Mike Tomlin: Steelers Every Bit As Desperate As Grounded Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers are cruising right along, skating to a 10-0 start and likely feeling pretty good about themselves.

Now, they face a Baltimore Ravens team that has been down and out, a quarterback in the midst of a sophomore slump, and an NFC North rival that is desperate for a win to stay in the playoff race.

But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin still paints a different picture.

"We are desperate too,” Tomlin told reporters. “We are all desperate to win this week. I imagine they view us in the same way, or I would imagine it would behoove them to do so. That is our attitude each and every week."

Before you laugh about the Steelers' "desperation," Tomlin actually does have a point. At least a small one. The Steelers may be unbeaten, but they're still only one game ahead of the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC.

The Steelers know that a 10-0 start will mean little if they don't get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They may not be favored against the Chiefs at home, but they certainly don't want to set themselves up to play the Chiefs in KC.

So yes, the Steelers need to keep winning. And Tomlin will keep making their desperation known, even against a struggling opponent like the Ravens.

"We respect everyone and the level of desperation and urgency everyone has," Tomlin said. "We step into the stadium ready to match it.”