Tag: sports news

Cam Heyward retells snake scare horror story from Week 10 locker room

Cam Heyward shared a wild story of a snake sighting in the Steelers’ locker room before their Week 10 matchup with the Commanders.

As if facing the formerly 7-2, now 7-3, Washington Commanders in a rough road matchup wasn’t scary enough, it appears there was a Washington snake sighting in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room for the Week 10 matchup.

In the soon-to-be-released 95th episode of Steelers’ DT Cam Heyward’s podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, there was a teaser released on social media that highlighted the retelling of a snake sighting in the Steelers’ locker room.

Heyward stated that while he was warming up before the Steelers’ matchup against the Commanders, his teammates were dealing with an actual snake in their locker room.

While the thought of the snake remaining in the locker room is frightening, luckily for the Steelers, Pittsburgh was able to leave that problem for the Washington Commanders and their Northwest Stadium staff to handle.

Pittsburgh has another member of the animal kingdom to conquer in Week 11: the Ravens. The Steelers will look to extend their lead over Baltimore in the AFC North divisional title race on November 17th, at 1:00 PM EST.

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Chris Boswell discusses confident kicking with Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers’ K Chris Boswell discussed his growth and confidence as a kicker on Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast, sharing insights from his career.

Chris Boswell, AKA the Wizard of Boz, is regarded as one of the greatest kickers the NFL has ever seen. While Boswell is seemingly automatic and comfortable attempting any kick from any distance, it wasn’t always this way for the Pittsburgh Steelers star.

Making an appearance on the latest episode of Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, co-host Spencer Te’o asked Boswell when kicking became automatic.

Boswell humbly stated, “I think, you know, the more years I put into it, kinda, the more confidence I put in myself in that situation. It definitely didn’t start like that. I definitely worried about holds, worried about snaps, worried about wind, stuff like that. And then I’ve just gotten to the point where I don’t even think about anything anymore.”

While Boswell’s hard work and dedication speak for themselves, Big Ben added that Boswell always holds himself accountable, stating, “I’ve never heard this guy make an excuse.”

Throughout his storied career in Pittsburgh, Boswell’s performance has made him a fan favorite in the Steel City, and his wise words on growth and confidence speak volumes about his character as a whole.

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Fans react to Mike Tomlin’s hilarious comments on Diontae Johnson

Steelers fans mock Diontae Johnson after Mike Tomlin’s comments, as bad blood brews before Week 11’s clash with the Ravens.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson just can’t catch a break! From frustrations in Pittsburgh to unhappiness in Carolina, and now disappointment in Baltimore, Johnson’s negativity seems to follow him wherever he goes.

His recent social media meltdown apparently stemmed from being used sparingly for two consecutive weeks by the Ravens.

As previously reported, Mike Tomlin took a subtle jab at the former Steelers receiver, smirking as he told reporters he’s more concerned with important players who actually get playing time.

Tomlin ultimately had to deal with quite a bit of immaturity from Johnson during the receiver’s time in Pittsburgh, including his struggle to make routine catches on the field, lack of effort on run plays, and his inconsistent attitude both on and off the field.

There’s no secret that some bad blood might be brewing as the team heads into the Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Fans of the Steel City took this opportunity to let their boos rain down early on Johnson, with the prelude starting on social media. Here are some of the best reactions to Tomlin’s comments on Johnson.

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Sorry, Baltimore: Steelers know exactly how to stop Derrick Henry

Pittsburgh has consistently contained Derrick Henry, with wins over him in 2017, 2020, and 2023—a testament to their resilience.

King Henry may rule in Baltimore, but he has bowed several times to the impressive display of determination and resilience that the Steel City represents. The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced a Derrick Henry-led offense three times during his career—in 2017, 2020, and 2023—and emerged victorious each time.

In 2017, the Pittsburgh defense limited Henry to 32 rushing yards on 7 attempts. In 2020—a season many consider one of the greatest by a running back, with Henry averaging 5.4 yards per carry on 378 attempts, rushing for 2,027 yards, and scoring 17 rushing touchdowns—the Steelers once again tamed the king in their Week 7 matchup with the Titans, holding him to just 75 yards on 20 attempts. When the teams met again in 2023, Pittsburgh held Henry to the same 75 rushing yards.

The Baltimore-based king is one of the greatest running backs of his era, but his lack of production speaks volumes about HC Mike Tomlin’s ability to scheme effectively and prevent him from taking over the game. While Henry is an elite player in the NFL, make no mistake: just like the Baltimore Ravens over the past few seasons, Pittsburgh will have his number once again in Week 11.

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Mike Tomlin highlights what led to fake-punt decision in Week 10

Mike Tomlin shed additional light on the decision to call the fake-punt against the Washington Commanders in Week 10.

While taking risks on special teams has paid off for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the past, the team hit a snag in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. A failed fake punt nearly cost them the game, leading to plenty of questions for Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

In Monday’s press conference leading up to the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tomlin explained what prompted the decision to attempt a fake punt in Washington: “We’re just not gonna allow people to do unorthodox and potentially unsound things against us. I’m not gonna allow people to over-stress our punt protection unit by leaving people uncovered when we have people capable of throwing and catching the football.”

Interestingly enough, though the play didn’t work as intended, Tomlin added that these special teams plays are a focus in 2024, and as routine as offensive or defensive calls.

Can fans of the Black and Gold expect more trick plays moving forward, or will Tomlin be forced to dial it back after the failed Week 10 attempt?

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Mike Tomlin hilariously shrugs off risky play-calling inquiry

Mike Tomlin had an interesting response when asked if offensive success contributes to riskier play calls on defense and special teams.

Taking risks, making bold moves, and securing victories any way they come are just a few aspects of Mike Tomlin’s high-level coaching that benefit the Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout their Week 10 contest against the Washington Commanders, the Steelers executed a variety of risky play calls across all three phases of the game—some of which succeeded, while others fell short.

During Monday’s press conference, when asked if Russell Wilson and his dynamic deep-threat ability affect riskier decision-making, Tomlin responded with a smirk: ‘No, we’re gonna take risks on defense and special teams anyway.’

While fans may argue against the destructive potential of relying on risk over strategy, Tomlin has managed to balance this razor-thin line, combining both elements when calling plays and securing critical victories in 2024 as a result.

The Steelers may need to once again lean on Tomlin’s willingness to take risks as they face a pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on November 17th at 1:00 PM EST.

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Mike Tomlin on the villainous Week 11 matchup with Baltimore

In the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, ‘villains’ like Patrick Queen and Arthur Maulet are set to add fuel to the fire in Week 11.

There is no love lost between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. Within an AFC North rivalry that burns so intensely hot it could mimic the sun, there are bound to be players deemed ‘villains’ by opposing sides.

During the Monday press conference, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin highlighted former Steelers CB Arthur Maulet, now in Baltimore, and former Raven, current Steelers LB Patrick Queen, as two players who have crossed over to the other side of this heated rivalry.

Early in the 2024 offseason, Queen further stoked the flames, declaring, ‘I wanna be that villain; I wanna be that guy.’ When asked about Queen’s potential to embrace this ‘villainous’ role against his former team in Week 11, Tomlin responded emphatically, noting that while Queen will have his opportunity, he won’t be the only one: ‘There’s a lot of villains on both sides of this rivalry.’

With both teams hosting a variety of potential villains, including Queen, Maulet, and newly acquired Ravens WR Diontae Johnson, this matchup’s bad blood will be on full display in Week 11 on November 17th, at 1:00 PM EST.

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Is it time to hit the panic button on Joey Porter Jr.?

As Joey Porter Jr. continues to shows signs of regression after a strong rookie year with the Steelers, is it time to panic?

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers’ second-year cornerback from Penn State, entered his rookie season in 2023 with high expectations and ultimately earned the respect of both his peers and fans. However, his second NFL season has been disappointing, to say the least.

Through nine games in the 2024 season, Porter has allowed 26 receptions for 365 yards and a quarterback passer rating of 94.5. At this rate, he is on pace to allow 689 yards by the season’s end. This marks a noticeable decline from his 2023 rookie season, where he allowed just 25 receptions for 385 yards and a QB passer rating of 68.8 over 17 games.

Though Porter has shown inconsistency throughout the season, his worst performance came in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. He allowed 131 yards on six receptions, which accounted for 71% of Washington’s 182 total receiving yards.

Pittsburgh may need to evaluate its options moving forward, perhaps by giving Porter additional practice reps or placing a safety over him during man-coverage plays, as the Steelers defense need to keep his inefficiency under control heading into a difficult second half stretch of the 2024 season.

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Could Preston Smith be the lifeline for Steelers defense?

With Alex Highsmith set to miss time with an ankle injury, the Preston Smith acquisition may have saved the Steelers’ defense.

When Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and the Steelers front office acquired OLB Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick, many began to speculate if this was the biggest steal of the trade deadline. Alex Highsmith’s apparent ankle injury in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders further solidifies Smith’s acquisition as one of the greatest trades of 2024.

While backup Nick Herbig performed admirably, the Steelers went 2-2 in games that Highsmith missed, highlighting the need for a veteran edge rusher opposite T.J. Watt.

Smith, having played 156 games with 138 starts in his 10-year career, is exactly what could save the Steelers’ defense with Highsmith set to miss time.

Used sparingly in Week 10, Smith still managed to record a sack on rookie QB Jayden Daniels.

The ‘Khan Artist’ truly struck gold in acquiring Smith’s talents, and this move could reshape the entire landscape of the Pittsburgh defense. The 31-year old Smith will look to fill the void left by Highsmith, and aims to start with sacking Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson in Week 11.

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Steelers lead NFL in second-half scoring margin

Despite slow starts, the Steelers lead the NFL in second-half scoring margin, with strong comebacks like their Week 10 win over Washington.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Such is the case with Pittsburgh in 2024. While the Steelers look vastly improved compared to recent seasons, they still manage to start off games slowly, picking up steam as the second half rolls around.

Such was the case in the Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders. Heading into halftime, the Steelers trailed 17-14. However, Pittsburgh’s second-half resurgence would once again push the team to victory, as they outscored Washington 14-10, finishing the game 28-27.

Pittsburgh has done this plenty of times throughout the 2024 season, with one of the most notable examples coming in Week 7, when the Steelers scored 24 unanswered points in the second half.

Coaching indeed matters, as once Pittsburgh improves their first-half production, the team will be immediate Super Bowl favorites.

The Steelers will need all facets of their team to stay sharp throughout the entirety of the game moving forward, as Pittsburgh faces extremely tough matchups from Weeks 11-18, which are considered to create the most difficult remaining schedule in the NFL.

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