Former Steeler turned analyst sets high expectations for the Ravens

If you want an honest opinion about the Baltimore Ravens, sometimes the best place to look isn't inside the building. It's across the line of scrimmage. Most of you probably already know where this is headed. Many of you can probably write this story yourselves. Few rivalries in football carry the weight of Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. It's physical. It's personal. And it's built on years of familiarity.

That's why when Willie Colon speaks about Baltimore, it hits differently. He's seen it up close. He's felt it.

A former Steelers lineman shares his expectation of the Ravens' coming season.

Colon spent the majority of his career battling the Ravens in one of the NFL's most demanding divisions. He understands what it takes to survive those matchups and, more importantly, to win them. Now working as an analyst for NFL Network, he recently said his comments about Baltimore's outlook weren't rooted in hype. They were rooted in recognition: of a roster that continues to build the right way, and of a culture that doesn't change, no matter who comes and goes.

What does that mean for the roster moving forward? The Ravens enter the season with expectations, as they usually do. Additions across the roster, a renewed focus on identity, and a hunger to correct what went wrong have all shaped the narrative. Hearing that validated by someone who once stood on the other sideline? That matters because rivals don’t always hand out praise lightly. Willie Colon knows what Ravens football is supposed to look like, and if his expectations are any indication, Baltimore isn’t just preparing for another season. They’re preparing to remind everyone exactly what it means to "Play like a Raven."

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Willie Colon wants the Baltimore Ravens to get back to their old ways