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The Steelers were busy at the NFL trade deadline, acquiring both Mike Williams and Preston Smith. The two moves paid dividends in their very first game against the Washington Commanders.
Smith made a couple key tackles for the Steelers defense. Williams wasn’t involved much on offense early but then made a critical catch to help lead the team to victory.
On third-and-9 with 2:22 remaining in the fourth quarter, Williams hauled in a 32-yard touchdown. With the extra point, the Steelers took a 28-27 lead. They held on for a 1-point victory to improve to 7-2.
Williams and quarterback Russell Wilson discussed the play in front of the media after the victory. Leave your reaction to Pittsburgh’s victory in the comment section below.
Steelers, Commanders Square Off in Meeting Between Two of NFL’s Hottest Teams
The Steelers-Commanders matchup in Week 10 figures to be one of the league’s most intriguing showdowns of Week 10. Both teams are riding a 3-game winning streak behind new quarterbacks. Washington drafted Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall this past spring while the Steelers are undefeated with veteran Russell Wilson behind center.
The winner of the matchup has to be considered a dangerous team with the second half of the season set to begin.
This will be the 80th meeting between the two franchises but just their seventh this century. This will be the two organizations first meeting since Washington adopted the Commanders nickname.
The Steelers are 5-1 against the Washington franchise since 2000. But the then Washington Football Team won the last matchup on December 7, 2020. At the time, the Steelers were 11-0, but Washington erased a 14-point deficit to win 23-17.
Washington owns a 43-33-3 edge in the all-time series versus Pittsburgh.
Steelers Acquire Mike Williams, Preston Smith at NFL Trade Deadline
The Steelers had the weekend off, but general manager Omar Khan was likely very busy, working to see if he could add a player through a trade. As it turned out, he added two before the November 5 deadline.
First, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Steelers acquired wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick.
Then roughly an hour later, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman reported the Steelers added edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round choice.
Both moves will leave the Steelers with little Day 3 draft capital next year. But Williams gives Pittsburgh the No. 2 wide receiver it has been desperately searching for since March. Additionally, in Smith, the Steelers make arguably the strongest part of their roster — edge rusher — even stronger.
How do you think the Steelers did at the NFL trade deadline? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Steelers Move to 6-2 With Defeat Against Giants
Behind a spark on special teams, a strong running game, quality quarterback play and timely sacks, the Steelers edged the New York Giants on Monday Night Football 26-18.
For the third straight game, running back Najee Harris ran for more than 100 yards. He did so in Week 8 behind an offensive line that featured third-string formerly undrafted center Ryan McCollum, who started his second consecutive game.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin gave McCollum a shoutout during his postgame press conference after the victory.
Behind McCollum and the rest of the Steelers offensive line, Harris ran for a season-high 114 yards and averaged 6 yards per carry.
The turning point in the game, though, came from wide receiver Calvin Austin III on special teams. With the contest tied at 9 in the third quarter, Austin returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown.
Then during the fourth quarter, Austin recorded a 29-yard touchdown reception.
With his two touchdowns, Austin became only the fifth player in Steelers history to score a receiving touchdown and return a punt for a score in the same game.
Behind center, Wilson had another stellar game. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 278 yards. In both of his starts this season, he’s averaged more than 9 yards per attempt.
On defense, T.J. Watt starred, posting 2 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He also had 7 combined tackles.
Watt sacked Giants quarterback Daniel Jones on a key third down late in the fourth quarter. On the play, Watt forced a fumble and recovered the loose ball that essentially sealed the victory.
While speaking to the media after the win, Watt addressed pre-game comments from Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.
With the victory, the Steelers will enter their bye week at 6-2. They are in sole possession of first place in the AFC North and are tied for the second-best record in the AFC behind only the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Steelers Face Giants on Monday Night Football Again
The Steelers will face the New York Giants in their lone scheduled Monday Night Football appearance on October 28.
This will be Pittsburgh’s final game before the team’s bye week. The big question going into the matchup is what quarterback Russell Wilson will do for an encore to his big debut.
Wilson set a record for the most passing yards in a Steelers debut versus the New York Jets during Week 7. He completed only 16 of 29 passes but threw for 264 yards. Wilson also tossed 2 touchdowns and ran for another score.
While Wilson is set to start his second game of the season, fellow quarterback Justin Fields is dealing with a new injury. Fields has a hamstring ailment that made him a late-addition to the Steelers injury report this week.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on October 28 that Fields will determine at the stadium before the game whether he can play.
If he doesn’t dress, Kyle Allen will be Pittsburgh’s backup quarterback versus the Giants.
Will Fields play and if he does, will the Steelers have a special package for him in Week 8? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Steelers and Giants Meet in Week 8
Date/Time: Monday, 8:15 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: ESPN/ABC/ESPN+
Odds: Steelers favored by 6 (per ESPN BET)
All-Time Series: Giants 44-31-3
Last Meeting: Steelers won 26-16 on September 14, 2020
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Nick Herbig – Out
C Zach Frazier – Out
RB Cordarrelle Patterson – Out
WR Roman Wilson – Out
OT Dylan Cook – Out
LB Tyler Matakevich – Out
QB Justin Fields – Questionable
New York Giants
CB Adoree’ Jackson – Out
LB Ty Summers – Out
P Jamie Gillan – Out
CB Cordale Flott – Doubtful
CB Tre Hawkins III – Questionable
G Jermaine Eluemunor – Questionable
G Jake Kubas – Unspecified
Steelers Will Take 3-Game Winning Streak vs. Giants Into MNF
The Giants have largely dominated the series with the Steelers. But much of that was before the Super Bowl era.
Since the Steelers switched to the AFC in the NFL-AFL merger, the two teams haven’t played very often. But when they have, Pittsburgh has held a small edge in the series (7-4).
The Steelers have won three straight meetings versus the Giants in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
The last time the Giants defeated the Steelers was at Heinz Field in 2008. The game is probably best remembered from a Steelers fans perspective for James Harrison’s efforts as a long snapper.
On one of the key plays of the game during the second half, Harrison replaced Pittsburgh’s injured long snapper on a punt. Harrison launched his snap attempt over punter Mitch Berger’s head, and it rolled through the endzone for a safety.
The Giants, who were the defending Super Bowl champions, won 21-14. The victory helped them earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC that season.
However, the Steelers also finished 12-4 and won the Super Bowl during that campaign.
Steelers and Jets Square Off in Week 7
The Steelers will renew their matchup with the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football. While the two teams aren’t necessarily rivals, the organizations have played in memorable contests over recent years, including multiple playoff games. The cities are also rivals in other sports.
The top storyline for Pittsburgh in Week 7, though, will be the debut of quarterback Russell Wilson. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t officially name a starting signal caller ahead of the matchup, but all signs point to Wilson making his first appearance for the team.
Wilson missed the first five games because of a calf injury. He was active for the first time in Week 6.
What are your expectations for Wilson’s Steelers debut? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Steelers and Jets Square Off in Week 7
Date/Time: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
Odds: Jets favored by 2.5 (per ESPN BET)
All-Time Series: Steelers 20-7
Last Meeting: Jets won 24-20 on October 2, 2022
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Nick Herbig – Out
C Zach Frazier – Out
RB Cordarrelle Patterson – Out
OT Dylan Cook – Out
S Damontae Kazee – Out
WR Roman Wilson – Questionable
New York Jets
RB Michael Carter II – Out
CB D.J. Reed – Questionable
TE Tyler Conklin – Questionable
LB Chazz Surratt – Questionable
Steelers Defeated Raiders to Improve to 4-2
The Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 32-13 in Week 6, but several key questions still surround the team. Most notably, head coach Mike Tomlin wouldn’t name a starting quarterback for Pittsburgh’s Week 7 matchup with the New York Jets.
On October 15, the Jets acquired wide receiver Davante Adams in a trade with the Raiders. That’s ironic for multiple reasons. First, the Steelers didn’t face Adams in Week 6 but could on October 20 in his first game with New York.
The Steelers were also reportedly interested in acquiring Adams. But they will need to look elsewhere on the trade market for receiver help.
One possibility is another Jets wideout — veteran Mike Williams.
Should the Steelers kick the tires on acquiring Williams from New York before the November 5 trade deadline?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Steelers and Raiders Square Off in Week 6
Date/Time: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: CBS/Paramount Plus
Odds: Steelers favored by 2.5 (per ESPN BET)
All-Time Series: Raiders 17-15
Last Meeting: Steelers won 23-18 on September 24, 2023
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Alex Highsmith – Out
LB Nick Herbig – Out
S Damontae Kazee – Out
TE Mycole Pruitt – Out
RB Cordarrelle Patterson – Out
The Steelers will be without two of their top three edge rushers in Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig in Week 6. The team also placed defensive end DeMarvin Leal on injured reserve on October 12.
To add edge rushing depth, the Steelers signed Ade Ogundeji from their practice squad to the 53-man roster a day prior to the matchup. They also elevated outside linebacker Eku Leota from the practice squad.
Pittsburgh’s other practice squad elevation will be running back Jonathan Ward. But Jaylen Warren fully practiced on October 11 and will not carry an injury designation into the game.
Quarterback Russell Wilson fully practiced the entire week and also doesn’t have an injury designation.
Las Vegas Raiders
WR Davante Adams – Out
TE Michael Mayer – Out
LB Tommy Eichenberg – Questionable
WR Jakobi Meyers – Questionable
T Thayer Munford Jr. – Questionable
G Jackson Powers-Johnson – Questionable
RB Zamir White – Questionable
S Trey Taylor – Questionable
Steelers and Raiders Renew Rivalry
From 1972-1977, the Steelers and Raiders had one of the most heated rivalries in not just NFL history, but sports history.
The two franchises met in the postseason five consecutive seasons in the 1970s, including three straight times in the AFC championship game. The winner in all three of those championship games advanced to win the Super Bowl.
The rivalry began with one of the most famous plays in NFL history — the Immaculate Reception on December 23, 1972. The play propelled Pittsburgh to its first ever playoff victory and improbably eliminated the Raiders.
The Steelers won their first two AFC championship games versus the Raiders at the end of the 1974 and 1975 seasons. The Raiders ended Pittsburgh’s bid at a three-peat in the 1976 postseason.
Over the past four decades, other teams have replaced the Raiders on Steelers’ fans “hate list.” Furthermore, the Raiders don’t play in Oakland anymore, which has changed the rivalry.
But Steelers-Raiders is still an historic matchup.
The Steelers have experienced far more success as a franchise than the Raiders in the 21st century. However, the rivalry has remained even. Since 2003, the teams are 6-6 against each other.
The Steelers are 2-1 versus the Raiders since they moved to Las Vegas. Pittsburgh won during its only previous trip to Allegiant Stadium.
Week 5
The Steelers have had a notable week coming off their second straight loss. The team faces a question of who will start at quarterback against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 13, but wide receiver George Pickens has stolen most of the headlines ahead of the matchup.
After declining media interviews following the loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens spoke with reporters on October 10. But he didn’t say a lot and took little responsibility for his actions from Week 5.
How do Steelers fans feel about Pickens’ latest drama? Will he bounce back and help the team win in Week 6?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Steelers’ George Pickens Facing Backlash After Week 5
The Steelers lost their second straight, a 20-17 heartbreaker to the Cowboys on October 6. In the defeat, the Steelers lacked the passing game to edge Dak Prescott and the Cowboys.
Questions about the Steelers receiving corps is nothing new. It’s been a concern for fans since the team traded Diontae Johnson in March. But it’s a bigger question now.
Pickens had his offensive snaps more limited than usual in the loss to the Cowboys. After the game, former Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks argued Pickens “needs to grow up.”
Several pundits have called for the team to turn to rookie wideout Roman Wilson for answers. And, of course, rumors the team could acquire Davante Adams in a trade have not stopped.
What should the Steelers try to add more production at wide receiver? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Steelers Lose Second Straight With Cowboys Defeat
After nearly an hour and a half weather delay, the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a heartbreaker on “Sunday Night Football” to the Dallas Cowboys 20-17.
The Steelers defense and special teams forced 3 takeaways, blocked a field goal and only allowed one touchdown on four red zone attempts. But the Cowboys outgained the Steelers 445-226 and scored their red zone touchdown to take the lead with 20 seconds remaining.
Pittsburgh nearly had a goal line stand in the final minute of regulation to hold onto their 4-point lead. But on fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threaded the needle to Jalen Tolbert in the front left corner of the end zone.
Two plays earlier, Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts jarred the ball loose from Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle at the 1-yard line. But Prescott recovered the fumble at the 4.
With the loss, the Steelers dropped to 3-2. Quarterback Justin Fields threw 2 touchdowns, but he accumulated only 131 passing yards on 27 attempts. The Steelers averaged 4.3 yards per pass.
Pittsburgh also converted only 3 of 12 third-down attempts.
That wasn’t nearly good enough against Prescott, who overcame 3 turnovers in the comeback victory.
With the struggling Steelers passing offense, the question will again be who starts behind center in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Should Fields get another start or should Russell Wilson receive a chance to play if healthy next week? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Steelers and Cowboys Meet in Week 5
Date/Time: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
Odds: Steelers favored by 2.5 (per ESPN BET)
All-Time Series: Cowboys 17-16
Last Meeting: Steelers won 24-19 on November 8, 2020
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Steelers
QB Russell Wilson – Questionable
LB Jeremiah Moon – Questionable
RB Jaylen Warren – Out
LB Alex Highsmith – Out
TE Mycole Pruitt – Out
RB Cordarrelle Patterson – Out
Both running backs Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson will not play in Week 5. Therefore, how the Steelers manage their backfield will be a major question for the matchup against the Cowboys. Starter Najee Harris could play a bulk of the game at running game.
For extra running back depth, the Steelers elevated veteran running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad. Pittsburgh also signed running back Aaron Shampklin to the active roster on October 2. Shampklin made his NFL debut in Week 4 versus the Indianapolis Colts.
The Steelers won’t have edge rusher Alex Highsmith for the second consecutive week. But they activated Jeremiah Moon from injured reserve on October 5. If Moon plays, he will serve as the team’s No. 3 edge rusher behind T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig versus the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys
LB Micah Parsons – Out
WR Brandin Cooks – Out
CB Trevon Diggs – Questionable
DB Caelen Carson – Questionable
Steelers and Cowboys Renew Rivalry
On October 6, the Steelers and Cowboys will only be meeting for the 34th time since Dallas entered the league in 1960. But no pair of teams have faced each other more often in the Super Bowl, which has created a rivalry between the two out-of-conference foes.
In more recent years, the Steelers and Cowboys have played wildly entertaining regular season matchups.
Of their previous 33 meetings, 17 of them took place from 1960-1972. The rivalry then truly began when they squared off in the Super Bowl after the 1975 season.
Three years later, the Steelers and Cowboys met again in the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh won both meetings, solidifying itself as the NFL dynasty of the 1970s.
Two decades later, the Cowboys assumed the dynasty title in the NFL with three Super Bowl titles in four years. Their third championship came against the Steelers after the 1995 season.
The two teams have only met six times since then. But each of the last five matchups were decided by one score.
In their last matchup during 2020, Ben Roethlisberger threw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to help the Steelers erase a 10-point deficit to win 24-19. The victory improved the Steelers to 8-0.
The last time these teams met at Acrisure Stadium, rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot led the Cowboys to comeback victory where Dallas scored the game-winning touchdown with 9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers are 8-7 all time at home versus the Cowboys. Their last home win versus Dallas was a 20-13 victory in 2008. The Steelers erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, capped off by a Deshea Townsend interception returned for a touchdown.
Week 4
Pittsburgh’s second-half comeback effort fell short, as the Indianapolis Colts edged the Steelers 27-24.
After scoring three second half touchdowns, the Steelers had an opportunity to take the lead with a touchdown or force overtime with a field goal. But a botched snap bogged down Pittsburgh 2-minute offense.
Indianapolis dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball to build a 17-point lead. The Steelers lost another offensive lineman, right guard James Daniels, to injury in the first half. With two backup guards and a rookie center, the Steelers were unable to establish much of a ground game.
Cordarrelle Patterson sparked the Steelers offense in the second quarter. But he also left with an injury. Plus, wide receiver George Pickens fumbled inside the 10-yard line to squander the team’s best scoring opportunity in the first half.
Justin Fields and the offense came alive late in the third quarter. But the Steelers defense continued to struggle against Joe Flacco, who entered the game when Anthony Richardson sustained a hip injury.
Flacco converted three third-and-long opportunity on Indianapolis’ final touchdown drive. He finished 16 of 26 for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Fields had his most efficient day passing, throwing for 9.2 yards per attempt. He also had a passing touchdown with 2 rushing scores. But it wasn’t enough to climb out of the first-half hole.
The question going forward is whether Fields did enough to remain Pittsburgh’s starter. Russell Wilson could be ready to return in Week 5. It could be the perfect time for Wilson to make his Steelers debut after the team’s first loss of the 2024 season.
Steelers and Colts Meet in AFC Week 4 Showdown
Date/Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
Broadcast: CBS
Odds: Steelers favored by 2 (per BET MGM Sportsbook)
All-Time Series: Steelers 27-7
Last Meeting: Colts won 30-13 on December 16, 2023
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Steelers
QB Russell Wilson – Out
RB Jaylen Warren – Out
LB Alex Highsmith – Out
G Isaac Seumalo – Out
TE Mycole Pruitt – Out
Quarterback Russell Wilson and guard Isaac Seumalo were attempting to dress in Week 4. But the Steelers ruled out Seumalo on September 28 because of his pectoral injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on September 29 that Wilson will be inactive because of his calf injury.
The other Steelers players who spent time on the injury report during the week entered the game in Week 4 without an injury designation.
Indianapolis Colts
CB Kenny Moore II – Out
DE Kwity Paye – Out
C Ryan Kelly – Questionable
DB Chris Lammons – Questionable
DE Tyquan Lewis – Questionable
OT Braden Smith – Questionable
Week 3
Pittsburgh Steelers Win Home Opener Against Los Angeles Chargers
The Steelers defense took over the team’s home opener, holding the Chargers to negative yardage in the second half. That helped the Steelers erase a 3-point halftime deficit to win 20-10.
Quarterback Justin Fields found wideout Calvin Austin III for a 55-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to provide the Steelers the 10-point edge.
Fields will make his fourth straight start in Week 4 with Wilson still sidelined. He is trying to become the third quarterback in Steelers history to begin a season 4-0.
Fields never won even three consecutive starts in three seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Colts Avoid 0-3 Start
Speaking of Chicago, the Colts defeated new quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears on September 22 21-16. The victory gave Indianapolis its first win of the season.
They are 1-1 at home in 2024.
The Colts held the Bears to only 63 rushing yards. In their first two games, though, the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers each ran for at least 213 yards versus the Colts defense.
Even without Warren in the backfield, the Steelers will likely have a run-first game plan in Week 4. Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson should see plenty of touches. Fields could also be heavily involved in the ground attack.
Steelers-Colts History
The Steelers have dominated the series versus the Colts, which dates back to 1950 when the Colts played in Baltimore.
Pittsburgh has won eight of the last nine matchups versus Indianapolis. However, the Steelers suffered an embarrassing 17-point defeat at the hands of Gardner Minshew and the Colts late last season.
That was the last time the Steelers lost in the regular season.
Mike Tomlin and, in particular, his defensive players would probably like to avenge that tough defeat.
The Steelers are 22-7 in the regular season against the Colts. Pittsburgh’s other five wins in the series came in the postseason.
At Lucas Oil Stadium, the Steelers own a 4-1 record. Mike Tomlin is 8-2 against Indianapolis as Pittsburgh’s head coach.
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