AFC North rival’s Week 6 victory puts the pressure on Pittsburgh

Are the Baltimore Ravens beginning to pull away with the AFC North title race after their Week 6 win? Pittsburgh feels the pressure.

The Baltimore Ravens have put pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers to win their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Steelers’ AFC North rivals were tied with Pittsburgh for first in the divisional race; however, Baltimore won their matchup with the formidable Washington Commanders earlier today.

Baltimore started off the season slow but has now won four straight games to improve to 4-2. Pittsburgh’s situation is the complete opposite—starting the season undefeated through the first three games but losing their last two matchups.

The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals appear to be non-factors in the AFC North title race. However, Pittsburgh faces all three of their rivals a combined six times between Weeks 11 and 18, and momentum has not been kind to the Steelers down the stretch.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will need to shut down the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6 and stop the bleeding from losing two straight contests.  Can the ‘Steel City’ turn things around and get back to the standard of competing for championships?

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93.7 The Fan host sparks wild Davante Adams trade conspiracy theory

The ‘Davante Adams’ fever has impacted Andrew Filliponi, host of 93.7 The Fan. Filliponi explains a possible conspiracy theory on Adams.

Host of the Pittsburgh-centered radio show 93.7 The Fan, Andrew Filliponi, has fallen under the same Davante Adams-esque spell that much of the ‘Steel City’ has experienced. Both former and current players, along with a large part of the Pittsburgh fan base, seem to be all in on the Raiders’ All-Pro wide receiver trade rumors. Steelers players like Antonio Brown and Cordarrelle Patterson have even attempted to sway the 31-year-old’s mind about joining the team.

With the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints undergoing severe roster and regime changes, sports commentator Filliponi believes that not only is the time right for Pittsburgh to acquire the Raiders’ WR, but also that Las Vegas is waiting until after their Week 6 contest vs. the Steelers to finalize the trade.

https://twitter.com/ThePoniExpress/status/1844818286925717541

While this can clearly be broken down as speculation and wishful thinking, could Pittsburgh entertain the idea of Las Vegas delaying an additional week before shipping off their star receiver?

Regardless of the outcome of the Steelers’ Week 6 contest, if GM Omar Khan could pull off this blockbuster trade, fans will be singing his praises for seasons to come!

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Russell Wilson speaks his mind on WR George Pickens

While likely the QB2 in Week 6’s contest, Russell Wilson showed maturity and poise by standing up for his teammate WR George Pickens.

Whether on the field or in the lockeroom, the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year continues to prove why he should be the 2024 Pittsburgh signal caller.

If you asked Russell Wilson’s teammates what the QB brings to the team, they would describe several important qualities that a leader should have: maturity, swagger, and poise.

If you asked Wilson how he felt about his teammates in the ‘Steel City’, he would provide a passionate and intricate response befitting the role of a starting caliber quarterback in today’s NFL.

Recently, Wilson pulled no punches when giving his opinion on the recent drama surrounding Steelers’ superstar WR George Pickens.

While Justin Fields has held down the proverbial fort in Wilson’s absence, the former Seahawks’ and Broncos’ QB is ready to help this team do something he himself has accomplished once before—win a Super Bowl and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Pittsburgh.

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Broderick Jones weighs In: Can Russell Wilson outshine Justin Fields?

During Friday’s media availability for Pittsburgh, RT Broderick Jones was asked what exactly the difference was between Wilson and Fields.

During Friday’s media availability, Broderick Jones was asked about the differences between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Jones kept his response short and sweet, emphasizing that the main difference lies in the ‘energy’ each quarterback brings to the offense.

“Russ has been doing this for so long,” Jones explained, “When he comes in, he has a little swagger about him.”

This swagger and poise is exactly what this offense seems to be missing, as Fields’ decision making and lack of pocket awareness continues to kill drives.  Wilson’s resume speaks for itself—nine Pro Bowl selections, 2015 leader in passer rating, 2017 leader in touchdowns, and Super Bowl XLVII champion.  However, the anger of fans and wise insight from their offensive lineman cannot bring Wilson’s presence on offense into fruition.

Pittsburgh’s young 2023 first-round offensive tackle seems to be stating the obvious answer to the question Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin are trying to avoid—can Russell Wilson win more games for the Steelers than Justin Fields?

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Former Steeler turned Raider LB eager for revenge vs. Pittsburgh

Former Steeler and current Raider, LB Robert Spillane, explained that Pittsburgh’s choice to allow him to leave left a chip on his shoulder.

It seems Robert Spillane isn’t thrilled that Pittsburgh didn’t bring him back when he entered free agency in 2023.

While Spillane was reliable for the Steelers, playing in 50 games over four seasons, his best performance came during his first season as a Raider. Through twenty-two starts in Las Vegas, Spillane has accumulated over 200 tackles and three interceptions. The former Steelers LB is also leading the NFL with 43 solo tackles, compiling his best statistical start to date in 2024.

Spillane stated that he had a chip on his shoulder, and although he was arguably upset that Pittsburgh didn’t bring him back to the ‘Steel City,’ he claimed he was grateful to be a Raider.

https://twitter.com/PGutierrezESPN/status/1844505121797046386

Can Pittsburgh’s offensive unit silence Spillane’s jealous tirade and show him that the grass isn’t always greener? Najee Harris and the underwhelming Steelers’ run game have an opportunity to put their stamp on the 2024 season when they travel to Las Vegas in Week 6.

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Russell Wilson on role vs. Raiders in Week 6: ‘Preparing my mind to get ready to go’

Russell Wilson answered the media’s questions about his availability in Week 6 with the poise and maturity of a starting QB.

The reporters were asking all the right questions during Thursday’s media availability ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

QB Russell Wilson, who has participated fully in back-to-back practices, may finally have healed from his calf injury. However, it was reported on Wednesday that while Wilson is a full participant at practice, Tomlin allowed Fields alone to get the first-team reps.

Reporters asked Wilson what his role might look like in Week 6 and beyond. Wilson answered as honestly as he could.

“That’s a big question. Yeah, no, I think for me, I’m preparing my mind to get ready to go and everything else. So that’s kind of my mentality — to help us win, whatever that is. So, yeah, I’m just getting prepared for Friday.”

Wilson’s focus on contributing in any way he can is not only commendable, it shows maturity, something that the Steelers offense has sorely lacked as of late.

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The Wilson Connection: Russell and Roman practicing with second-team

Roman and Russell Wilson have practiced in full on Wednesday. Will the Wilsons make their seasonal debuts in Week 6 against Las Vegas?

Fans were treated with one of the most beautiful sights of the Steelers’ 2024 season: Russell and Roman Wilson building on their chemistry, connecting with some nice throws in their practice with the Steelers second-team offense.

It was reported that while Russell Wilson was practicing in full for the first time in six weeks, Mike Tomlin would allow Justin Fields alone to practice with Pittsburgh’s first-team offense, in order to not ‘disrupt his preparation.’ Roman Wilson has also practiced in full for six straight practices, but is being deligated to second-team reps.

The wonderful Wilson duo will most likely have to prove themselves onto the field.  However, Steelers fans can certainly get used to the sight of the Wilson to Wilson connection.

https://twitter.com/Aaron_M_Becker/status/1844079794100834655

Could the Steelers offense use the assistance of the Wilsons in their Week 6 efforts against the Raiders?  Pittsburgh looks to stop the two game losing streak as they travel to Las Vegas this Sunday, October 13th at 4:05 PM EST.

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HC Mike Tomlin offers inspirational wisdom to practice squad

Mike Tomlin is doing his best scouting within his own team’s practice squad—looking for the next batch of elevations to rush the passer.

Injuries have hit both sides of the ball hard for Pittsburgh. With Alex Highsmith out with a groin injury until at least Week 7, and Nick Herbig recently suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5, the depth at outside linebacker/edge rusher is looking grim.

While some free agency signings are expected, Mike Tomlin is more focused on inspiring the next group of practice squad members who can earn their way onto the game day roster.

One such practice squad member, outside linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji, shared that Tomlin has offered motivating words to the group: “We’re not just here to stay on the practice squad. We’re here to try and get up and play.”

https://twitter.com/Aaron_M_Becker/status/1844119538700517513

A team that preaches accountability from its practice squad to its starters is a team fans can take pride in. However, Tomlin’s ‘encouraging’ words will need to carry more weight, as the Steelers, coming off back-to-back losses, cannot afford to lose a third game with the AFC North race tightening.

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‘Davante Adams to Pittsburgh’ rumors as Jets, Saints trade talks stall

The Saints and Jets were favorites to land WR Davante Adams. Their trade attempts have stalled, allowing Pittsburgh a chance to capitalize.

After losing two straight weeks to the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers need some kind of silver lining to cling to. Well, Insider Adam Schefter and Steelers reporter Nick Farabaugh are making miracles a reality.

Schefter and Farabaugh have recently reported that the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, the odds-on favorites to land Pittsburgh trade target WR Davante Adams, are undergoing several changes that will impact their chances of acquiring the receiver.

The New York Jets have recently fired their head coach, Robert Saleh, while the New Orleans Saints have lost Adams’ former teammate, QB Derek Carr, for at least four games due to an oblique injury.

Farabaugh’s comments about “Yinzer catnip” are as accurate as Ben Roethlisberger going head-to-head with the Cleveland Browns. Steelers fans will be more than eager to anticipate the possible arrival of one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.

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Behind the numbers: Steelers versus Cowboys rivalry 

The historic rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys hits prime time this Sunday night. We at Steelers Wire dive into the numbers and stats that make this rivalry so special.

When fans think of some of the greatest rivalries in football, many are quick to point to divisional matchups, such as those in the AFC North, NFC North, and AFC West—and they would be correct. However, two opponents from completely opposite conferences, separated by over 1.2 thousand miles, share a rivalry so intense and competitive that it has withstood the test of time. 

A rivalry that has shaped careers, created playmakers, and defined legacies, walks a fine line between hatred and respect for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys. Together, the Steelers and Cowboys have claimed a combined 11 Super Bowl titles and faced off in three of those games (Super Bowl X, XIII, XXX). 

Though Dallas won only one of these Super Bowls (XXX), they hold the edge in their overall head-to-head matchups, with 17 wins to Pittsburgh’s 16. This could all change if the Steelers can tie the rivalry after their Sunday Night Football game against Dallas in Week 5, on October 6th, at 8:20 PM EST. 

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