ESPN tried to stir up some controversy on Tuesday morning when they booked Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs as a guest on "First Take" and brought in Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward via video for a debate.
Unfortunately, the two mostly exchanged awkward pauses and public respect on the morning talk show.
Asked if the Ravens own the Steelers after they beat them, 35-7, in Week 1, Suggs said, "There's still a season to be played. … They know that game [they play in Pittsburgh in Week 9] is going to take care of it."
"They whooped our tails and sent us back on a plane ride," Ward admitted.
A little later, known rabble-rouser Skip Bayless said the Ravens played as if Week 1 was their Super Bowl.
"I concur," Ward said with a smirk. "It's been a great rivalry. We wouldn't want it any other way. … We know every time we play Baltimore and you're not bloodied or bruised up, you didn't do anything out there on the field."
Ward did hand out some credit, though. He said Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is close to being an "elite" quarterback and talked about M&T Bank Stadium. "For a road game, it's the worst place to play at."
So why weren't Suggs and Ward talking trash like ESPN's producers had hoped?
"We've got a fight coming in November," Suggs said.
"We'll see you in November, big dog," Ward replied.
I guess we'll have to wait until then for another war of words to begin.