Tag: American football

Could Steelers lose Odell Beckham Jr. sweepstakes to AFC North Rival?

Could Steelers lose out on OBJ to the Ravens, as Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber play and Diontae Johnson’s uncertain future spark debate?

The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In regards to which teams may sign the recently released Odell Beckham Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Los Angeles Rams were considered the odds-on favorites to sign OBJ, according to Bovada.

However, with Rams HC Sean McVay describing the team’s reluctance to pursue Beckham, this kicked the door wide open for Steelers GM Omar Khan to pull off the heist of the century.

Beckham had previously spent time on the Rams and the Ravens, and while Los Angeles is seemingly out of the hunt, Baltimore is showing signs of needing additional talent at the WR position.

Former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson is practically one foot in, one foot out of the Ravens organization, and Beckham may prefer to play in an organization he played for previously.

With Ravens QB Lamar Jackson lighting up defenses with his arm and legs, the two-time MVP award winner may present Beckham an opportunity he simply can’t pass up to close out the 2024 season.

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Najee Harris shocked to learn NFL blamed wrong player for his fumble

Najee Harris defends Russell Wilson after NFL credits him with costly fumble, taking full responsibility for the turnover.

Many would assume RB Najee Harris is a massive fan of NFL statistics—after all—it credited a different player with his costly fumble from Week 15’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, Harris isn’t looking to shift the blame, and he certainly isn’t happy that the NFL credited the Pittsburgh Steelers’ signal caller for the turnover.

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday—in the build-up to Week 16’s AFC North showdown—Harris was asked his opinion on the NFL crediting QB Russell Wilson with the fumble.

Surprised but smiling, Harris questioned the decision itself: “I wasn’t? That’s crazy.” His attitude quickly took a more serious tone as the running back told reporters, “The stat sheet may say that—but nobody believes that. That was all on me. I don’t know why they put that on Russ.”

While admirable in defense of his teammate and his ability to fault himself for the game-changing turnover, it doesn’t change the narrative—Harris may have lost his team the game in Week 15.

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‘Hard Knocks’ shows what officials said to anger Mike Tomlin vs Eagles

Officials’ unseen exchange with Mike Tomlin highlights one of the worst excuses after a controversial Week 15 Steelers penalty.

Viewers of this week’s new episode of Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North, were treated to what led to Steelers HC Mike Tomlin profanely telling officials to get away from him.

Before Tomlin’s choice words to the officials, he questioned why they decided to call such a heinous penalty on both Steelers players: “Y’all didn’t see that guy throwing punches for Philadelphia?”

The official speaking to Tomlin then provided the most embarrassing excuse one could imagine, claiming the Eagles player was “knocking his hands off him.”

Fans who saw up-close footage of the altercation could clearly see that while Steelers TE Darnell Washington blocked CB Darius Slay Jr. for an extended period, the Eagles cornerback was the first to throw punches.

No wonder Tomlin was so bewildered with the officiating crew during Week 16’s contest between the Steelers and Eagles. Not only was Pittsburgh wrongly penalized for the skirmish, but he was also given one of the worst officiating excuses imaginable.

As the Steelers prepare for the Ravens in Week 16, hopefully the team can put these wrongful penalties behind them, with the stakes higher than ever in the upcoming AFC North showdown—a chance at the divisional title.

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Former Steelers QB set to take over starting duties for Titans

Former Steelers QB Mason Rudolph is the Tennessee Titans’ starter for Week 16, showcasing his ability to step in at a moment’s need.

It appears the Atlanta Falcons aren’t the only NFL team looking for a change at quarterback in Week 16, as it is being reported that the Tennessee Titans will bench QB Will Levis in favor of former Steelers QB Mason Rudolph.

Rudolph’s five years with the Black and Gold highlighted his growth as a signal caller, from ultimately sitting out his rookie year in 2018, to relieving Ben Roethlisberger following his season-ending elbow injury in 2019, and his return to form by beating out Kenny Pickett for starting QB duties to finish out the 2023 season.  Rudolph would price himself out of Pittsburgh, but signing with the Titans was the correct decision to make, as he is currently slated to earn starting duties for the Titans Week 16 game vs the Indianapolis Colts.

Rudolph has averaged 209 passing yards per game for the Titans in 2024, and has thrown 5 TDS, as well as 5 INTs, through his three starts for Tennessee.

Rudolph’s starting opportunity surprises very few fans of the Black and Gold, as he has proven time and time again to step up to the challenge when his name is called upon.

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Russell Wilson hints at re-signing with Steelers on ‘Hard Knocks’

HBO’s Hard Knocks reveals Russell Wilson’s heartfelt hope to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, delighting fans and viewers alike.

In what is shaping up to be an incredibly uncertain 2025 offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with several key players on both sides of the ball set to hit free agency, fans who watched the most recent episode of Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North were in for a treat.

While visiting the Boys & Girls Club, Steelers QB Russell Wilson made his desire to remain a Pittsburgh Steeler known to viewers of HBO’s Hard Knocks.

When asked whether he would re-sign with the Black and Gold, Wilson warmed the hearts of all Steelers fans: “Hopefully, I love it here.”

The new divisional rendition of HBO’s Hard Knocks series has been a true gem of entertainment for Steelers fans on Tuesday nights.

One of the most exciting storylines to watch in the coming episodes is how the Pittsburgh Steelers will handle the dreaded 10-day stretch of doom, which sees the team playing three games in that span. Tune in to Steelers Wire for updates and takeaways on all Hard Knocks-related news.

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Steelers fall two spots in NFL’s latest power rankings

The Pittsburgh Steelers drop in the NFL power rankings despite injuries, but their overall strength remains undeniable in 2024.

Oh, how the Black and Gold have fallen—or have they? Following the completion of Week 15’s games, recent NFL power rankings suggest so. Heading into their matchup with the Eagles, the Steelers were ranked sixth in the entire NFL, third among all AFC teams.

However, the Steelers’ loss to the Eagles spelled disaster for their ranking, dropping them two spots to eighth, now one behind the Baltimore Ravens.

Currently, the top five teams in the NFL Network’s rendition of the post-Week 15 power rankings are as follows: the Philadelphia Eagles, the Buffalo Bills, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Detroit Lions, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Several high-level teams made little to no change at all—the Vikings holding steady at fifth, and the Chiefs remaining at third. It’s not hard to argue that the Steelers should have been included among these teams.

The Steelers’ loss to the Eagles was not indicative of the team’s overall strength in 2024, as Pittsburgh was grappling with several short-term injuries at the time.

As Week 18’s regular season finale draws ever closer, power rankings from multiple sports outlets will have no choice but to acknowledge the true capabilities of the Steelers.

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Where do the Steelers stand in the crowded AFC playoff race?

The AFC playoff picture is tightening as the Pittsburgh Steelers secure their spot, with seeding battles heating up among top contenders.

Steelers fans rejoice! Although the matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles left much to be desired for the Black and Gold faithful, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a playoff spot following losses by the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. However, the playoff race remains extremely tight, with the Steelers currently holding the number three seed in the AFC.

The AFC playoff standings are beginning to take shape. The 13-1 Kansas City Chiefs hold the number one seed, followed by the other AFC divisional leaders: the 11-3 Buffalo Bills, the 10-4 Pittsburgh Steelers, and the 9-5 Houston Texans.

After the divisional leaders, seeded one through four, the AFC wild-card teams are as follows: the fifth-seeded 9-5 Baltimore Ravens, the sixth-seeded 9-5 Denver Broncos, and the seventh-seeded 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers.

Currently in the hunt are three AFC teams locked in a three-way tie, with identical 6-8 records: the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

An intriguing aspect of the playoff race is that, if the season ended today, the 10-4 Pittsburgh Steelers would host the 9-5 Denver Broncos in the wild-card round.  Furthermore, the Steelers can also secure the AFC North divisional title with a win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.

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Steelers LB embraces villain role ahead of Week 16 Ravens matchup

Patrick Queen welcomes the villain role as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a crucial Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers-Ravens rivalry is heating up early, as Week 16’s battle for the AFC North promises to be nothing short of spectacular. While fans of the Black and Gold were disappointed by the team’s Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the stakes for Week 16 are even higher.

One Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker who understands the significance of this second meeting with the Baltimore Ravens is Patrick Queen, who is eager to embrace the villain role in front of his former team’s fans.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Queen anticipated the atmosphere awaiting him in his return to Baltimore. While he acknowledged the hostility of Ravens fans, he welcomed the negativity.

Queen made it clear to the NFL world that he has a chip on his shoulder when it comes to playing Baltimore, as according to the Steelers linebacker, his former team showed little interest in re-signing him.

Fans can witness Queen’s revenge tour as the 10-4 Pittsburgh Steelers head to Baltimore to take on the 9-5 Ravens in Week 16 on December 21 at 4:30 PM EST.

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Steelers insider believes WR Roman Wilson may be done for the season

Roman Wilson’s return to the field may not come this season, with Steelers insider Gerry Dulac predicting a 2025 debut.

Steelers fans hoping to see Roman Wilson make his long-awaited comeback in the final three regular season games or the 2024 season may need to wait a little longer. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac described the situation regarding Wilson’s return in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and he believes the receiver won’t return in any capacity this season.

When asked for his opinion on Wilson’s return, Dulac stated:

“He has missed all of training camp and nearly all of this season. He is not going to play because he is not ready. Next year.”

It is important to note that the Pittsburgh Steelers have not made an official decision regarding Wilson. However, judging by head coach Mike Tomlin’s previous comments about the rookie wide receiver, suggesting they had ‘moved on’ from his availability concerns, Dulac may be right on the money with his 2025 prediction for Wilson.

Fans of the Steelers may be disappointed that Wilson may not contribute in his rookie season. However, many receivers in Pittsburgh’s past, especially those drafted in the later rounds, have also struggled to make significant contributions in their first year.

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Former Steelers All-Pro WR shoots down comparisons to Buccaneers WR Mike Evans

Mike Evans surpasses Antonio Brown for 25th in career receiving yards, prompting a mix of praise and humor from the former Steelers star.

Congratulations are in order for Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, who recently entered the top 25 in career receiving yards after a stellar Week 15 performance. Evans racked up 159 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions. However, one former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wide receiver didn’t take too kindly to being surpassed by Evans.

Antonio Brown, who previously held the number 25 spot in career receiving yards, was overtaken by Evans’ 12,429 receiving yards. Brown was quick to remind fans that his path to NFL success was far more difficult than Evans’. He highlighted that he put up historic numbers despite being a sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, while Evans was selected in the first round.

In a hilarious twist, despite congratulating Evans, Brown pointed out how much longer it took the Buccaneers WR to surpass him: “Took him 30 more games.”

At this point, it seems fans are comparing apples to oranges when it comes to Evans and Brown. However, Evans’ resilience in maintaining a high level of play for so long is commendable.

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