Joe Flacco Finally Overtakes Mike Tomlin: Veteran QB Claims Regular-Season Edge Over Steelers Coach

For nearly two decades, Joe Flacco has been one of Mike Tomlin’s most familiar — and most frustrating — opponents. What began as a hard-nosed AFC North rivalry when Flacco was under center for the Baltimore Ravens has evolved into something more enduring: a rare quarterback-coach chess match that has spanned teams, eras, and even generations of NFL players.

On Thursday night, that saga added another chapter. Flacco’s Cincinnati Bengals edged the Pittsburgh Steelers 33–31 in a dramatic primetime showdown, giving the veteran quarterback a 12–11 regular-season record against Tomlin — the first time he’s ever held the head-to-head edge.

It’s not just another win for Flacco. It’s the culmination of years of back-and-forth battles that defined AFC football in the 2010s and now continue deep into the 2020s.

A Rivalry Spanning Generations

The first meeting between the two came back in 2008, when a young Flacco led the Ravens into Pittsburgh to face Tomlin’s defending Super Bowl champions. It was a classic bruiser of a game — and a preview of what was to come. Between 2008 and 2018, Flacco’s Ravens and Tomlin’s Steelers clashed in some of the fiercest matchups in modern NFL history, each embodying the gritty, defense-first football that defined the division.

For years, the rivalry was deadlocked. Entering Thursday’s contest, Flacco and Tomlin were tied 11–11 in regular-season meetings, with neither side able to claim a true edge. But as fate would have it, even after Flacco’s departure from Baltimore, their paths kept crossing.

From Raven to Colt to Bengal — Still a Steeler Slayer

Last season, when Flacco joined the Indianapolis Colts midyear, few expected the 38-year-old to make much of an impact. But in December, an injury to rookie Anthony Richardson thrust him back into action — and his first big win came, naturally, against Pittsburgh.

That performance, in which Flacco outdueled the Steelers with veteran poise, was one that even Mike Tomlin reportedly dreaded. According to NBC Sports’ Mike Florio, Tomlin told his players ahead of that matchup to “keep Richardson upright” — in other words, don’t let Flacco get in the game.

It didn’t matter. Richardson went down, Flacco stepped in, and the Colts beat the Steelers.

Fast forward to 2025, and history repeated itself — only this time, Flacco wasn’t a late-season fill-in. As the Bengals’ seasoned starter, he was sharp, efficient, and fearless, throwing darts downfield to edge the Steelers in yet another tight finish. The win not only gave Cincinnati a crucial divisional boost, but also cemented Flacco’s 12–11 advantage over Tomlin in regular-season play.

Elite Company: Flacco Ties Brady’s Mark

Flacco’s 12 career wins over Tomlin’s Steelers (including postseason) now tie him with Tom Brady for the most victories ever by a quarterback against Pittsburgh — an impressive feat considering the defensive juggernauts Tomlin has fielded over the years.

When you include postseason meetings, Flacco’s total rises to 13 wins, thanks to that 2023 Colts appearance. That extra tally gives him the outright record — a small but meaningful piece of trivia that underscores his longevity and consistency.

For perspective: during Tomlin’s 18-year tenure in Pittsburgh, he’s faced dozens of quarterbacks — from Brady and Manning to Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. Yet none have been a thorn in his side quite like Joe Flacco, the once-quiet Delaware kid who became a perennial AFC North nemesis.

Respect Between Rivals

Despite their many clashes, there’s genuine mutual respect between the two. Tomlin has long praised Flacco’s “football IQ” and “calm under pressure,” qualities that helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl in 2013 and continue to make him valuable well into his late 30s.

Flacco, for his part, has always credited Tomlin’s teams for testing him like no other.

“You always know you’re in for a fight with Pittsburgh,” Flacco said earlier this season. “No matter who’s on the roster, they play hard, they’re physical, and they make you earn every inch.”

Thursday night was no exception. The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, pressured Flacco relentlessly — but his trademark composure prevailed once again. He finished with over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns, keeping the Bengals’ offense steady even as Pittsburgh mounted a late rally.

Another Chapter Awaits

For fans of old-school AFC North football, it’s a joy — and a bit surreal — to see this rivalry still burning after all these years. Flacco, now 39, is well past the stage where most quarterbacks hang it up. Tomlin, still just 53, remains as fiery and animated as ever on the sideline. Together, they’ve authored a rivalry that bridges eras and showcases the heart of competitive football.

And fittingly, the story isn’t over.

In four weeks, the Bengals travel to Pittsburgh for a rematch — a chance for Flacco to notch his 13th start win against the Steelers and perhaps extend his lead even further.

For Tomlin, it’s another shot at restoring balance. For Flacco, it’s another opportunity to do what he’s done for nearly two decades — frustrate the black and gold faithful.

Either way, one thing’s certain: when Joe Flacco faces Mike Tomlin, history always seems to be on the line.

‍