Like they say ... imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.
The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers have taken up residency at the top of the AFC North division for the better part of the last decade, but it's been the former who has been the ones hunted as they've enjoyed a streak of division championships.
Baltimore is the favorite to keep the streak going in 2025, but Pittsburgh is on the prowl more than ever after an aggressive flurry of offseason moves that some think is reminiscent of how Baltimore would operate.
Steelers insider Alan Saunders believes the organization is trying to imitate how the Ravens do business in hopes of catching up to them in this race for supremacy.
"A hundred percent the Steelers are trying to be the Ravens and are trying to defeat the Ravens with their own game," Saunders said. "Let's be honest: If the Steelers win the AFC North, if they go out and they're better than the Ravens, beat them on the field, win the division, that's what they need to do to put themselves in the best possible scenario to go win a playoff game or two."
Saunders was frank about who the Steelers' biggest competitor is. His theory is that if Pittsburgh wants to be successful like Baltimore has been recently, it must build its team with them in mind.
"I don't think it's a coincidence that you give up 299 yards rushing in a playoff game and then you go use your first-round pick on a defensive tackle," Saunders said. "Oh, and by the way, another pick on a defensive tackle, and an edge rusher who specializes in stopping the run. And then you sign away Baltimore's biggest linebacker [Malik Harrison]. That happens directly because of what happened in that playoff game."
The Ravens put an end to the Steelers season last year in the AFC playoffs, winning their Wild Card matchup 28-14.
You can argue that the Steelers are trying to emulate the Ravens' roster structure as well, not just preparing for how the two matchup on the field.
Baltimore signs former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander. A couple weeks later? Pittsburgh trades for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The Steelers also bolstered their tight end room, adding Jonnu Smith to a group with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. That sounds a little like the Ravens' jumbo package of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
The teams also now feature multi-time MVPs under center ... albeit with drastically different play styles.
Baltimore is still expected to have the upper hand, but their best preparation leading up to the Pittsburgh game could come by looking in the mirror.
