The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens rivalry is going to look very different this fall. For the first time since 2006, the Steelers-Ravens matchup won’t include either Mike Tomlin or John Harbaugh on the sideline.
But that doesn’t mean the dislike between the two franchises won’t be just as high. Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner might have helped make sure of that this weekend.
In a press conference with reporters Saturday, Faulkner spoke highly of the running back group he is now coaching in Baltimore. To end his answer, he compared the Ravens running backs to the ones he coached in Pittsburgh last season.
“The group I had last year in Pittsburgh was a great group,” said Faulkner, via The Baltimore Banner’s Giana Han. “This might actually be as good or better group, in terms of showing up today and guys that you want to work with and see every day.”
Faulkner is in his first season as Ravens running backs coach under Baltimore’s new head coach Jesse Minter. From 2019-25, Faulkner coached running backs under Mike Tomlin for the Steelers.
In 2023, Faulkner was also Pittsburgh’s co-interim offensive coordinator after the team fired Matt Canada midseason.
Eddie Faulkner Puts Steelers RBs on Notice
GettyFormer Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens running backs coach delivered a message that Jaylen Warren and other Steelers RBs could use as bulletin board material.
It’s important to note that Faulkner didn’t appear to mean disrespect for the Steelers running backs. In actuality, he called them a great group.
But it’s not customary for a group of players to hear so honestly that a coach might prefer his new players. It’s possible Faulkner’s message won’t sit well with Steelers veteran Jaylen Warren.
As a former undrafted free agent, Warren developed for four years under Faulkner. In 2025, Warren became the Steelers primary running back, leading the team with 958 rushing yards.
He could be plenty motivated to show Faulkner and the Ravens during 2026 that he’s just as good as any running back in Baltimore. The Steelers will host the Ravens in Week 15 on December 20. The two teams will also square off during Week 18.
Pittsburgh’s other top running back this season, Rico Dowdle, wasn’t with the Steelers last season. So, Faulkner’s remark won’t hit the same way as it will for Warren.
But second-year back Kaleb Johnson could be itching to play well against his former running backs coach too.
Faulkner’s New RB Group With Ravens
GettyRunning back Derrick Henry will be back for his third season with the Baltimore Ravens this fall.
Steelers running backs could pin what Faulkner said Saturday on their bulletin board. However, even they have to acknowledge that Faulkner is working with one of the best backs in the league with Baltimore this season — Derrick Henry.
After a slow start to his NFL career, Henry has improved with age. Even in his early thirties, Henry has continued to dominate the league with the Ravens.
He finished only 79 yards shy of a second 2,000-yard season in 2024. Last season, Henry had 1,595 rushing yards and a second consecutive 16-touchdown campaign.
Pundits could debate whether the Steelers or Ravens have better running back depth this summer. That’s why Faulkner’s remarks are newsworthy.
But there should be little discussion about which running back is currently the best in the Steelers-Ravens rivalry. It’s Henry by a considerable margin.
Over the last seven seasons alone, Henry has more than 10,000 rushing yards and 100 rushing touchdowns.
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