Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) has his face mask pulled by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell (23) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is a game of violence, passion, intensity, love and sometimes even hatred. No rivalry embodies the primal sentiments of the game, in its purest form, better than the bi-annual clashes between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.

These two franchises never get too high or too low. Other franchises rise, fall, and rebuild — not these two. The Ravens and Steelers consistently grind out their style of of play, and subsequent success, year after year. If they do falter for a season, these two franchises do not panic. They stay true to their game, true to their convictions, and seamlessly return to a playoff level. Other franchises give into fads, abandon traditional offenses, and rely on gimmicks. These two organizations continually bring their hard-nosed styles of play, which are fittingly reminiscent of the NFL of old.

Pittsburgh has been one of the NFL’s flagship franchises for decades; their history of dominance speaks for itself. Baltimore has been one of the most successful franchises in recent history. They’re continually building the foundation of their impressive history. The Steelers have been around since 1933, the Ravens only since 1996, but they’ve built one of the most impressive rivalries in professional sports history. How can a rivalry that’s been around for less than 20 years currently be the best in the NFL? It takes some special circumstances; ones that I’ve narrowed into six reasons to help explain this phenomenon.