Mike Tomlin praised the Pittsburgh Steelers' character after improving to 7-0 with a win over the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers held on for a 28-24 victory against their rivals on Sunday, the 7-0 start matching their best in franchise history.

Tomlin was most pleased with the mental toughness of the Steelers, who trailed the Ravens 17-7 at half-time.

"We didn't blink. I can't say enough about how proud I am of the guys in terms of their mental toughs," the head coach told reporters.

"The way they supported one another, the way they didn't fall apart in the midst of some the things that were going on. I think that is as critical as anything."

The Steelers are considered title contenders, having won six Super Bowls previously, although their last appearance was in 2010.

Tomlin is happy to see his team in a position where they are set to be the game to watch most weeks.

"You better believe it. It's an honour. It's a humbling experience," he said.

"This is what we signed up for, this is why we do what we do at this level, be it coach or player or trainer or anybody.

"You want to be in these stadiums, you want to have [Jim] Nantz and [Tony] Romo calling your game.

"You know you are in the right building. We've got respect for that. We appreciate it. We're honoured to be a part of it."

The Steelers take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.