Steelers' Arch Nemesis Joe Flacco Shares Honest Reflection On Playing Pittsburgh Again And What Could Have Made It Even Better

The Pittsburgh Steelers can’t seem to escape Joe Flacco, even in 2024. The Steelers have a long history with the former Baltimore Ravens quarterback, marked by intense rivalries that defined an era over a decade ago. Following the Steelers' narrow 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Flacco now boasts an even record of 11-11 against Pittsburgh. It’s a remarkable feat, especially considering his ongoing presence in the NFL, where he continues to make an impact.

When Colts starter Anthony Richardson went down with an injury, Flacco was thrust into the spotlight once again against a team he knows all too well. He delivered a remarkable performance, throwing for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and notably, no turnovers. Despite his strong showing, the loss was particularly disappointing for Steeler Nation, as losing to Flacco in 2024 added an extra sting to the defeat.

On Monday, Flacco appeared on The Pat McAfee Show to discuss his recent victory over Pittsburgh. He shared his honest feelings about the experience, admitting just how exhilarating it was to face off against the Steelers once more. Flacco's enthusiasm for the matchup highlighted the enduring rivalry between him and the Steelers, proving that some battles never truly fade away.

"Man, they have been pretty similar over the years. They have an awesome front, they get after you, and they give you multiple looks on the backend. I mean they do such a good job. It was definitely nice to get out there against those familiar black and yellow uniforms."

Flacco expressed his respect for the Steelers but noted that not much has changed since his days of facing them on the field. This lack of evolution may not be a positive sign for Pittsburgh, as it was evident in the game. 

Flacco played exceptionally well, displaying a sense of comfort and poise that allowed him to effectively challenge the Steelers' renowned defense. In fact, his offense became the first to truly dominate against this Steelers unit this season. While Flacco relished the victory at home, he did express one wish.

"Not necessarily any of the same guys on the team that I played against back in the day, maybe except for Cam Heyward still going strong and then a couple of guys on the sideline. It’s always a lot of fun to go against those guys. It was awesome to be at home obviously, but the one thing that would have made it cooler was being back in Pittsburgh in front of all those fans. That would have been pretty wild."

Flacco acknowledged that many players have since retired since he last faced the Steelers, but noted that Cam Heyward is still going strong, which he appreciated. After the game, Flacco had the opportunity to catch up with former Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger. 

The two shared a rivalry filled with memorable battles over the last decade, and now, Roethlisberger found himself in the stands watching as Flacco triumphed over his old team. The experience even sparked a sense of nostalgia for Roethlisberger, making him miss the game he once played so passionately.

Steelers' Defense Got Exposed By Colts' Joe Flacco

While Flacco enjoyed reminiscing after his victory over the Steelers, the mood among Pittsburgh's fans, players, and coaches was far from celebratory. The highest-paid defense in the league allowed a 39-year-old quarterback to lead his team to victory, which was particularly disheartening. For once the defense appeared to let down the offense. 

Although this wasn't the worst loss, it was certainly one that many expected the Steelers to win. With this defeat, Pittsburgh missed an opportunity to secure another victory against a former rival, falling to 3-1 on the season. The defense will look to bounce back against a good Dallas Cowboys offense at home on Sunday. 

#SteelerNation