Friday, December 13

By any means necessary: If there is one thing the Steelers defense preaches every week, it's stopping the run.

And this week, that is not just being preached but shouted from the rafters.

The defense will face the NFL's leader rusher in Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on Sunday, and they know flat out it's going to be a challenge.

"Obviously, he has highlights that everybody sees," said linebacker T.J. Watt. "But I think more than anything, it's the contact balance, the ability to get speed as quickly as you can. It's going to be a tough challenge for us.

"I think we have a good plan overall. It doesn't mean anything if we don't execute."

Barkley leads the NFL in rushing with 1,623 yards this season. But the Steelers have been successful against some of the tops back in the NFL as of late.

Last week against the Browns the defense held Nick Chubb to 48 yards on 11 carries. In the early meeting against the Browns, Chubb was held to 59 yards on 20 carries. In addition, the Ravens Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards on 13 carries.

What has worked so well?

"Gap integrity, guys not trying to do too much," said Watt. "Then obviously, our offense has been able to possess the ball and control the time of possession. So, I think that's kind of the mixture.

"Getting as many hats to the ball as you possibly can and creating turnovers helps teams not be able to stick to the run, especially later in the game.

"I'm a football player at the end of the day. We want to win the game. It doesn't matter if it's in the pass rush or run defense, any way we can get a win I am willing to do that."

Brotherly love: It's not unusual for Steelers fans to be impressed with Cameron Heyward's playmaking ability, but his younger brother Connor is a tougher critic.

So tough, the younger Heyward didn't even realize that big brother already had eight sacks on the season after sacking Browns quarterback Jameis Winston twice on Sunday in the Steelers 27-14 win.

"It's not even real sometimes playing with him, but also seeing him play at this level," said Connor Heyward. "The level he is playing at this year, wow.

"I woke up the morning after the game and saw that he had eight sacks for the year. I was just like, dang. But it just goes to show the work he puts in."

It's work that is raising eyebrows around the NFL and younger brother is definitely hearing that from others.

"Dirty Red (Tyler Matakevich) and I, we were on the sideline on Sunday talking," said Connor. "He was like, 'Connor this is Cam's best year.' And it's not like he was saying that his other years weren't good.

"He's getting older, but his play is rising. I think he just wants to show everybody that he can play at this level coming off his injury last year and being the leader he is."

Staying focused: Around this time last year, center Zach Frazier was preparing for the Duke's Mayo Bowl against North Carolina, the final game on West Virginia's schedule after a 12-game regular season.

Now, he is in the final stretch of his rookie season, working alongside his teammates to earn a playoff berth.

"I feel like this season has flown by," said Frazier. "I feel like I blinked, and we are already at Week 15. It has flown by.

"It's cool to see the colleges have their conference championships, and them now preparing for the bowl games and stuff. I feel blessed to still be playing football and I am excited for this back half of the season and making that final push."

That final push, though, starts one week at a time.

Today, he is preparing for Week 15 of the NFL season, making sure that he stays focused on the task at hand, which this week is the NFL East leading Philadelphia Eagles.

"I just always go week by week," said Frazier. "That's what I've always done. I try not to look ahead. That's the process that I've had. I stick to one game at a time because while we've got three games in 11 days, I don't want to look at that.

"I want to look at what I've got next and that's the Eagles. I am focused on that. I know it's coming, but I'm just focused on what I have to do this week. Taking it one day at a time.

"I am going to attack it as it comes."

One of the keys for Frazier right now, aside from focusing on one game at a time, is taking care of his body. He knows how important it is to be in top shape at this point and is following the advice of the veterans on the team.

"I am just listening to them," said Frazier, who made sure he got workouts in on the off days this week. "Throughout the whole season, they said this is a long season. I am just taking advice from them, figuring out ways to take care of my body just a little bit extra, because it is it is a long season, and it adds up on your body."

Cast your vote: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.

For your favorite Steelers players that is.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

Pro Bowl Games voting is underway in the NFL and it's up to you to get Steelers players their well-deserved spot.

The traditional Pro Bowl game has been replaced by days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 2.

Leading into the game there will be fun-filled and unique skill competitions, giving fans a different look at all of the league's top players.

Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 23. A social aspect of voting will be available on "X" beginning on Dec. 9. Fans can vote directly on "X" (formerly Twitter) by posting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player's official "X" handle or creating a hashtag including the player's first and last name. All three of these methods must include the hashtag: #ProBowlVote. During the final two days (Dec. 22 – Dec. 23), social votes will count as double.

Cast your votes today.

Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

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.

Sign up today >>>

Thursday, December 10

Physicality plays a part: Coach Mike Tomlin continually preaches the importance of complementary football, with all three units working together to help each other.

That was on display against the Cleveland Browns when defensive lineman Keeanu Benton intercepted Jameis Winston and the offense turned it into a one-yard touchdown run by Najee Harris.

"We have three different groups that whenever the call is needed, we step up in those moments," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "When you look at that play, and then after to be complementary, you score a touchdown. There were just multiple plays like that.

"You look at Ben Skowronek's big play on special teams. We need plays like that. Whether we get a stop on fourth down on defense and then offense needs to score a touchdown. You've got to do that throughout the game, and I think we've done that more times than not this year."

More of that will be needed this week facing the Philadelphia Eagles, an 11-2 team that leads the NFC East behind the league's leading rusher, Saquon Barkley.

But it all starts up front with the Eagles offensive line.

"They've got some big dudes over there," said Heyward of the Eagles' offensive line. "They have a cohesiveness, whether it's (Jordan) Mailata, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, (Cam) Jurgens, (Mekhi) Becton. They play well together, and they create some big lanes.

"You look at the run game and you say Saquon got some big holes. Then you also look at the pass game and Jalen (Hurts) has had some time to throw or he's able to rush. They do a lot of good things together. We've got to stop that.

"It's communication and execution. Guys have got to be accountable for their gaps. We've got to get off blocks, multiple guys to it. Even if we have the right guys in the gaps, Saquon can make a guy miss. So, it's got to be multiple guys to the ball."

Over the last few weeks the Steelers have had success against some of the best backs in the league. Last week against the Browns the defense held Nick Chubb to 48 yards on 11 carries. In the early meeting against the Browns, Chubb was held to 59 yards on 20 carries. In addition, the Ravens Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards on 13 carries.

"It's getting multiple hats and then I think providing splash," said Heyward. "I think the thing with Henry was we got a turnover early in that game. But you've got to have multiple guys to the ball, multiple guys getting off blocks, because they're bound to make a guy miss. It's got to a guy jumping on the back and another guy filling the hole.

"Physicality plays a big part in this game. We have to make sure we win the line of scrimmage in this type of game. Everybody knows about the highfliers on both sides of the ball, but if you can't win the line of scrimmage, you're not going to win this game."

It was Miller's time: Receiver Scotty Miller understands the importance of always being prepared.

As he was driving to Acrisure Stadium ahead of the Steelers game against the Browns, he was under the impression that he was going to be inactive for the game.

That mindset didn't change when he got to the stadium.

Until he got late word that he was active.

Fellow receiver George Pickens was inactive for the game, dealing with a hamstring injury still that had him on the injury report late in the week.

It was Miller's time to show he was prepared.

"You have to 100% always be ready," said Miller, who knows with Pickens uncertain status this week he has to remain ready. "I think you always have to be ready. In the position I am in, I would like to be playing more, I would like to be active every week, but the reality is I am not.

"I have to take advantage of those opportunities when they do come. Sunday, I didn't know I was going to play, then all of a sudden you are in there and you have to make plays. You don't have a choice.

"When I woke up on Sunday morning, I didn't know I was playing. I thought there was a chance. I didn't know the severity of the injury to George. I drove to the game thinking I wasn't playing. I was sitting in my locker in my street clothes when they told me I was playing.

"I immediately thought, let's warm up the engine and go."

That is the perfect example of why Miller prepares every week as if he will be playing, as if he is a starter. Because you just never know.

"It's so important for guys in my situation to always be prepared," said Miller. "You are one play away, one moment away, a guy getting sick, anything, from playing a ton of snaps. You've got to be ready. That's the approach you have to take every week. You have to prepare like you are the number one guy every week and that's what I do."

Miller finished the day with three receptions for 38 yards, including a 21-yard reception on third-and-seven in the fourth quarter.

He said the confidence quarterback Russell Wilson has in him to go to him early in the game helped him get on track without a lot of prep time.

"It was awesome. It was nice getting two early, easy catches to get in a rhythm," said Miller. "We have a good connection. We built that as soon as we both got here. It was great that he had that confidence and gave me that chance."

Tuning in: The second episode of "Hard Knocks, In Season with the AFC North," aired on Tuesday night and it's been a mixed bag of players tuning in to the show which gives an inside look into the day-to-day preparation for all four AFC North teams.

"I'm a huge fan of the series," said cornerback Donte Jackson. "I've been watching this since I was a kid. I'm a huge fan. It's a great opportunity for my people back home to maybe see me on TV a couple of times, get a cameo or two."

For special teams captain Miles Killebrew, he only wants to see one thing on Hard Knocks.

Special teams coordinator Danny Smith at his finest.

"I've been watching Danny Smith live for the last four years, and I do not envy whoever's job it is to edit Danny Smith's meetings," said Killebrew. "I do not envy that guy because I know there has to at least be a few people editing his meetings because Danny Smith is a lot of things, but he is not disingenuous. He is truly himself.

"I'm familiar with the fact that they do certain storylines. So, I'm excited to see who the stars are of the show. I'm trying my absolute hardest to not be one of them. I'm trying my hardest."

"Stoic" Ben: In Ben Skowronek's first season with the Steelers he's progressed from being cited by head coach Mike Tomlin, without being referenced by name, for work as a gunner on the punt team to being recognized by Tomlin, along with fellow wide receivers Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller, for professionalism, particularly in the wake of wide receiver George Pickens' hamstring injury.

"They're pros, man," Tomlin insisted this week.

For Skowronek, that starts with a consistency of approach whether he's being asked to catch passes, block in a manner that inspires reminders of Hines Ward or put his hand in the pile on special teams.

"To me it's just showing up every day and being consistent," Skowronek maintained. "Me personally, it's being stoic.
"Don't get too high with the highs, don't get too low with the lows, just be consistent every single day."

Skowronek's 2024 campaign has also included a stint on the Reserve/Injured list. And yet all things considered, he assesses what's transpired as pretty much what he had envisioned upon joining the Steelers.

"Yeah, I though, 'Come in here and help the team win games,'" Skowronek said. "That's what my mindset was when I chose to come to Pittsburgh. I feel like if you don't have that mindset you shouldn't be playing football."

Skowronek has been playing it in the NFL for four seasons now. His first three were spent with the Los Angeles Rams, who won the Super Bowl in Skowronek's rookie season (2021). He's chasing another ring with the Steelers.

"I had a great three years out there, had a lot of great coaches, there's a lot of big moments we played in," Skowronek said. "I don't want to compare the locker rooms and everything. Let's just say I love playing out here in Pittsburgh.

"Obviously, it's a different style of football but there's a lot of veterans in this locker room as well, a lot of winners. I feel like there's definitely similarities but it's a different brand of football here in the AFC North (Division). We work every day towards that and that's our goal."

His self-enforced stoicism aside, Skowronek is enjoying the ride with the Steelers.

"Oh, yeah," he confirmed. "Any time I'm on the field I have fun. It's fun competing with these guys in the locker room.
"We have a tight-knit group so it's been a lot of fun."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Cast your vote: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.

For your favorite Steelers players that is.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

Pro Bowl Games voting is underway in the NFL and it's up to you to get Steelers players their well-deserved spot.

The traditional Pro Bowl game has been replaced by days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 2.

Leading into the game there will be fun-filled and unique skill competitions, giving fans a different look at all of the league's top players.

Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 23. A social aspect of voting will be available on "X" beginning on Dec. 9. Fans can vote directly on "X" (formerly Twitter) by posting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player's official "X" handle or creating a hashtag including the player's first and last name. All three of these methods must include the hashtag: #ProBowlVote. During the final two days (Dec. 22 – Dec. 23), social votes will count as double.

Cast your votes today.

Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

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.

Sign up today >>>

Wednesday, December 9

Let's get physical: Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles is going to be a clash of the titans, with two teams leading their division and looking to clinch a playoff berth this week.

And it's the kind of game linebacker Patrick Queen loves.

"That's why I'm in the league, period," said Queen. "I think when you sign up to play football, you want to play at the highest level. I don't think you love the sport if you don't look at it that way.

"I love this game. I love to play the game the right way and I think these next few games are going to show that, and it starts with the Eagles."

For the Steelers defense, while the Eagles have multiple threats, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, it all starts with Saquon Barkley.

Queen knows a good running back when he sees one, saying the best he has faced so far is the Browns Nick Chubb.

But he said Barkley is the man this year who is setting the league on fire.

"I think Saquon has the title this year," said Queen. "You see what he is doing. He is unstoppable right now. Getting him in space, he is able to break tackles and stuff.

"Just an all-around good back. Elusive. Strong. Can make multiple guys miss at one time. So, he is definitely my number one in the league right now."

And that shouldn't come as a surprise.

Barkley leads the NFL in rushing 1,623 yards this season, with four games still remaining. He is also on pace to break Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984.

The Steelers don't want him getting closer to that number this week.

"That is huge," said Queen. "It's been a while since that has been up there. For him to find a new team and him get to that part of his career, it's something you don't see. That's hats off to his teammates, his offensive coordinator, his line, him. The guys are doing a good job.

"You have to go out there and play physical football to stop that.

"I love that (physical aspect) every week. It's different with this team. They've got big guys up front. Saquon is a great back. The stuff he is doing is crazy. Just making guys miss when they are right in front of him. You never know what you are getting with him.

"That's what I meant by being physical. You have to bring the fight to them."

And that is the plan for Sunday. It's not about stopping Barkley, because that is a tall task. It's about slowing him down, and there is only one way to make it work.

"Everybody's got to do their job," said Queen. "That's really all it comes to. I think some teams are just unaware of how good Saquon is. That's got to be your focus, especially a guy like that, a team like that. Everybody's got to do their job."

Keep watching: At this point of the week, receiver George Pickens' status for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles is unknown as he is dealing with a hamstring injury.

But there is one thing fellow receiver Mike Williams knows.

He has to be ready if his workload increases this week.

Williams, who was acquired from the New York Jets at the trade deadline, has four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown since the trade, but is ready for whatever comes his way in practice or in the game on Sunday.

"We just have to control what we can control," said Williams. "Wherever the coaches put us at in the assignment so we can play fast.

"Anytime you can get some extra work in, I feel like it's helpful. So, for us, we've just got to get on the same page with everybody, know the offense, know every position because you never know what can happen."

During his weekly press conference when asked about Williams fit with the offense, Coach Mike Tomlin said, 'Keep watching.'

Williams is on board with that.

"I'm excited," said Williams. "Just keep watching. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

And what can he do with that opportunity?

"The sky's the limit. When I'm given the opportunity to make plays, I've shown that I can do that. When the opportunity presents itself, it looks good. I just have to keep taking advantage of the opportunities I get."

While Williams might not be putting up the numbers just yet, he has completely embraced being a part of the offense and wearing the black and gold.

"I love it," said Williams. "It's a lot of fun. Just the culture. It starts with Coach T and him instilling it in everybody. He is a players' coach. He wants to do what is right for players. He holds everybody accountable, no matter who you are. He wants to make sure everybody does their job."

Do your job: The test is a real one for the Steelers on Sunday, going against the NFL's leading rusher in the Eagles Saquon Barkley.

Barkley has 1,623 yards rushing this season, some of them going straight ahead, and some courtesy of his ability to leap defenders backwards.

However he is racking up the yardage, the Steelers need to do their best to contain him.

"He is an explosive running back," said outside linebacker Preston Smith. "He can make plays in a lot of different ways.

"He's one of the exciting backs to watch in this league. But in order to keep him from doing exciting things, you have to contain him, not let him get going and not let him get in rhythm. Because when he gets in rhythm or he gets any open gaps, or anybody that is messing up their assignment, he can make some big plays.

"He's a home run hitter who has a lot of ability. He has a lot of juice in the tank."

Everyone on defense doing their assignment is being stressed all around the locker room this week to defend against Barkley, and it's something they take seriously.

"It's very important for everybody to handle their job and make sure that we don't give him any rush lanes or any open lanes to run and make any big plays," said Smith. "We've got to eliminate the big plays from him and prevent him from having a huge game.

"It's very important for everybody to handle their assignment and make sure that they go out there and rally to the ball, contain him and keep him bottled in."

Rocky road begins in Philly: It's a daunting assignment, to be certain. But as the Steelers prepare for a stretch of schedule that includes games against the Eagles, Ravens and Chiefs in succession, tight end Pat Freiermuth maintains "daunting" works both ways in such an equation.

"We're a pretty good football team ourselves," Freiermuth insisted.

At 10-3 and with a two-game lead in the AFC North Division, the Steelers have a compelling argument to support Freiermuth's assessment. But in playing the 11-2 Eagles on Sunday in Philadelphia, the 8-5 Ravens on Dec. 21 in Baltimore and the 12-1 Chiefs on Christmas Day at Acrisure Stadium, Freiermuth knows the Steelers are destined to be tested.

"It's a great opportunity for us to go against three playoff teams, looking forward to the opportunity," he continued. "We just gotta continue to do what we've been doing. We gotta continue to execute in these high-level moments."

The Eagles are riding a nine-game winning streak this season and the Steelers haven't won in Philadelphia in the series since 1965.

Their 0-10 record across the Commonwealth since includes losses in two seasons in which the Steelers would go on to win a Super Bowl (17-14 in 1979 and 15-6 in 2008).

But that said, Freiermuth emphasized the Steelers won't be out to make any sort of statement this Sunday.

"No, we just view it as a big-time game," he said. "'Coach T.' (head coach Mike Tomlin) says it's the state championship so we're excited for that. We're looking forward to it. Yeah, it's a little bit of a preview, obviously. Three playoff teams we're gonna play and obviously some high-level, pressure moments. We know the task ahead of us but we're just focused on Philadelphia and trying to get a win in Philly."

Tomlin said on Tuesday wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) "could be characterized as doubtful" for the Eagles game, a development that won't make snapping the losing streak in Philly any easier. But the Steelers didn't have Pickens in last Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns, so they know there's a path to victory without him.

"Just continue to do what we do," Freiermuth said. "The (wide) receiver room has a lot of talent. We gotta continue to keep working and keep going this week, dial in extra little things, and we'll be fine. We have a lot of confidence in everyone on offense."

The Steelers found out Pickens wouldn't be playing last Sunday after the inactives were announced at 11:30 a.m. in advance of a 1 p.m. kickoff. This time around his potential absence is anticipated during the week's preparation.

"Obviously, we have a full week of gameplan, potentially, without George," Freiermuth added. "But the wide receiver room is always locked in with their responsibilities so just business as usual."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Show support for Larry: Larry Ogunjobi is the Steelers 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee and fans can help him win the Charity Challenge.

Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. Fans can vote on X (formerly Twitter) by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen nominee or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The nominee who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide to the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000 and the third-place winner receiving $5,000. Charity Challenge voting takes place from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 6.

Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's nominees, including Ogunjobi, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

Cast your vote: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.

For your favorite Steelers players that is.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

Pro Bowl Games voting is underway in the NFL and it's up to you to get Steelers players their well-deserved spot.

The traditional Pro Bowl game has been replaced by days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 2.

Leading into the game there will be fun-filled and unique skill competitions, giving fans a different look at all of the league's top players.

Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 23. A social aspect of voting will be available on "X" beginning on Dec. 9. Fans can vote directly on "X" (formerly Twitter) by posting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player's official "X" handle or creating a hashtag including the player's first and last name. All three of these methods must include the hashtag: #ProBowlVote. During the final two days (Dec. 22 – Dec. 23), social votes will count as double.

Cast your votes today.

Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.

-->> **Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games**

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.

Sign up today >>>