ravens: Pittsburgh Looks To Continue Impressive Streak of Recent Divisional Dominance

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already half way through their 2011 regular season schedule, yet heading into Week 9, they've only played one of six divisional games on their 16-game slate. That lone game, of course, was in Week 1 when the Ravens trounced the visiting Steelers, 35-7, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

The Steelers seek revenge for the embarrassing loss when the two rivals meet at Heinz Field on Sunday night. Mike Tomlin is 5-1 against the Ravens at home, playoffs included, since being named head coach in 2007. He knows how tough it will be to improve that record to 6-1 and subsequently remain atop the AFC North standings:

"The root of the matter is, we have two very good football teams with the same intentions and that is to dominate the AFC North and put themselves in positions to chase the Lombardi," says Tomlin whose team is 5-1 at home against Baltimore during his tenure (including postseason). "That is why we will always have issues with these guys because I expect that their goals will be unchanging like ours."

A win over the Ravens would also improve Pittsburgh's stretch of divisional dominance since the 2002 season.

Win Percentage in Div. Games since '02

The Steelers have also been outstanding in divisional games in the month of November. Here's how they fare in such games since 2002.

Win Percentage in November Div. Games Since '02

We'll have much more Week 9 coverage as the week progresses, and perhaps even a few more looks back at the Steelers Week 8 win over the Patriots. But a nice figure to look at when beginning to think about how the Steelers will be able to stay hot and retain their lead in the AFC North this coming Sunday night despite the myriad injuries to key defensive players.