Friday, December 16

Message is the same: After a huge upswing for the Steelers run defense, the last two games they have given up more yards on the ground than desired, in particular last week against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens put up a total of 215 yards with J.K. Dobbins going for 120 yards on 15 carries, an eight-yard average.

"Every week is huge to stop the run," said linebacker T.J. Watt. "But when you show leakage on film, gaps being open, yards after contact, all that stuff you want to get rid of as quickly as possible so it doesn't keep showing up on film."

The challenge to stop the run will continue this week against the Carolina Panthers, who will often employ eight offensive linemen in what they refer to as the 'Arby's – we have the meats' package.

"Of course, you are going up against a little bit more beef but other than that we've got some personnel things to kind of attack it," said Watt. "It minimizes what they can do out of the run or run action type stuff. So, there's some positives and negatives to it."

He said it: Running back Najee Harris weighed in on Friday about how they have been able to prepare this week without knowing who the starting quarterback is going to be with Kenny Pickett in the concussion protocol and Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph splitting reps.

"We're confident in whoever is in here," said Harris. "The game plan is going to be the game plan. Whoever is in there I'm confident they can execute it. If everybody just worries about what they got to do and focuses on what they got to do, the outcome of the game will be in our favor. Everybody is getting an opportunity in that room and we are confident in whoever is going to play."

Getting going on the ground: The Steelers ground game has been up and down all season, getting stronger as the year has worn on, but still striving to take it to the next level.

Center Mason Cole knows this week would be the perfect time to break things open with quarterback Kenny Pickett in concussion protocol and no definitive answer yet on who is starting at quarterback this week.

"I think we have seen that our offense functions at a high level when we are efficient in the run game," said Cole. "It opens up the passing game. Playing team football. Keeping our defense off the field. It's a big emphasis this week.

"It makes our life easier instead of throwing the ball 45 times a game. It's good. When we feel like we can put the game on our backs it's a good feeling. When we are successful it helps the team be successful."

Cole is among those who don't know who will be under center when the Steelers take on the Carolina Panthers, whether it be Pickett, Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph.

"For us the job remains the same," said Cole. "It doesn't change much for us. We have trust and confidence in whoever is back there, and we have to do our job for them to have success."

An 'Immaculate' celebration: Steelers fans will be able to re-live the excitement of the Immaculate Reception when the team celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the greatest play in NFL history.

The play, which happened on Dec. 23, 1972, changed the direction of Steelers football for years to come when the Steelers beat the Oakland Raiders on Franco Harris' miracle catch and 60-yard touchdown.

On Friday, Dec. 23, the exact moment the Immaculate Reception occurred will be remembered when Franco Harris and some of his teammates gather at the Immaculate Reception Monument. The monument is located at the exact location Harris' catch occurred, situated on West General Robinson Street between Stage AE and Acrisure Stadium, where Three Rivers Stadium used to stand.

The excitement will begin at 3:30 p.m. with Harris and members of the 1972 team introduced, a special recognition of Harris, and a replay of the original radio broadcast of the Immaculate Reception at 3:41 p.m.

Fans can also visit the Steelers Pro Shop, which opens at 9 a.m., and the Hall of Honor Museum, which opens at 11 a.m. for tours, with reservations required. The FedEx Great Hall will open at 2 p.m., and among the food and beverage stations open will be Franco's Pizzeria and Pub 33.

Parking will be available in Gold Lot 1, Gold Lot 1 Garage and Gold Lot 2. Fans can access Acrisure Stadium from the FedEx Great Hall Center and South gates.

On Saturday, Dec. 24, the Steelers host the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium. The anniversary of the Immaculate Reception will be recognized throughout the game.

At halftime the team will retire Harris' No. 32 jersey, joining Joe Greene, No. 75, and Ernie Stautner, No. 70 as the only players who have had their Steelers jerseys retired.

Tune in: 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 your phone or tablet. Start your free trial today here.

Thursday, December 15

Stopping the run: A major focus for the Steelers defense this year was improving their run defense, especially after finishing last in the NFL in that category in 2021.

And they have done that. The run defense is currently ranked 15th overall in the NFL, 11th in the AFC. But they have dropped after being ranked seventh just a few weeks ago.

The solution to improving in that area and getting back to where they want to be is simple in Cameron Heyward's eyes.

"Just get better in our technique," said Heyward. "That's all we can. It's a process that's not just solved in one game. You're constantly gonna get challenged in the run game and we got to continue to improve."

The defense doesn't have a lot of time with just four games left and a Carolina team on the horizon that likes to run the ball, the third straight opponent that finds success keeping it on the ground.

It's a challenge Heyward welcomes.

"If you fall short once you get another chance to address it," said Heyward. "So, I'm looking forward to just getting back to it on Sunday.

"It's just getting down to the nuts and bolts. They're a running group. They're gonna stick with their run regardless and this is a great test coming off the last one."

The test will have its challenges as the Panthers' have plays where they employ eight offensive linemen, what they refer to as the 'Arby's – we have the meats.'

"It comes down to good technique," said Heyward. "Bigger guys out there. We just got to be able to stay stout because if they're doing that, there's less chance for them to pass. We gotta make sure we have good keys, play with our hands and defeat double teams."

Looking to score: Diontae Johnson just shook his head and gave a wry smile when the subject came up.

Because there isn't anyone more aware of the fact that he hasn't scored a touchdown this year than Johnson himself.

The last time he scored a touchdown was January 3, 2022, in the regular season finale against the Cleveland Browns. And every week he is fighting to change that, but at the same time not making it his number one priority.

"I am trying. I am trying," said Johnson. "This is the longest I have ever been without scoring. I am thinking about it, but at the same time I don't. I am just trying to win games and do anything to help the team out.

"At the end of the day that's not what it's about. It's a team game and I am going to continue to be a team player and help everybody around me. Touchdowns are eventually going to come."

If Johnson is to score one this week, at this point he isn't sure who will be throwing him the ball. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett is in the concussion protocol and there has been no indication given if it will be Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph who gets the start this week in Carolina.

Whoever it is, Johnson said the approach stays the same.

"Staying on what you gotta do," said Johnson. "You have to continue to prepare yourself for the week. No matter who is at quarterback, they have to be prepared as well. They have to be on their stuff just like me. I am going to be ready. It doesn't matter who is throwing the ball, as long as you are making the play on the ball."

Team player: This season hasn't been an easy one for quarterback Mason Rudolph, not playing a single regular season snap after being in the conversation to start following the retirement of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after 18 seasons.

But Rudolph has handled it like a true pro, never complaining and showing up every day ready to tackle the task at hand.

"Can't be easy," said defensive end Cameron Heyward. "Every player wants to play and at the quarterback position there's only one guy that plays. I can't say enough about the way he's handling it. The way he's gone about his business. The way he's coming to practice every day. Engaged, trying to get better, trying to give good looks. That's what being a good teammate is."

Receiver Diontae Johnson has had an opportunity to play with Rudolph when the quarterback played in 10 games, starting eight, in 2019, which was Johnson's rookie season. He has respect for the way Rudolph has handled the situation this year.

"You see a guy who comes in every day and puts his head down and works," said Rudolph. "The circumstances he is dealing with might be tough, coming to work, not being able to dress every week, seeing everybody play. He probably has a lot going through his head. He's been doing a great job staying solid through everything. Just continuing to get better. You see at practice he is locked in, making those throws continuously, showing he knows what he is doing, making the right throws, getting everybody lined up right. I like that. I talk to him here and there. That is my guy. He was on the field my rookie year.

"I want to see him play. I know it's probably in the back of his mind, when am I going to get my chance. I feel like this week is it for him. I know he is going to do everything it takes to prepare this week and get ready for Sunday."

Double Vote Day: Today is the last day to vote for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, which will be a completely different format than in the past.

The traditional Pro Bowl game will be replaced by four days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 5.

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

-->> Cast your votes on Twitter today

Steelers fans can do their part to send the team's players to the Pro Bowl Games this season by voting here or on Twitter as part of the social media voting.

Any tweet or retweet that includes one the options below counts as two votes on Dec.15.

Make sure your tweet or retweet includes one of these options and you can vote for any and all Steelers players:

ProBowlVote + @(PlayersHandle) – example: #ProBowlVote @CamHeyward

ProBowl Vote + Full Name – example: #ProBowlVote Minkah Fitzpatrick

Tune in: 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 your phone or tablet. Start your free trial today here.

Wednesday, December 14

Physicality is a must: Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers will be a homecoming for linebacker Alex Highsmith, who was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, attended UNC Charlotte and grew up watching the Panthers and attending home games.

"I am excited for it. I have a lot of people coming to the game," said Highsmith. "It's a game I've been looking forward to. Growing up watching them, playing in Charlotte, it's going to be a fun homecoming. I am looking forward to it.

"It's going to be good to go back and play. I am excited for it."

Highsmith will be even more excited if the Steelers can play the game they want to on defense, which starts with stopping the run. After strong outings against the run, the last six quarters they have had their struggles and Highsmith said there are keys to getting back to where they want to be.

"Physicality. Staying in our gaps. Making the pile fall back," said Highsmith. "Attacking guys. We didn't do that enough last game, so we know it's going to be a point of emphasis this game because they have a really good running game, division of backs."

Highsmith said that physicality is something everyone on defense has, they just have to bring it out to the max this week.

"It's a mindset," said Highsmith. "This point of the year it's gotta be a mindset. It's not something that is schematics. You can't install physicality. It's gotta be a mindset. We come in, and it starts play one. We have to set the tone."

Respect for his coach: Montravius Adams hasn't been with the Steelers for long, signed by the team last November off the New Orleans Saints practice squad.

But it didn't take him long to gain massive respect for Coach Mike Tomlin, and one thing he doesn't want to do is let his coach down.

Tomlin hasn't had a losing season in his 15 years at the helm for the Steelers, and Adams said he doesn't want that to happen now.

"At the end of the day something that means a lot to me is Coach T," said Adams. "Never had a losing season. I just don't want that to be under my belt. He is a guy that when I came in gave me a lot of morale to play better. I am sure a lot of guys in the locker room feel this way. We've got to get it right.

"When I sit back and think it's something that's on my mind. Just for the time I have (been here), the coaching staff and him have been great. What people say about him being a player's coach is all the way true. If we can't gel together for each other, at least we can do it for him."

Split duties: At his press conference Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he considered backup quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph options 2 and 2A for the team.

That became important this week after starter Kenny Pickett entered into concussion protocol following a first-quarter hit during the team's 16-14 loss last Sunday to the Baltimore Ravens.

With Pickett in concussion protocol, as Tomlin said they would on Tuesday, Trubisky and Rudolph split first-team reps at practice when the Steelers began practicing for their game Sunday at Carolina.

"I think I shook off the rust relatively quickly. It was a good day," Rudolph said.

Rudolph had been relegated to third-string reps throughout the season, meaning his work mostly consisted of running the scout team offense.

But even though Tomlin said both Trubisky and Rudolph would get reps this week, no decision has yet been made regarding who will start Sunday. Pickett's status could still determine that.

"We'll see. No word yet," Rudolph said. "Pickett is still in the concussion protocol. We'll wait to hear from coach on that."

But Rudolph would love the chance to see his first action this season.

He's tried to stay prepared the best he can, taking some words of wisdom from longtime NFL assistant coach Tom Moore to heart.

Moore, a former offensive coordinator for the Steelers, is an offensive consultant now for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was friends with former Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and visited the team's training camp in 2018, Rudolph's rookie season.

"You stay positive," Rudolph said of how he's approached being inactive on game days after being the team's No. 2 quarterback the previous two seasons. "I talked to Coach Moore, a legendary coach from back in the day with Peyton Manning. He offered some encouragement. He said, 'You don't know when your next opportunity will come, but you can be ready for it.' That's the way I've tried to approach this year."

-- Blog entry by Dale Lolley

Getting his shot: The Steelers signed defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall to the 53-man roster on Wednesday morning and by the afternoon he was already out on the practice field working with his new teammates.

"I am very excited," said Marshall. "It's a chance for me to come out and show why I am in the NFL."

Marshall was signed off the New York Jets practice squad. He was drafted by the Jets in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 207th pick overall. He played in four games for the Jets in 2021 and recorded two tackles.

Marshall said the last 24 hours have been a little bit crazy, but he welcomes his new home.

"To be honest it's been very exciting and nervous at the same time coming from there to here," said Marshall. "Everything has been good. It's just the transition has been a little crazy."

Marshall said he is preparing to play if needed on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. 

"I have to get in, get to work, study the playbook and do everything I can," said Marshall. "The first step is to get to work and show everybody here what I can do."

Double Vote Days: Voting is now open for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, which will be a completely different format than in the past.

The traditional Pro Bowl game will be replaced by four days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 5.

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

-->> Cast your votes on Twitter today

Steelers fans can do their part to send the team's players to the Pro Bowl Games this season by voting here or on Twitter as part of the social media voting.

Any tweet or retweet that includes one the options below counts as two votes on Dec. 14 and 15.

Make sure your tweet or retweet includes one of these options and you can vote for any and all Steelers players:

ProBowlVote + @(PlayersHandle) – example: #ProBowlVote @CamHeyward

ProBowl Vote + Full Name – example: #ProBowlVote Minkah Fitzpatrick

Tune in: 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 your phone or tablet. Start your free trial today here.

Monday, December 12

Staying consistent: With rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett in the concussion protocol, and his status for this week's game against the Carolina Panthers unknown as of Monday, it was fellow quarterback Mason Rudolph who found his locker surrounded by media.

Rudolph, who hasn't played a snap this season after starting 10 of the 17 games he played in the last three seasons, said he stays ready mentally and physically in case he is called upon at any point.

"I've tried to stay consistent all year," said Rudolph. "Whether that's with the film aspect or just prepping, doing what I can to help the two other guys prepare. They have good routines down. If I can bring a nugget here or there.

"I don't get a lot of reps in practice but finding time to throw here and there during special teams and (individual). Just put more pressure on myself to be perfect in individual and those short periods I do have."

With Pickett getting the vast majority of the snaps with the first team, and Mitch Trubisky getting the rest of them, it has been a while since Rudolph has gotten any significant reps.

"It's been a while," stated Rudolph. "Bye week I got one rep. I bartered with Mitch and Kenny to get a rep each day and they gladly agreed. Before that anything significant would be training camp."

Rudolph said the key is throwing whenever he has the opportunity and simply being available in practice or on game day, which is a new routine for him this year.

"I got my headset on," said Rudolph. "I put my coaching hat on Sundays and I try and do a good job of helping any way I can and communicate. Sometimes less is more. I don't want to annoy anyone with too much analytics and stuff."

While he has handled the role he is in with nothing but class and professionalism, he is also quick to admit he would love to be out on the field with his teammates getting some work.

"I am a competitor so of course I want to play, every week, each day," said Rudolph. "I want to play. I want to practice. I take advantage of the reps I get.

"Every competitor wants to be out there for his team, winning and putting his hand in the pile."

Pro Bowl Games Voting: Voting is now open for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, which will be a completely different format than in the past.

The traditional Pro Bowl game will be replaced by four days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 5.

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

-->> Cast your votes on Twitter today

Steelers fans can do their part to send the team's players to the Pro Bowl Games this season by voting here or on Twitter as part of the social media voting.

Any tweet or retweet that includes one the options below counts as one vote through Dec. 13 and doubles to two votes on Dec. 14 and 15.

Make sure your tweet or retweet includes one of these options and you can vote for any and all Steelers players:

ProBowlVote + @(PlayersHandle) – example: #ProBowlVote @CamHeyward

ProBowl Vote + Full Name – example: #ProBowlVote Minkah Fitzpatrick

Tune in: 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 your phone or tablet. Start your free trial today here.