Night Lights: The Steelers will play in their fourth consecutive primetime game when they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night at Heinz Field. It will be the fifth primetime game this season, and so far this season they are 4-0 when the lights have been on.
"It's one of those situations where guys acknowledge it," said Ramon Foster. "You work your entire life to be in the NFL. What better way to show that off than being in a primetime game. Guys feel that accomplishment of this is my opportunity to make a name for myself. Guys have done that. People found out who William Gay is through those games. What better way.
"It's exciting. It's one of those things, you know everyone is feeling it. Let's acknowledge it, let's embrace it. It's fun. It's feeling like a kid again."
Foster has become accustomed to primetime games during his tenure with the team, but for Mike Hilton this has been something new this year, and something he loves.
"It's the overall excitement," said Hilton. "We know it's a different feel than a regular Sunday game. Everybody is excited, energized and ready to play. For us to be in multiple primetime games, play in front of our peers. The feel is different, the energy is different. It's fun to be out there."
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Don't for a minute thing that all the talk about respect this week doesn't mean the Steelers-Ravens rivalry isn't still one that is the most competitive in the NFL. It's just that while it's one built on both teams wanting more than anything to win, there is also a huge element of respect the teams have for one another.
"We are very similar in the things we want to do," said Javon Hargrave. "They always have a tough defense, we always have a tough defense. We are similar in a lot of ways. We have a lot of respect for each other."
Hargrave said he remembers watching Steelers-Ravens games growing up, and always knowing one thing.
"When I was a little kid growing up, that's all I remember, Steelers vs. the Ravens," said Hargrave. "It always came down to the wire, someone having to make a play.
"I saw it last year, the Christmas game, where it came down to the last play. It shows how competitive this game is going to be, and how tough it's going to be.
"You don't need a lot to get up for this game. I am ready to get out there and start playing."
He said it: Sean Spence on returning to the Steelers.
"I am happy. A team that is 10-2, a team that drafted me. It felt like a big family reunion when I got back. I couldn't be more happy and blessed."
