Tag: Larry Ogunjobi

Is it time to hit the panic button on the Pittsburgh Steelers defense?

The Steelers’ defense has faltered in back-to-back losses, raising questions about their identity and playoff readiness.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have dropped to 10-5 following two consecutive losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 15 and 16, respectively.

While both of these teams boasted high-powered offenses, the Steelers’ defense has recently showcased a loss of identity. The Lamar Jackson-led Ravens offense produced over 400 yards in the Steelers’ loss, and the Eagles accomplished the same the previous week.

Back in November, the Steelers held the Ravens to 16 total points compared to the 34-17 blowout loss in Week 16. What truly changed—and should fans begin to panic?

It is understandable that exhaustion has set in for the Black and Gold, as the team is currently in the midst of playing three games against Super Bowl contenders in just a 10-day span.

Injuries are also a likely cause, with the team missing CB Joey Porter Jr., CB Donte Jackson, DT Larry Ogunjobi, and SS DeShon Elliott. Their absences impact all facets of the defensive side of the ball.

With the Steelers’ playoff spot clinched, keeping the team healthy should be the primary concern rather than forcing players who are less than 100% to play injured.

Don’t worry, Steelers fans—this defense will reign supreme once again!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers’ turnovers and injuries spell disaster in Week 16 loss to Ravens

Injuries and turnovers doomed the Steelers in Week 16, as the Ravens denied them the AFC North title with a 34-17 victory.

Hearts have shattered all throughout the Steel City. With the Pittsburgh Steelers on the cusp of clinching the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens prevented the Black and Gold from securing the divisional title in Week 16.

The Ravens soundly defeated the Steelers 34-17, with injuries and turnovers playing a huge role throughout the Week 16 contest.

Heading into the matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers were down several key starters on both sides of the ball: WR George Pickens, SS DeShon Elliott, DT Larry Ogunjobi, and CB Donte Jackson. Black and Gold injuries continued to pile up as the team lost starting CB Joey Porter Jr. and ST/WR Ben Skowronek during the game.

As if this wasn’t bad enough, Russell Wilson’s fumble in the red zone—when he could have easily slid to avoid the big hit—and his costly pick-six all but handed the Ravens the Week 16 victory and potentially the division.

There is little time to correct their mistakes, however, as the Pittsburgh Steelers must now turn their attention to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day in Week 17.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers welcome 2 injured starters back to practice on Tuesday

Larry Ogunjobi, DeShon Elliott and George Pickens all missed Sunday’s game vs the Philadelphia Eagles.

Injuries played a significant factor in the Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. The Steelers were minus wide receiver George Pickens, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and safety DeShon Elliott and all three were seriously missed.

But the good news is the Steelers got two of them back to practice on Tuesday. Sort of. Ogunjobi returned to practice on a limited basis and while Pickens was listed as DNP, he did go some individual drills with the team. Unfortunately, Elliott remained out.

The Steelers have an opportunity to clinch the AFC North with a win over the Baltimore Ravens this weekend so getting those three back will be significant. Pittsburgh is also hoping the injuries suffered by outside linebacker T.J. Watt and quarterback Justin Fields in last week’s game won’t keep them out even though both missed Tuesday’s practice as well.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

***

Steelers activate veteran DT from IR for Week 15 matchup vs Eagles

The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated Montravius Adams from IR, fortifying their defensive line ahead of Week 15 against the Eagles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally received some positive injury news. While the loss of defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi for the Week 15 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles is concerning, the team will reportedly have veteran defensive tackle Montravius Adams returning from injured reserve.

Adams last played in Week 7, when the Steelers dominated an Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets. Unfortunately, Adams suffered a knee injury which led to his placement on injured reserve, causing him to miss the past six Steelers’ contests.

Although it has been an up-and-down season for Adams, his veteran presence will be greatly appreciated as the Steelers’ defensive unit continues to battle injuries heading into Week 15.

Will the returning Adams help lift his team to victory in Week 15? Fans will get to witness the impact the defensive lineman brings to the Black and Gold when the Steelers take on the Philadelphia Eagles on December 15 at 4:25 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers defender named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee

The NFL announced the 32 nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award on Thursday.

On Thursday, the NFL announced the 32 nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. It’s the league’s most distinguished honor, recognizing players who excel on and off the field and “demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.”

During a team meeting this week, the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recipient Cameron Heyward surprised Steelers nominee, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, with the nomination.

“We’ve got an obligation to give,” Ogunjobi said after learning the news. “God has blessed us in tremendous ways. Our opportunity to give back to people is big. When you have an opportunity to put the light somewhere other than yourself, you have a chance to really make a difference. Let this be an example, anybody can do it, you guys can do it. Keep striving for greatness.”

Other nominees include Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

2024 NFL draft: 4 DT prospects who could replace Larry Ogunjobi

If the Steelers move on from Larry Ogunjobi, here are some draft prospects to consider reaplacing him with.

One of the more obvious candidates for either a contract restructure or to be released is Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. If Pittsburgh designates Ogunjobi for a post-June 1 release, it would save the Steelers $9.75 million. In a rebuild that is a huge amount of cap to spend elsewhere.

If the Steelers do choose to move on from Ogunjobi, it will mean a much larger role for Keeanu Neal but the Steelers will still need to add another interior player. Here are four guys in the 2024 NFL draft that fit the bill.

65 days until Browns season opener: 5 players to wear 65 in Cleveland

The countdown clock has ticked down to 65 days

In two weeks the rookies and veterans will have reported to Berea for the beginning of the 2023 training camp for the Cleveland Browns. The countdown counter is down to just Larry Ogunjobi days for the showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland.

In total, there have been 15 different players to wear the number for a regular season game with the first one being Joe Skibinski in 1952. The number was most recently worn by a couple of players that didn’t see much action after being worn for a couple of seasons by former draft pick Larry Ogunjobi.

Let’s take a look at five players that have worn 65 for the Browns.

Ranking the 10 best free agent defensive tackles available for the Saints

Ranking the 10 best free agent defensive tackles available for the Saints, with Sheldon Rankins on top:

Everyone knows what position the New Orleans Saints need to make a priority: defensive tackle. The team lost its top two players in Monday’s start to the free agent legal tampering period, with David Onyemata joining the Atlanta Falcons and Shy Tuttle going to the Carolina Panthers. All of their other interior linemen who got on the field last year are free agents — Malcolm Roach (who wants to test the market before accepting a two-year contract offer), Kentavius Street, and Albert Huggins. The Saints couldn’t field a complete defense if they had a game today.

And money has been flying around the league with defensive tackles on the move. The San Francisco 49ers are going to sign Javon Hargrave. The Washington Commanders retained Daron Payne. The Seattle Seahawks lured in Dre’Mont Jones. And the Cleveland Browns reached an agreement with Dalvin Tomlinson. The cupboard is starting to thin out before the Saints even get on the board.

Still, there are options available. Here are the top ten free agents still out there at their top position of need:

Podcast: Free agency wish list and more Browns draft talk

Which players should the Browns target in free agency?

In this week’s show, we talk about our top five free-agent targets for the Cleveland Browns next month. Could the team target some former players for a potential reunion on the defensive side of the ball? The Browns might not have a ton of money to spend but there are more than enough cheaper players out there that would improve the roster.

Finally, the show moves to more draft talk as I talk more about Auburn edge rusher Derick Hall and why I think he would be a great fit. You can listen to the episode here or if you watch here to see the video version on YouTube.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]