Tag: AFC North

Steelers OLB T.J. Watt provides positive injury update from Week 15

T.J. Watt provides relief to fans with a positive injury update, keeping their hopes alive for the AFC North showdown against the Ravens.

Fear not, Steelers fans, for it appears your prayers have been answered! In Week 15, the hearts of the Black and Gold faithful dropped as fans watched former 2022 D.P.O.Y. T.J. Watt roll on the ground in pain during the fourth quarter of the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Injuries have been a recurring concern for Watt over the past few seasons, but fans were treated to an immediate and remarkable update—straight from Watt himself.

While speaking to reporters after the Week 15 contest, Watt revealed that tests and X-rays came back negative, and the issue was as simple as rolling his ankle.

It remains to be seen if Watt will be able to recover in time for Saturday’s Week 16 contest against the Baltimore Ravens, but the Steelers defender will do all he can to make sure he is ready for the AFC North showdown—especially with the opportunity to clinch the division on the line.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Russell Wilson has hilarious response to undefeated record vs Eagles

Russell Wilson’s hilarious reaction to his undefeated record against the Philadelphia Eagles steals the spotlight ahead of Week 15.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in for a tough Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, one that fans, including myself, are extremely nervous about. However, one man’s confidence when playing the Eagles couldn’t be higher: ‘Mr. Unlimited’ himself, Russell Wilson.

Wilson, through five regular-season starts against Philadelphia, boasts an unblemished undefeated record—going 5-0 against the Eagles.

Reporters asked Wilson if he was well aware of his success over the span of his 13-year career against Philadelphia, but Wilson quickly dismissed the claim in hilarious fashion: “Yeah, but you know, that’s old.” Wilson chuckled with reporters before cracking a smile and stating, “I’m aware.”

Another streak worth mentioning is that the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t defeated the Eagles in Philadelphia since 1965, but only one record may remain in Week 15.

Fans can excitedly tune in and witness whether or not Wilson’s undefeated streak will continue, with the game taking place today at 4:25 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni sees ‘Hard Knocks’ as advantage against Steelers

Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni sees Hard Knocks as giving his team an edge for their Week 15 matchup with the Steelers.

It appears certain fears from the Pittsburgh Steelers organization are beginning to come to fruition: their opponents are utilizing Hard Knocks against them.

While many might assume that having a behind-the-scenes look at how the Pittsburgh Steelers operate would provide an obvious advantage to opponents, who would be bold enough to declare it aloud? Well, it appears Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni is that bold.

Speaking to reporters on Friday morning in preparation for the Steelers-Eagles Week 15 matchup, Sirianni acknowledged that the Steelers’ identity is on full display in HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North. He stated, “I guess you get to see it a little bit—the episodes of Hard Knocks when you get to see it. It’s an advantage you get to see some of those things.”

Teams facing the Pittsburgh Steelers down the stretch in 2024 are likely eager for every new episode to drop on Tuesdays. While HC Mike Tomlin’s impressive coaching style has been admirable to watch on Hard Knocks, is exciting television ultimately setting Pittsburgh up for failure?

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Who misses who more: Diontae Johnson or the Pittsburgh Steelers?

With Pickens injured and Johnson causing drama in Baltimore, it’s unclear who’s missing who more—Diontae Johnson or the Steelers.

What a difference a week makes! Heading into Week 14, the Pittsburgh Steelers WR room seemed to have found its groove: the alpha in George Pickens, the deep threat in Calvin Austin III, and the big-bodied Mike Williams. However, following a last-minute hamstring injury to Pickens, which may jeopardize his availability over the next few weeks, the Steelers may regret trading away former All-Pro WR Diontae Johnson this past offseason.

Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers nine months ago in March 2024 for CB Donte Jackson, and was then traded to the Baltimore Ravens on October 29. There appears to be an issue with Johnson’s usage in the Ravens’ offensive scheme, leading to him refusing to play during Baltimore’s Week 13 contest against the Eagles, resulting in a one-game suspension.

While fans may be quick to disparage Johnson’s value for drama-related reasons, Pickens may have ultimately been more dramatic and disruptive this season.

Nevertheless, the only exception is the fantastic acquisition of Jackson, with WR depth still an issue and Johnson unhappy in Baltimore; both sides likely would have benefitted if the trade had never taken place.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Zay Flowers needs spacing, Ravens work best out of 12 & 13 personnel

Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers would greatly benefit if OC Todd Monken used more 12 personnel to grant him spacing on the outside.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is nearly impossible to cover on an island with NFL defensive backs.

However, suppose offensive coordinator Todd Monken keeps crowding the boundary with two and three wide receiver sets. In that case, he limits the space Flowers has to work, allowing teams to use shell and disguise coverage effectively.  

In 21, 12, and 13 personnel, opponents have to match the Ravens with 4-3 base, 3-4, and Nickel packages to account for the run. Furthermore, with running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson posing serious ground threats, these personnel groups allow the play-action pass with Flowers to be lethal.

Sure, it’s just a broken play. One Monken can’t brag about to his expert comrades. However, the probability of these explosive plays is proven.

Flowers is averaging 14.4 yards per catch this season on just 60 receptions. Thus, sequencing in deep and intermediate throws to Flowers while prioritizing the running game in 21, 12, and 13 personnel has been adequate. Monken’s lust for a pass-heavy offense has to be seized if the Ravens want a chance late in the season. Instead, he should enjoy the bliss of sporadically getting chunk plays with Flowers. 

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is 8-5 but the flock is very much alive

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has been impeccable this season and team shortcomings won’t waver his leadership or confidence.

At 8-5, the Baltimore Ravens may have lost favor in the eyes of many, but they still have quarterback Lamar Jackson and a roster stacked full of competent talent ready to compete with top teams in the NFL.

Through 14 weeks, Jackson has thrown 29 touchdown passes, ranking second behind Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (33) for the most this season. Mistakes have been minimal for Jackson; he’s yielded just three interceptions, which arguably weren’t his fault but the result of dropped passes by his teammates. 

Despite team shortcomings, Jackson has continued the same optimism he had after losing the AFC Championship on January 28. This time, however, losses haven’t fallen primarily on his shoulders but have been primarily outside of his control.

Upcoming home AFC North matchups with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers may be a testament to Jackson’s ability to turn things around, but first, the Ravens must take care of business against the New York Giants in Week 15.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDUqCVsJxkG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

WATCH: Steelers NT Keeanu Benton snatches miraculous INT in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers NT Keeanu Benton amazes with a highlight-reel interception in Week 14, turning the tide against the Cleveland Browns.

Nose tackle Keeanu Benton’s talent has truly come to form in year two of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. From showcasing his incredible leadership abilities on HBO’s brand-new Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North to blowing up run plays on gameday, Benton has been nothing short of remarkable in 2024.

Trailing the Cleveland Browns 7-3 at the start of the second quarter, the Steelers needed a splash play—and big Keeanu made it happen. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston tried to let a screen play develop for running back Nick Chubb, but Benton channeled his inner defensive back, leaping several feet into the air to intercept the pass.

Benton’s extraordinary effort on the interception is a play that Pittsburgh Steelers fans could watch on repeat for years to come. The young nose tackle truly shifted the momentum in the Black and Gold’s favor, and the team’s victory might not have been possible without his elite level of play in Week 14.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Fans react to Steelers eliminating Browns from playoff contention

The Steelers eliminated the Browns from playoff contention, sparking reactions from fans celebrating Cleveland’s 2024 downfall.

Sorry, Cleveland, but the Browns have officially been eliminated from the 2024 playoff picture, all thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This bitter rivalry in 2024 had nothing short of a storybook ending for the Black and Gold, and a nightmarish continuation of mediocrity for the Cleveland Browns.

Despite spending an enormous payroll in 2024, “Cleveland sucks” chants rang out throughout the Week 14 contest, ultimately foreshadowing the Browns’ demise as the team dropped to 3-10 on the season.

Browns DE Myles Garrett and CB Greg Newsome II had plenty to say following their team’s Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it is the Steel City that got the last laugh.

With Browns fans making arrangements to watch other NFL teams compete in the playoffs come January, Steelers fans were having a blast on social media with the news. Here are some of the best reactions from Steelers fans to the Cleveland Browns being eliminated from the 2024 playoff picture.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers fans would never guess what’s fueling defensive takeaways

The Steelers lead the NFL in turnovers is fueled by an unexpected motivator: T-shirts handed out to defenders for creating takeaways.

With athletes in today’s sports making upwards of $50 million per year, what could possibly still motivate them? It could be a mix of motivations—like building a legacy, chasing a championship, or even something as simple as… a T-shirt? You read that right. ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor wrote an intriguing article describing how the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is motivated by earning T-shirts for creating turnovers.

Pryor explained how Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin hands out T-shirts with phrases like “The Culture” and “Takeaways” printed on the front. These shirts are awarded individually to players involved in takeaways, such as OLB Preston Smith, who recovered a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. Smith described how the defense is going crazy over the shirts and how this simple idea has been incredibly effective in giving players extra motivation.

With the Steelers leading the NFL with 25 turnovers, perhaps the other 31 teams should try handing out clothing items. Minkah Fitzpatrick could snag his first turnover T-shirt with an interception against Jameis Winston and the Browns in Week 14.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers WR doubles down on Browns trash-talk ahead of Week 14 matchup

George Pickens critiques the Browns ahead of Week 14, sparking questions about mental warfare or extra fuel for Cleveland.

Two weeks ago, following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12’s Thursday Night Football, WR George Pickens made headlines when he blamed the poor weather conditions for the Black and Gold’s loss and alluded to the Browns being a bad football team. His statement is eerily reminiscent of the infamous words of former Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: “The Browns is the Browns.”

While Pickens and JuJu may share similar baggage and sentiments about Cleveland during their time with the Steelers, instead of backtracking on his controversial statements, Pickens took it a step further while speaking to the media in preparation for Week 14’s rematch: “I just go by the record.”

Pickens is, of course, referencing the Cleveland Browns’ record at the time of the Week 12 contest, which was 3-8 following their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and has since dropped to 3-9.

Could Pickens’ statements give extra fuel to a team that has already beaten the Steelers in 2024? Or is this a deeper, more strategic game plan aimed at some much-needed mental warfare in Week 14?

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]