Friday, November 15

Ready for a dog fight: You don't have to remind linebacker T.J. Watt what the challenge is this week against the Baltimore Ravens.

He is well aware of it.

The Ravens come into Sunday's game at Acrisure Stadium with the No. 1 ranked offense in the NFL, as well as the No. 1 rushing attack in the league.

It's going to be a challenge, with a host of weapons that are highlighted by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry.

The Steelers have a 3-1 record against Jackson, but it's all about the here and now.

"Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP," said Watt. "He is that guy.

"So, it's a tough task to get after him. We feel like we've had success in the past. But it means nothing if we don't take it to the table on Sunday.

"It's been a dogfight every year since I've been here. I know it's been that way well before I was here as well."

Trying to pinpoint a reason for the success against Jackson isn't something that comes easily, because he isn't easy to have success against. It's a combination of multiple factors all working at the right time.

"It's a mixture of schematics, guys playing fast," said Watt. "Simple defensive things, like guys doing their job and trusting everybody to do their job. And tackling. Tackling is huge. Being able to tackle the football, the second guy in then punches the ball, things like that."

Jackson is having an incredibly strong season, completing 199 passes for 2,669 yards and 24 touchdowns. And in 288 pass attempts, he only has thrown two interceptions.

He also continues to be a menace with his legs, rushing 91 times for 538 yards and two touchdowns.

"I don't watch a whole lot of (their) games, other than the games we study, but every time you watch him, he's dynamic whether he's extending out of the pocket or even in the pocket," said Watt. "The designed quarterback runs. The not designed runs, especially with the big back in the backfield with him. It makes it a tough challenge for defenses to stop."

The defense will get a boost this week with the return of linebacker Nick Herbig, who missed four games with a hamstring injury. The timing is spot on with fellow linebacker Alex Highsmith ruled out with an ankle injury.

"It will be big," said Watt. "I know Herbs been out for a while. He's itching to be back. Be good to have him back. A guy that can rush the passer, but also stop the run in the rotation as well. I feel good about our depth."

That depth includes recently acquired linebacker Preston Smith, who will be playing in his second game in the black and gold and Watt has nothing but confidence in him.

"It's not easy to be thrust into a defense with five days notice," said Watt of Smith's performance against the Commanders last week. "To be able to go out and play meaningful snaps and make meaningful plays is a great addition for us."

A true legacy: Cam Sutton learned about the Steelers-Ravens rivalry his rookie season, from players who knew what the game meant, who understood the rivalry inside and out.

Guys like Cameron Heyward, Vince Williams, Ryan Shazier, James Harrison, Ben Roethlisberger and Ramon Foster, just to name a few.

Through the years, he has faced the Ravens plenty of times, seeing just about everything you could imagine.

He respects the rivalry, knows it comes from a deep history between the two teams, a history that both sides take pride in.

"Just the legacy behind it," said Sutton. "It's deeply rooted. It goes beyond the guys in this room right now. Just the depth of the relationship between the two organizations, two prestigious organizations, two highly thought of organizations. There is a reputation behind them, good rapport and obviously playing great football."

Sutton understands the games always come down to the wire, that one play, good or bad, can make all the difference and you have to be on top of your game at all times.

"It's the clash of the division games," said Sutton. "The thin line of winning and what those games, those battles have come down to. It's playing a full 60-minute game. It's hard-nosed football, all the different elements, all the different game scenarios and season scenarios.

"And obviously, the great players that have been a part of this relationship. That's been special as well."

Sutton knows how special the rivalry is based on the history and considers himself lucky to be a part of it.

"I was super lucky to be able to play with some of the older guys, guys who have been a part of this rivalry for a long time," said Sutton. "It was deeply infused into me since day one.

"I know how much it means, not just because it's a game, but just the situational wise, everything that we worked for to have moments like this against opponents like this. It'll be a big fun week."

History lessons: Receiver Calvin Austin III knows exactly what the Steelers-Ravens rivalry means.

He has played in two games against the Ravens, both of them 17-10 wins in 2023.

He has witnessed first-hand what the games are like, what a battle they are between two teams that are extremely familiar with each other.

"Both teams have so much history," said Austin. "They are well-coached. Players play hard on each team and it's just a battle. It's a lot of respect.

"It's all about the competition, whether it's offense, defense or special teams. There's a lot of little matchups that's been going on for a while as well.

"You become very familiar with the team once you play them twice a year. We're each very well coached and disciplined. So, you're going to have to bring your best every time."

While Austin knows every game must be treated the same, he admits there is a different energy when it's an AFC North game.

"I would say so," said Austin. "We always have a heightened energy just because every game matters. But it's the AFC North. Probably our biggest rivalry. We know what they're going to bring, we know how they're coached, that they're going to bring their best. So, we have to match that."

Sunday will also be the first time the Steelers face their former teammate, receiver Diontae Johnson. Johnson was traded from the Steelers to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason, and then from the Panthers to the Ravens before the trade deadline.

Austin said he has spoken to Johnson since he's been gone, even telling him they need to do a jersey swap.

"I told him one of these games I need a jersey. We talked about that," said Austin. "But yeah, it's kind of crazy seeing him over there. He's had tons of experience in this matchup. So, it's a lot of history here."

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Thursday, November 14

Solid advice from the captain: If anyone new to the Steelers roster this year has any questions about what the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is like, all they need to do is listen to defensive captain Cameron Heyward.

Heyward has played in his share of Steelers-Ravens games in his 14 seasons, and the advice he gives is good advice to follow.

"It's going to be physical. They are going to be sore after," said Heyward. "I think it's going to feel like a playoff game because both of these teams are fighting for the AFC North crown. Bring the energy. Don't be surprised by it and make sure that it lasts all the way through.

"There's history there. You look at your contemporaries across the line and look at the past matchups. You look at what's happened in the past, but it's not indicative of the future. But we understand that there's a whole lot of physicalness.

"Guys stepping up and making critical plays at critical times. That's what it has always come down to. And I don't think that's ever going to change."

One thing Heyward knows, is with Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson, you have to do everything in your power to make sure you are the one making those critical plays. Yes, the Steelers have had success against Jackson, with a 3-1 record facing him. But that doesn't mean anything to Heyward.

"Sometimes the ball is falling our way," said Heyward. "I mean, it's not like he's not dicing us up. He's a heck of a talent that you try to bottle up, but you never can. And sometimes it's come down to just having the ball last and being able to get off the field when you can."

This year, Jackson has another weapon in running back Derrick Henry, who came over to the Ravens from the Tennessee Titans.

"Now you just combine two MVPs together," said Heyward. "They're a dual threat where it doesn't matter who's touching the ball. They are really punishing defenses. Derrick Henry has been a homerun hitter in Tennessee, now he's bringing that over here. Lamar is in a more advantageous situation now. I think having a guy like Derrick Henry where you don't have to gain 10 yards a pop, now Lamar's like shoot, I can go out there and just play ball."

This will be the first time the Steelers have faced Jackson in over a year since he missed the regular season finale last year, and Heyward said he is the same player now that he was then.

"I think he's just as confident," said Heyward. "He's collected, he's calm in the backfield, and he can make you pay in so many different ways. He's got a lot of options now. Derrick Henry out of the backfield. (Rashod) Bateman and (Zay) Flowers are all killing it. Just added Diontae Johnson, (Isaiah) Likely has come on, a lot of (Mark) Andrews. They've got a lot of pieces. It's not like he doesn't have a good supporting cast around him. The offensive line's a lot healthier. I just think he's dynamic, but to be that consistent with it is really special."

Knowing what Lamar brings: If there is anyone on the Steelers roster who knows what Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is capable of, it's linebacker Patrick Queen.

Queen spent his first four seasons with the Ravens, going against Jackson on a daily basis in practice.

"He wants to win," said Queen. "He'll do whatever it takes to win, and he knows what it takes."

Things will be much different for Queen on Sunday than in the four years he faced him in practice.

This time, Queen can actually tackle Jackson, something that is a no-no against your own quarterback in practice.

"Not being able to tackle him in practice, and now finally I get a chance to tackle him," said Queen. "That should be fun. He's just a great competitor. He's a great athlete. He can do whatever he wants on the field, as we all know. For me, it's just going against the best."

Queen said the key to stopping Jackson is to continue to play the physical brand of football they do.

"It's a physical game," said Queen. "Just trying not to let him do what he does best, and that's the best way I could explain it.

"Just keeping everything simple, try to get after him, not let him do what he does. Everybody just do their job the same. Basically, the same way the Washington game was. Just everybody do their job. Everybody does that and we'll be fine."

With the second half of the season featuring six games against AFC North teams, there couldn't be a better time for Queen to get to a point where he is feeling more comfortable in the defense and making plays he knows he should make.

"Just getting a feel of it, just taking my time, just understanding everybody around me," said Queen. "Becoming more comfortable in the defense. It was just plays that I should have made.

"I had to look in the mirror and get back to myself. I have been getting better the last few weeks. I have to just raise the standard."

No crash course required: When the Steelers host the Ravens on Sunday they'll do so with two-fifths of a starting offensive line that has yet to experience what Steelers-Ravens games are like, how they have a tendency to play out differently than other, more standard matchups, especially from an intensity standpoint.

But veteran left tackle Dan Moore Jr. isn't concerned about having to coach up rookie center Zach Frazier and rookie right guard Mason McCormick about what's in store.

"Obviously, it's the Steelers-Baltimore rivalry, that's a game that you should know growing up, just playing football, being a football fan," Moore maintained. "And if you're not, if you're not familiar with it, you can feel the intensity just in preparation and just the way Coach Tomlin (head coach Mike) talks about these guys in team meetings.

"You talk about divisional opponents, and if you're a guy that gets drafted in the building, you gotta kill dudes in your division. That's the emphasis that we're putting on this week for our young guys but we just want to attack these guys like we would any other team."

Frazier confirmed he hasn't received any special attention in advance of his first Steelers-Ravens confrontation.

"No one necessarily came up to me specifically and said anything," he reported.
Nor does Frazier feel as if he's in need of any such tutorials.

He may be a rookie, but Frazier has nonetheless picked up on the vibe at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this week.

"I think you can kind of feel it in the building," he continued. "Divisional games obviously mean more. There's definitely just a little bit different feeling in the building."

McCormick, admittedly not an expert on Steelers-Ravens history, grew up watching it play out. As a result, he's of the opinion he knows what he needs to know going into his first Steelers-Ravens matchup as a participant rather than an interested observer. And, like seemingly everyone else in the Steelers locker room, McCormick is anticipating what's coming with enthusiasm.

"It's been a cool rivalry watching just growing up," he said. "I don't know a lot but I know it's gonna be a fun game and I look forward to it. You can see the effort that goes into this game and the way guys play. It's obviously a physical matchup, that's exciting."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Williams wins Way to Play Award: Newly acquired receiver Mike Williams is the winner of the 2024 NFL Way to Play Award for Week 10.

This is the seventh year for the award, which recognizes NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays.

Williams, who was acquired via a trade with the New York Jets just days before the Steelers played the Washington Commanders, won the award for his game-winning 32-yard touchdown reception from Russell Wilson with just 2:27 left in the game. It was the only pass thrown to Williams in the entire game and secured a 28-27 win for the Steelers.

"You've got to love clutch moments," said Wilson. "When you've got guys that can make plays and do things for you, first of all, Big Mike over there, just traded for him. He's a tremendous football player.

"It was a big time catch by Mike. I just try to give them a chance and let him do his thing. A guy who's made plays, a guy who's faced some adversity. You love it when guys face adversity and they come through on the other end of it. He had a great week of practice."

One thing that he didn't practice at all though was the route that was run on the touchdown catch, and he still came through.

"I didn't run it one time," said Williams.

The award was implemented with the idea of player safety and showing big-time plays can be made in the right manner.

"Through the award, football players and fans from around the world can see real-time examples of excellent football fundamentals and skill development," said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

Williams will receive a $5,000 equipment grant through USA Football to be awarded to the local youth or high school football program of his choice.

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Wednesday, November 13

Ready for physical football: When Patrick Queen first saw the Steelers 2024 schedule, the first thing he did was circle the Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium.

It would be Queen's first game against his former team, the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and he spent four seasons with.

But since then, while the game still brings about strong feelings for him, things have changed some.

"You get over all that stuff and you just play football," said Queen. "You go out there each game and take it one game at a time and just play football.

"I mean, I do have feelings about it, but at the same time it's just another game that we need. At the end of the day, anybody in my position would have the same feelings that I have. I am not going to make it anything more than it is. I just want to help my team the best that I can."

Queen started every game with the Ravens since he was drafted, a total of 67, and had 453 tackles, including 296 solo stops. He had 37 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, four interceptions, and 15 passes defensed. He also had five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries, including one he returned for a touchdown.

In 2023 Queen had a career-high 133 tackles, as well as a career best 84 solo stops. He had nine tackles for a loss, three and a half sacks, six passes defensed, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

He was an Associated Press second-team All-Pro selection last season, as well as selected for the Pro Bowl Games.

The Ravens declined to pick up Queen's fifth-year option, making him a free agent in March and the Steelers pounced.

"I am happy to be here," said Queen. "I wasn't offered to go back. I wasn't wanted back.

"It was kind of upsetting. At the end of the day, the first few months, you go through those feelings.

"After playing games, you just want to win with your teammates, bond with those guys. I will have feelings. Anybody in my position would this week. Just take it one day at a time and whatever happens, happens."

Queen is obviously well-versed in the rivalry, understanding how both sides operate. And he doesn't expect it to change.

"Two places that know how to play great football, physical football, bloody football," said Queen. "A whole lot of trash talk. A whole lot of hitting. That's basically it. It's not going to be a lot of trick stuff going on. It's going to be football plays. We are going to line up and see who lasts the longest.

"We understand what type of football is going to be played. Practice is going to be more intense. Meetings are going to be more intense. Everybody is going to be locked in. Coaches are going to have the game plan and lay it down. The first thing they start off with is how physical it is in the AFC North and it comes down to these two teams winning the division.

"Everybody understands their role in this rivalry."

Getting a feel for it: Rookie Beanie Bishop hasn't had the opportunity yet to get the full history of the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, but there is one thing he knows.

"It's hatred," said Bishop.

Bishop, who has plans to talk to former Ravens linebacker and current teammate Patrick Queen about the rivalry, is pumped for his first AFC North team and knows to expect the unexpected.

"It's going to be a chippy game," said Bishop. "No love lost. I'll probably talk to PQ (Queen) a little bit more about it since he obviously was on the other side of the rivalry. Just talk to guys who have been here a while, like Cam (Heyward). I saw Ike Taylor earlier, talk to him. Just being able to talk to those guys and just get some knowledge."

While Bishop still plans to learn more about the rivalry, he compared it to one he experience in college while at West Virigina.

"I feel that it's kind of similar to the West Virginia-Pitt rivalry," said Bishop.

No doubt Bishop and the Steelers defense will be tested by Ravens' all-everything quarterback Lamar Jackson, a player Coach Mike Tomlin refers to as Mr. Jackson simply out of respect for him.

And Bishop shares that respect. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, watching Jackson shine as a college player at the University of Louisville. He even had the opportunity to meet Jackson when he was being recruited by Louisville.

"He was at Louisville while I was in high school," said Bishop. "I got to see him have his coming out party against Kentucky his freshman year.

"Being a fan of him, but obviously being a competitor, I have to turn that off and go out there and compete against them. But after the game, it'll be cool to talk to him. I got videos of being with him and stuff when I went on a visit to Louisville."

Also being a competitor, Bishop welcomes the challenge of going against one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL not just this year, but through the years.

"Obviously, you don't go to the NFL to go against guys that didn't make it to the NFL and whatnot," said Bishop. "You want to go against and compete against the best and ultimately end up going to the Super Bowl to be the best team."

New and learning: There are a lot of newcomers to the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, but two who are as new as they come to it are Preston Smith and Mike Williams, both acquired last week ahead of the trade deadline.

But as the saying goes, they are new, but they are learning.

Smith said he watched Steelers-Ravens games in the past, enjoying some of the fierce defensive battles he saw.

"Of course I've seen games on TV," said Smith. "I grew up a football fan watching some NFL football, so I know what this rivalry consisted of. Back in the day, I don't want to date myself, but watching Ray Lewis and Troy Polamalu play, and seeing both sides of the ball and those guys playing and the battle and to see how the game turned out.

"It was really exciting to see. I'm just excited to get out there and play in this rivalry."

Williams said he was informed right after the Commanders game by a member of the strength and conditioning staff how physical and intense the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is, but he is still learning it as the week goes on.

"He said the Ravens game, it's like a real rivalry. It's closest thing to a college atmosphere," said Williams. "I guess big time players got to make big time plays in these moments, so I'm looking forward to it.

"The opportunity to work hard this week, get the prep down pat, go out there and play fast on Sunday."

He isn't the only one looking to make plays this week to help the team.

"I'm just trying to do my part," said Smith. "Hopefully I go out there and make some exciting, historical plays to help us win a game. So, when they turn on the Steelers versus the Ravens, there are some clips of me being played there with all the legendary players from the Steelers."

Seeing both sides: If there is anyone who is going to be pumped for the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, it's going to be those who are most familiar with it.

And you can count outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon in that category.

Moon signed with the Steelers this offseason after spending the 2023 season with the Ravens.

"This is probably the best rivalry in football," said Moon. "It's always a little bit heightened, a division game. But at the same time, it's just football. And on Sundays, you have to come out week in and week out and be at your best. So that's what it's all about."

The Steelers-Ravens rivalry is one that is steeped in tradition, with players like Jerome Bettis, Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward and many others being a reason the Steelers have had success.

"I think it's just the people that come before us, whether it's their team or this team," said Moon. "That's what this really is. Just great players, Hall of Fame players, gold jacket players.

"That's what it is."

The key, though, is that while it's a key rivalry, it's also one of 17 games that are all big for the Steelers.

"I feel like Mike T. is a coach that takes every game like it's the last game," said Moon. "He has great insight. He's been doing it for a really long time. He puts the game plan together, relays it to us. Like he says, he just gives capable men information and it's up to us to execute that."

Moon's role on Sunday against the Ravens could be expanded with Alex Highsmith already ruled out with an ankle injury, but whatever comes his way, he is happy to tackle it.

"I just take it one day at a time and whatever happens, happens," said Moon. "I come in and work every day just like everybody else. I just give it my best."

So nice, you can watch it twice: The Steelers 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders last Sunday was selected as one of the Week 10 Games of the Week.

As a result, fans can watch a re-airing of the game on NFL Network on Wednesday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET, and Thursday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Keeping tabs on the moves: The Steelers signed receiver Jamal Agnew and running back Jonathan Ward to the practice squad and released offensive lineman John Leglue and receiver Lance McCutcheon from the practice squad.

Agnew is entering his eighth season in the NFL, appearing in 82 career games. He has 77 career receptions for 746 yards, a 9.7-yard average, and five touchdowns.

Agnew was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Lions, where he had 16 receptions for 105 yards.

He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, spending three seasons there and pulling in 61 receptions for 641 yards and five touchdowns.

Agnew is also a return specialist, earning All-Pro honors in 2017 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2022.

Ward has spent time on the practice squad and active roster this season, and has five carries for 22 yards in four games.

Ward took part in the Steelers rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and was signed following it.

In five seasons in the NFL, he has played in 47 games, carrying the ball 22 times for 91 yards, a 4.1-yard average. He also has six receptions for 52 yards, an 8.7-yard average, and one touchdown.

Ward originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent two plus seasons with the Cardinals, before joining the Tennessee Titans during the 2022 season. He also spent the 2023 season with the Titans.

Ward played college football at Central Michigan where he played in 42 games, carrying the ball 473 times for 2,539 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also had 98 receptions for 909 yards and four touchdowns.

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

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