Patrick Rooney Jr. Calls Out Steelers with Harsh Reality Check, Says Ravens Are Just Better, Sparking Rivalry’s Next Big Chapter
In a moment that could fuel an already legendary rivalry between two of the NFL’s most fiercely competitive franchises, Patrick Rooney Jr., son of Pittsburgh Steelers minority owner Patrick Rooney Sr. and a longtime voice in the broader Steelers community, made headlines with a blunt assessment of his team’s standing: “Baltimore is just a better team.” The comment, delivered during a recent interview with a Pennsylvania-based radio show, has ignited a storm of controversy, debate, and reflection among fans and analysts alike—and it may have just given the Ravens the psychological edge heading into the 2025 season.
Rooney Jr., who has never been shy about his opinions on Steelers football or the direction of the franchise, was speaking candidly about the AFC North landscape when he dropped the bombshell. “I love the Steelers—always have, always will,” he said. “But if we’re being honest right now, Baltimore is just a better team. Top to bottom. Coaching, roster depth, execution—they’re ahead of us.”
Those words have landed like a thunderclap in Pittsburgh. While some fans appreciate the unfiltered honesty, others feel betrayed. Coming from a figure with close ties to the Steelers’ ownership family, the remark carries more weight than just an average analyst’s hot take. It signals something deeper: that even within the Steelers’ orbit, there’s acknowledgment that changes must be made—and soon.
Rooney Jr.’s assessment isn’t without merit. The Ravens, under the continued leadership of head coach John Harbaugh and superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, have become a powerhouse in recent seasons. In 2024, they posted a 13-4 regular season record, won the AFC North, and made a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh struggled with inconsistency, finishing at 9-8 and barely making the playoffs before bowing out in the Wild Card round.
From player development to front-office stability, the Ravens seem to be firing on all cylinders. Their defense remains among the league’s most disciplined and aggressive units, while the offense has evolved into a more balanced and lethal force, thanks in part to a rebuilt receiving corps and a stronger offensive line. Add in one of the most well-regarded special teams groups in the NFL, and it’s easy to see why many believe Baltimore has separated itself from the pack.
Rooney Jr. cited all of these factors—and more. “They don’t beat themselves. We do. They make adjustments. We don’t. It’s painful to say, but unless something changes soon, we’re playing for second place in the division.”
His comments come at a particularly precarious moment for Pittsburgh. Head coach Mike Tomlin, the longest-tenured coach in the NFL, remains a revered figure, but his team’s inability to make a deep postseason run in recent years has raised questions. Quarterback Kenny Pickett has shown flashes of potential but has yet to prove he can carry the franchise in high-stakes moments. Injuries, inconsistent offensive play-calling, and defensive lapses at key times have all contributed to a growing sense of frustration in the Steel City.
Tomlin, for his part, has remained publicly calm, emphasizing development, culture, and toughness. But internally, sources suggest there’s recognition that the gap between the Steelers and Ravens is growing wider—and not narrower. Rooney Jr.’s comments may only further intensify the urgency around the team facility in Pittsburgh.
In Baltimore, the reaction has been one of cautious respect. Several Ravens players reportedly heard about the comments within hours of the interview airing. One veteran defender, speaking anonymously, said, “We respect the Steelers. It’s always a war when we play. But if even their own people are starting to admit we’re better—that’s a big shift.” Another simply added, “He’s right.”
But no one in the Ravens locker room is taking anything for granted. The Baltimore-Pittsburgh rivalry has always been defined by its ferocity, mutual respect, and unpredictable outcomes. No matter what the rosters look like on paper, games between these two teams are almost always decided in the trenches, often by one score or less. The idea that the Ravens are clearly “better” may be true in some statistical or organizational sense, but players and coaches know that in this rivalry, perception doesn’t win games.
Still, the psychological impact of Rooney Jr.’s comments could be profound. For the Ravens, it may serve as validation for the work they’ve put in under Harbaugh’s leadership. For the Steelers, it could be a call to arms—an urgent demand for self-examination, recalibration, and a return to the elite standards that once defined the franchise.
Rooney Jr. also offered some insight into what he believes Pittsburgh needs to do to close the gap. “It starts with being honest,” he said. “We can’t fix what we won’t admit. We need to draft smarter, coach more creatively, and stop pretending that 9-8 is good enough. It’s not. Not when Baltimore is winning 12 or 13 games and making real playoff runs.”
He also pointed to player development as a critical area of concern. “Look at what Baltimore does with their young guys. They don’t just draft talent—they mold it. They get the most out of every pick. We’ve had too many early-round guys fade or not pan out. That’s on us.”
Those words have reignited the debate around general manager Omar Khan’s tenure, as well as the scouting and coaching staff’s ability to maximize talent. While the Steelers have had notable hits in recent drafts, including standout linebacker T.J. Watt and wide receiver George Pickens, there’s also been a pattern of inconsistency that has undermined roster strength.
Some Pittsburgh fans have responded to Rooney Jr.’s comments with defensiveness, arguing that loyalty should demand a more supportive public stance. Others have applauded his candor, saying that nothing improves without confronting hard truths. The Rooney family has long been one of the NFL’s most respected dynasties, and while Patrick Jr. holds no formal role within the Steelers organization, his name carries symbolic power.
Rooney Jr. ended his comments with a nod toward optimism—but only if the Steelers take decisive action. “The gap can be closed,” he said. “We’re not that far off. But pretending like everything is fine will only keep us stuck. Baltimore has raised the bar. It’s time we rise to meet it.”
His words have been replayed, dissected, and quoted across talk shows, blogs, and social media feeds ever since. The next matchup between the Steelers and Ravens, already circled on calendars by fans on both sides, now carries even more weight. Coaches won’t admit it publicly, but players will hear about the quote. Motivation doesn’t always come from inside the building—sometimes it comes from a blunt reminder outside of it.
If Patrick Rooney Jr. wanted to stir the pot, he’s done just that. If he wanted to light a fire under a franchise that has grown too comfortable with mediocrity, he may have succeeded. Time will tell whether the Steelers respond with urgency or retreat into denial. Either way, the message has been delivered, and it’s loud and clear.
Baltimore is just a better team—for now. But in a league where dynasties rise and fall quickly, where rivalries define legacies, and where every word can echo louder than intended, this may be the spark that reignites one of the NFL’s greatest rivalries into something even more intense.
One thing is certain: when the Ravens and Steelers clash next, it won’t just be about wins and losses. It’ll be about pride, identity, and proving who belongs at the top of the AFC North. And thanks to a single sentence from Patrick Rooney Jr., the stakes just got a whole lot higher.
