I can only guess that the media is fascinated with the outspokenness of Baltimore. Because, last time that I checked, Pittsburgh's defense hits just as hard (if not harder), is equally as athletic (if not more so), and gives up fewer points per game (although, that is merely a "statistic"). I can only conclude that when Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott are issuing bounties on players, that the media assumes that the spoken words of these players somehow makes their defense better. Meanwhile, I have heard James Harrison speak all of fifteen words in his entire career. Likewise, Troy Polamalu was once quoted as saying that he enjoys the game of football, because he gets to "play with all of his friends." I guess the juxtaposition between a veiled death threat and someone "playing with friends" would indeed give the appearance of Baltimore having a more intimidating defense.
Regardless, once Sunday arrived, the Steelers were the ones collecting the proverbial bounties. On Baltimore's opening kickoff return, Carey Davis knocked out Baltimore's wedge-buster. Later in the game, while blocking for Heath Miller, Limas Sweed knocked out a Ravens defensive back. Lastly, on Baltimore's final offensive play of the game, Ryan Clark knocked out Baltimore's starting running back (and also simultaneously forced a fumble). While I do not condone unnecessary roughness, the Ravens begged for this to occur. Simply, the Ravens started it... and the Steelers sure as sunshine finished it. In other words, the Ravens were talking the talk, but it was the Steelers who were walking the walk.
See also: talk is cheap.
Speaking of yackity-yacking, I am normally a huge fan of Phil Simms and Jim Nantz; I truly believe that they are the best duo in sports broadcasting. That said, for whatever reason, these two announcers were guilty of italicizing Pittsburgh's defense. Mind you, I despise fans who rant and rave about how the announcers were biased... but, in this case, Simms and Nantz were overtly in favor of the Ravens. For example, after the Ravens had punted, been intercepted, and had again punted on their first three possessions, Simms said that the Ravens had the Steelers "right where they want them." Really, Phil? I have to disagree: I do not think that the Ravens wanted to run seven plays, gain almost zero yards, and be behind by six points.
Similarly, after the game-clinching interception and return for a touchdown by Troy Polamalu, Simms felt compelled to mention how great Ed Reed is. We all know that Ed Reed is a great player, and possibly one of the greatest in the game. That said, the time to mention these facts is NOT right after Troy's interception.
By the way, Mr. Nantz, you do not escape my wrath. When we are all concerned about Willis McGahee, please do not tell me how long Ray Lewis has been praying. I equate your comment to the Pittsburgh public address announcer who was playing CCR's "Down on the Corner." Speaking of absurdity, Jim Nantz went on a San Diego radio station (right before the Chargers-Steelers play-off game) and stated that the Steelers were only an "8-8 team." Thankfully for the Steelers, their opponent in the Super Bowl is a 9-7 team. In other words, as stated earlier, talk is cheap.
In closing, the Steelers have played the toughest schedule in the NFL in over thirty years...and still ended up 12-4 in the regular season (despite what some people may believe). Similarly, despite this horrendous schedule, the Steelers managed to hold their opponents to the fewest yards and fewest points...even though, to some, that was merely "statistical." Lastly, I honestly do not think that the Steelers care what any of the verbal paparazzi thinks of them. That said, for those members of the media who want to italicize the Steelers, you might want to wear a helmet when interviewing these players... just ask the Ravens.