Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 17-13 lead over Steelers

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 17-13 lead over Steelers

Philadelphia established its passing game and was dominant on defense, but the scoreboard tells a different story as the Eagles hold just a 17-13 lead over Pittsburgh after one half.

Vic Fangio’s defense held the Steelers to just 80 yards of offense on 30 plays in the first half, but two costly Eagles turnovers and two Chris Boswell field goals have Mike Tomlin’s team within four.

With the second half set to begin, we’re looking at sights and sounds from the first half.

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WATCH: Cameron Heyward surprises teammate with WPMOY news

Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi learned of his nomination when Cameron Heyward surprised him with the news during a team meeting this week.

Who better to announce the Pittsburgh Steelers nominee for 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year than the reigning winner?

Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi learned of his nomination when Cameron Heyward surprised him with the news during a team meeting this week. After six years of being a bridesmaid but never a bride, the NFL honored Heyward with the prestigious award in 2023.

“I have had the privilege of winning this award,” Heyward said when making the announcement. “It’s about what Walter Payton stands for, being a good man on the field, off the field. (Larry) does a lot, doesn’t say a lot, but we get the privilege of seeing all of his work.”

“It’s an honor and blessing,” said Ogunjobi. “You’ve seen guys who have worn that mantle at the highest level, like Cam, who actually won it last year. You see the work that he’s put in and his dedication to serve and to help people. Life is all about helping and giving back. And we have an obligation as professional athletes to do the same.”

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Joe Burrow praises Steelers’ Cameron Heyward after dominant performance

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow lauds standout performance by Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defender Cameron Heyward.

In the aftermath of a frustrating offensive performance, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow took a moment to spotlight an opponent who made a significant impact: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.

After a challenging 2023 season marred by injury, Heyward has roared back in 2024, delivering another standout showing with five tackles, including two for loss, a pass defended, and his fifth sack of the season.

Burrow acknowledged Heyward’s pivotal 3rd quarter sack, an eight-yard loss that underscored the veteran defender’s dominant presence.

“Cam Heyward made a great play,” Burrow said of his takedown by Heyward.

The performance further cements Heyward’s reputation as a relentless force and locker room leader.

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Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Lamar Jackson will have to wait a few weeks to get that much-needed win over the Steelers after the Ravens sputtered in neutral for most of the afternoon in an 18-16 loss to Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium.

The NFL’s No. 1 ranked quarterback in QBR, Jackson was 16-33 passing for 207 yards (6.3 avg), one touchdown, one interception, and a 66.1 rating, the lowest of this season.

Jackson had four carries for 46 yards, while Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards (5.0 avg) on 13 carries and one rushing touchdown, tying the single-season franchise record for touchdowns.

Zach Orr’s maligned defense held Pittsburgh to 4-16 on third downs and 303 total yards, but Pittsburgh held the football for 36:22, compared to Baltimore’s 23:38.

The Steelers held the Ravens ‘ top-ranked offense to 329 yards and just 124 yards rushing. Justin Tucker’s two missed field goals will further magnify the two-point loss. On the day, Tucker was 1-3 on field goal attempts, while Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was a perfect 6-6, including a 57-yard field goal.

Baltimore will quickly regroup before a massive Monday night matchup against Jim Harbaugh and the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers.

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Steelers-Commanders matchups to watch: Tyler Biadasz vs Cam Heyward

With the Steelers’ Week 10 game growing ever closer, one key matchup to look out for will be C Tyler Biadasz vs. DT Cam Heyward.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tough matchup ahead in their Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders. One of the key matchups that could decide the contest will be between Commanders center Tyler Biadasz and Steelers DT Cameron Heyward.

Heyward has been turning back the hands of father time in 2024, putting together one of his best seasons to date at 35-years old. He currently has 29 total pressures, seven QB hits, and five sacks through eight games in the 2024 season.

Biadasz is perhaps the Commanders’ most underrated offensive player, as  Washington’s center has allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits, and six pressures on 333 passing plays. Averaging one pressure per 55.5 passing downs is an impressive stat, and Heyward will have his work cut out for him on Sunday.

Can Heyward carry his team to their seventh victory in 2024, or will Biadasz stop their momentum in its tracks? Steelers fans‘ eyes will be glued to this battle in the trenches and can watch the action unfold on November 10th at 1:00 PM EST.

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Steelers’ DT responds to trade rumors

It is safe to say that Steelers’ All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward isn’t a fan of the recent speculation and trade rumors surrounding Pittsburgh.

While fans around the NFL enjoy the rumors and speculation surrounding the approaching trade deadline, it’s safe to say one Steelers player isn’t a fan. Pittsburgh’s three-time First Team All-Pro DT, Cam Heyward, wants fans to focus on the players in the Steelers’ locker room rather than waste energy predicting who will go where. 

In last week’s episode of his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, the defensive tackle shared his frustration with the ongoing trade speculations: “Every week, it’s ‘Who are we getting this week? Who are we getting this week?’” He added that the team “can’t keep worrying about shoulda, woulda, coulda.” Heyward’s powerful statements reflects his confidence in his teammates and what this roster is capable of achieving. 

He does make a valid point, as three major trade rumors involving the Steelers have come and gone without any new receivers to show for it. Should fans place more trust in the current Pittsburgh receiver room moving forward, instead of holding onto hope for another playmaker to be added by the trade deadline?

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Steelers’ DT to make history in Week 8 matchup

Steelers DT Cam Heyward will make history on Monday Night Football when his team hosts the New York Giants in Week 8.

No Pittsburgh Steelers defender bleeds Black and Gold quite like DT Cameron Heyward has in his 14 seasons with the Steelers. Heyward represents the Steel City honorably and continues to show younger generations of Steelers players exactly what it means to represent the city of Pittsburgh.

Teammate and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt cemented his name in history this year when he became the second-fastest player to reach 100 career sacks, and now it is Heyward’s turn to make history.

Heyward will play in his 202nd game on Monday Night Football when his team hosts the New York Giants in Week 8, and that is more games played than any Steelers defender before him.

Heyward has played more games for the Steelers than all-time great Pittsburgh defenders ‘Mean’ Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount, Troy Polamalu, Jack Ham, and L.C. Greenwood, just to name a few.

While Heyward will forever have his name in Pittsburgh sports history, he will look to accomplish for this city what all-time great Steelers’ defenders have done for Pittsburgh before him—bring a Super Bowl to the Steel City.

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Cameron Heyward, Joey Porter Jr. share glowing reactions to Steelers’ MNF uniforms

Steelers players, including Cameron Heyward and Joey Porter Jr., are excited about wearing the color rush unis vs. the Giants on MNF.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are breaking out their color rush uniforms a little early this year — much to the delight of the players who have the honor of wearing them.

The Steelers last wore their color rush in a Dec. 7 Thursday Night Football matchup with the New England Patriots.

As the longest-tenured Steeler, Cameron Heyward is most familiar with the energy wearing the alternate jersey can bring.

“It’s a different jersey,” Heyward told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. “I like to think we win more than we lose in them. We usually do it for a night game, and it provides an intensity and a rush, no pun intended. It’s a good time to show off some cool jerseys.”

Heyward’s right; the Steelers do win more than they lose in the color rush, as they boast a 7-3 record.

“It gets the fans going,” Heyward continued. “It looks like a black hole when you see the black and gold. Everybody has their old-school jerseys, but it’s nice to bring something new school to the party.”

It’ll be Joey Porter Jr.’s second time wearing the beloved monochromatic look, but he’s seen plenty of it — especially with his famous Steelers dad — over the years.

“I have seen so many great players wearing that jersey,” said Porter. “I like how the yellow pops on the block numbers. I have always been a fan of the block numbers. The fact that they put a spin on that for color rush, I love it. It always looks clean. I get excited for color rush.

“It’s an overall good uniform that I hope we bring back more often. Every time we play in them, I am happy.”

The Steelers have worn their color rush twice annually in some seasons, others just once.

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Gymnastics legend Simone Biles praises Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: ‘He’s just a miracle worker’

Gymnastics legend Simone Biles praises Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: ‘He’s just a miracle worker’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s popularity continues to grow with his success. He has caught the attention of various fans, NFL critics, and sports legends, like Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles.

Biles recently appeared on the “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward” podcast to speak highly about her husband, Johnathan Owens, and express respect for Mahomes’ play on the field.

“I mean, besides my husband (Owens), because he’s broken down stigmas that aren’t typical,” said Biles. “He’s D2 (Division II), undrafted, in year seven in the league, which is so good for kids to see, especially when he hosts his football camps. But I really think we always go back to Patrick Mahomes.”

Biles recently took home four more medals at her third Olympic Games in Paris, France, this past summer, inspiring a country with her career efforts. She’s impressed with Mahomes’ triumphs and jokingly said her husband wouldn’t be fond of her admiration for the three-time Super Bowl champion.

“A freak of nature, how does he always pull it out? It’s like the Chiefs could be down, and he’s just a miracle worker,” said Biles. “He’d probably kill me for saying that or admitting it, at least.”

Mahomes adds another fan, and the Chiefs aren’t expected to see Owens and his Chicago Bears again this year unless the teams meet in the Super Bowl.

5 Steelers players to watch vs. Chargers

The Steelers have talent on both sides of the ball.

It’s a battle of two undefeated teams in Week 3. The Chargers travel to Pittsburgh to face Mike Tomlin and the 2-0 Steelers in a game that figures to be low scoring.

It’s one that should be decided in the trenches, as physicality is considered a strength for each team. Here some players to keep an eye on this weekend from the Steelers’ side of things.

C Zach Frazier

It seems like the Steelers have found their center of the future. After a few years of poor play from the position, their 2024 second-rounder has looked stellar through the first two weeks. He’s helped stabilize the offensive line, something the team has been lacking for a few years now. Frazier’s matchup against the interior portion of the Chargers’ defensive line, namely Poona Ford, will be a major key to the Week 3 matchup. 

WR George Pickens

Pickens is by far Pittsburgh’s top playmaker, and he has eight catches for 114 yards so far on the season. The rest of the Steelers’ receiving core has combined for just five catches and 28 receiving yards. If there’s one guy that the Chargers can’t let take over the game, it’s Pickens. He certainly has the ability and talent to do so, as he accumulated 1,140 receiving yards last season.

Edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith

These two form arguably the best pass rushing duo in all of football. Watt is arguably the best defender in the NFL, while Highsmith is quite the running mate. Through two games, they’ve continued to wreck havoc, including last week against the Broncos. Their matchups against the Chargers’ offensive tackles, who have been elite this season, could decide the fate of this game.

CB Joey Porter Jr.

There’s no question as to who is the top corner in Pittsburgh. Only in his second season, Porter has enjoyed a stellar start to the season. If there is one weakness to his game, he does tend to get a bit handsy in coverage at times. He was flagged multiple times in Week 2 against the Broncos, so that’s something to watch. Justin Herbert may be wise to shy away from Porter throughout the game on Sunday if he wants to be able to have success through the air.

K Chris Boswell

It sounds a bit strange to include a kicker in this, but Boswell has become one of the best kickers in the NFL. Through two games, he’s a perfect 8-for-8 on field goal attempts, including 4-for-4 from over 50 yards. Kickers across the league have been exceptional to start the season, and Boswell has single-handedly helped the Steelers to a 2-0 start. It’s important for the Chargers defense to not even allow Pittsburgh’s offense into field goal range because at this point, it seems like an automatic three points for the Steelers.