Thursday, December 19

Feeling good: Linebacker T.J. Watt said he is feeling good after dealing with an ankle injury suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

Watt missed some time in practice this week but goes into the Ravens week without an injury designation.

"I felt pretty good this week," said Watt. "Obviously it's a short week, but I felt pretty good.

"There isn't a lot you can do on a short week to push it. But I feel pretty good right now."

Watt said he wants to be out there as much as he can, taking to heart what Coach Mike Tomlin said about all hands on deck with a lot on the line against the Ravens, including the AFC North title.

"I think that is the mindset every week," said Watt. "Every game is so important. It's not like these games are weighted different than the games at the beginning. There are only 17 of them. We need to take that approach every week. Yes, there is more to it just because of the implications with it. But it's not any less important than other games."

The Steelers-Ravens is a classic rivalry, and over the last three years, has been played in Baltimore in the final weeks of the season, all games the Steelers have won.

"I look forward to every game, obviously. But yeah, this is a huge game," said Watt. "It's an important one. Playing in Baltimore is always tough. Playing against this opponent is always tough.

"It always comes down to big plays in the fourth quarter. That was the big message today and I don't see this game being any different way."

Having games come down to the wire, and the last three in Baltimore won by a combined total of 13 points, can put pressure on a defense, but in Watt's eyes, it's all about being prepared.

"Just being ready when your moment is called," said Watt. "Like we said all year long, we know the plays are there to be made. It's just a matter of capitalizing on your opportunities when they present themselves. That comes from film study and having a great week of practice. I feel like those things have happened.

"But just like always, it doesn't matter unless we take care of business on Saturday in those moments."

Can't put a price on it: There are certain things in life you can't put a price tag on.

For the Steelers this week, that is something very simple.

A t-shirt and hat.

Not just any t-shirt and hat. It's one that has been talked about over and over again by players in the locker room.

The Steelers are playing this week for an AFC North Champions t-shirt and hat, something they will earn if they beat the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, and the value is something you can't measure.

"You can't put a price on that," said linebacker Nick Herbig.

This will be the first time Herbig has an opportunity to play in a game with so much on the line, and he simply can't wait.

"I'm young and I'm so early in my career, but I've never played in a game like this," said Herbig. "Just who we're going against, the Ravens and the storied rivalry. Being able to be a part of it and insert myself in any way possible."

While there is a lot of excitement for the game, the Steelers are approaching it with the right mindset and treating it like every other game on the schedule.

"That's part of just balancing it out, and that comes with any game week," said Herbig. "You've got to find an equal balance of how to stay hungry, stay committed, stay on the right track, but also not get too ahead of yourself.

"Doing that and having guys in our room and on the team, a lot of older guys have been there and done it before. So, you just follow along in their footsteps."

Following in the veteran's footsteps is something that has helped Herbig in his first two seasons, especially following along what linebacker T.J. Watt does.

With Watt dealing with an ankle injury this week, Herbig knows he has to follow the advice he has always gotten from the veteran and be ready if called upon to play extra snaps.

"I always say when you walk in, you see the standard is the standard, and that's right outside the locker room at the stadium," said Herbig. "The standard is the standard regardless of who you are, what position you're playing, or who you're filling in for. There's a standard here and you've got to uphold that.

"We know that going into every game, you never know when your number is going to be called or whether it's a breather or injury, God forbid.

"We've got to stay ready, so we don't have to get ready."

Taking pride in it: Cameron Sutton knows what it means to win the AFC North.

He was a part of the Steelers teams that won the title in 2017 and 2020.

And this year, he and his Steelers teammates have the opportunity to do it again on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Sutton would love to do it, but like his teammates, he wants more.

"Obviously it means a great deal to us," said Sutton. "It would mean a lot to us, from a standpoint of the pride there is in winning a division and what it takes to do that. The adversity and the teams that we have in our division, just separating ourselves and having the opportunity to do it against a division opponent in their venue.

"It would be a testament to where we want to be as a team and our end goal. We're going to be in situations like this, and obviously we want to make football come through Pittsburgh. We know that we have to go into venues such as this and come out victorious.

"I think the biggest thing is the continuity, the position that we're in as a team and what our identity is, how we want to play. And again, our end goal.

"I have been blessed here to win division titles. We have guys who come in here or just younger guys who haven't won a division. There is a sense of pride, of accomplishment, achievement. But it's about not being complacent with winning the division, but knowing what it's going to take to get out of that stadium."

Sutton knows it's going to be a battle for the division, a battle against a Ravens team that wants nothing more than to win the division themselves.

As a competitor, it's just how he loves it.

"You have to love it," said Sutton. "You know these are teams you can see again. We have a playoff spot. We aren't worried about just being in the playoffs. We aren't content with just that.

"We aren't happy with the position we are in. That is something we can build on the next three weeks. We have to keep ascending upwards. When you get in the tournament, you can't have an off week, can't have a slow start, can't not play complementary football.

"We have to take accountability for that individually and as a team and take ownership of what we want to achieve. I know we will. Guys are hardened that way. They are wired and hungry to be the best versions of themselves for the team.

"It shows in our play, it shows in the love we have for each other. It's the continuity, offense, defense, special teams, all being there for each other. I haven't seen that waver all season. And that's the strength of the team. We have a great mix of older and younger guys and we're gelling really well."

Wednesday, December 18

Excited for the opportunity: Tight end Pat Freiermuth has played in a lot of big games throughout college and his NFL career, but on Saturday, it will be the first time since he has been in the NFL he has the opportunity to play for a division title.

With a win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers would secure the AFC North for the first time since 2020, the year before Freiermuth was drafted.

"It's pretty big," said Freiermuth. "Being able to go into Baltimore and win the division, that's something that you dream of as a little kid. I'm excited.

"The guys that have been here in my draft class, this is our first opportunity at a game like this. So, we're excited to be in this opportunity. What better way to win it than at one of our biggest rivals in their stadium."

There has been plenty of talk this week from the veterans on the team about this being a 't-shirt and hat' game, as the winner takes the spoils with an AFC North champs shirt and hat. Freiermuth knows now is the time for young players to listen to the vets, but also rely on their own experience as well.

"We played in some big games in college, so we understand, and especially in the league, we played in a lot of big games. It's nothing crazy," said Freiermuth. "There's a lot on the line. You do extra meetings, do extra body prep, get your body right. Understand the details of the game plan."

Part of that game plan will likely be to get the ground game going. The last few weeks they haven't been able to get going on the ground, as well as going without a 100-yard rusher since the New York Giants game in Week 8 when Najee Harris had 114 yards, which at that point was his third straight 100-yard game.

"It's just executing details, understand leverage of blocks, just going out there and being more physical," said Freiermuth. "We have been the more physically dominant team the majority of the year. So, we just got to continue to execute."

Time to dominate: There is no question football is a physical sport.

But when it comes to the Steelers and Ravens, that always goes up a notch. Or two, or three.

It's a battle in the trenches, and beyond, and one defensive lineman Keeanu Benton loves.

"It's awesome," said Benton, who played at the University of Wisconsin. "I would compare it to the Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry, that's something I can compare it to that I played in.

"The energy is crazy on both sides of the ball. The grit. There is a lot of fighting, a lot of trash talking during those games and that's what you live for."

Benton knows there is a lot on the line on Saturday, with the Steelers having the potential to win the AFC North.

He said that added juice isn't even needed for this game to be top-tier competition.

"Just the rivalry itself gives us that juice we need this week to drive through the week and go out and dominate this game," said Benton.

Captain Cam: Cameron Heyward continues to have an impressive season, one of the best of his career.

And at 35 years old, it certainly doesn't look like he has slowed down at all.

"It's kind of crazy," said outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who is just 23 years old and in his second season. "You think about it, he's been playing football since I was about nine years old. He's been playing in the NFL for that long, and just being able to be his teammate now and seeing him go through day-to-day and how he takes care of his body, you see how he's made it this far.

"And he's still performing at a high level, at an All-Pro level.

"Being able to have another guy like that, not just on the team, but in the room, the defensive line room, to just learn from and watch how he goes about his business is pretty special."

Herbig has been a sponge from the veterans on the team since he arrived in Pittsburgh and has utilized Heyward as someone to gain insight in how to take care of your body, how to prepare for a long season.

"You can't just think what you're doing in the building is enough," said Herbig. "Sometimes you have to do stuff on your own. You've got to go the extra mile. Sometimes you've got to spend some money to take care of your body. That's just something when you're young, you don't realize as much, but you have to learn how to prioritize stuff like that."

Herbig said he is taking the same type of path as Heyward, even going to the same Pilates instructor.

"It's easy to use Cam as a resource, someone to learn from just little stuff like treatment," said Herbig. "I am lucky to have someone like him here."

Been there, done that: James Pierre wasn't even on the Steelers' roster when the regular season began back on Sept. 8 in Atlanta.
Three-plus months later, Pierre might find himself starting at cornerback in the game in which the Steelers clinch a division championship.

Fortunately for Pierre, he has enough experience with the Steelers to understand how to navigate such an in-season transition.

"Coming from this facility, I just know how to jump on a moving train," Pierre maintained. "I've seen guys do it before."

Pierre spent the previous four seasons with the Steelers after initially making the team as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic in 2020, and played in a combined 66 games (six as a starter) in that span. He returned this season in mid-September after having been released by Washington in late-August. Now, he's in line to start on Saturday at Baltimore in the event Donte Jackson (back) is unable to play. Pierre replaced Jackson at cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr. after Jackson got hurt in the second quarter last Sunday in Philadelphia. Pierre played a season-high 49 defensive snaps against the Eagles, in addition to contributing on special teams.

"Stick my hand in the pile like always," Pierre said of his intentions. "One play at a time. Just try to stay humble with it. Just try to get the job done. You see what's going on around you and just try to adapt. Don't blink, don't sweat, when the pressure's coming don't even blink. Just do what you gotta do and be yourself."

Pierre has appeared in the Steelers' last 12 games in succession in some capacity. The difference this time is he'll perhaps be starting in one that would deliver the AFC North Division championship if the Steelers win it, and he'll be playing, potentially, against his cousin, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Pierre has experience in that capacity, as well.

"We always played growing up," Pierre said.

This time Pierre would be playing against a cousin with 3,580 passing yards, 743 rushing yards, 34 touchdown passes and three rushing touchdowns on his resume.

"Kinda crazy, unbelievable," Pierre said. "Great player, great guy on and off the field. Just seeing him play, kinda crazy seeing everything."

Crazy, yes, but unstoppable? Not to Pierre.

"You just have to tackle him," he said.

-- 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**.

Tuesday, December 17

Not the ultimate goal: With just three games remaining in the season, the stakes get higher every week.

And for the Steelers, that is the case this week.

While the team has already clinched a playoff berth, the Steelers can win the AFC North on Saturday with a win over the Ravens, checking off one of their goals.

But they want more.

"It's one of the goals, but it's not the ultimate goal," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "We understand that there's a checklist we made for ourselves.

"We talk about being a top team in the AFC. To be a top team in the AFC, you need to win the AFC North, to get to the playoffs. Obviously, we already (got in the playoffs).

"We want home games in January. This is a step toward that."

While the stakes are higher, and some are drawing it up to be a playoff-like atmosphere, the team will approach this game the same as they do every other game.

It's one of 17 on the schedule and the goal is to come away with a win.

"The way we're looking at it is we're going into a hostile environment and it's against a quality opponent," said Heyward. "I don't know if it's playoffs or not.

"The main thing we are just trying to get a W in Baltimore."

The Steelers defeated the Ravens, 18-16, in Week 11 at Acrisure Stadium, but going against them a second time, Heyward knows anything can happen.

"We know each other," said Heyward. "We know what type of game it is. I think that plays into constructing good game plans. But as they know you, you have to execute better.

"This matchup comes down to a few plays, so it's really highlighted by turnovers, special teams, the team that gets off the field fastest. Hopefully our defense is ready to do that."

The defense was ready from the get-go the last time the two teams met. Linebacker Nick Herbig forced a Derrick Henry fumble on the second play from scrimmage and DeShon Elliott recovered, leading to a Chris Boswell field goal.

"It was a monumental play to start the game off," said Heyward. "I thought it provided a little bit of splash to get the game started."

He's over it: The last time the Steelers and Ravens met, linebacker Patrick Queen had visions of beating his former team dancing in his head.

This week, it's a different approach, but still looking for the same result.

Queen isn't focused on playing his former team, but rather playing one of the top teams in the AFC North that is trying to stand in the way of one of the Steelers goals.

Winning the AFC North.

"I'm over it," said Queen of his feelings about the Ravens. "We clinched a playoff spot. There are bigger things to look at down the road.

"Right now, this is a big game. It's a division game. A chance to get t-shirts and hats. I'm all for it, all for the rivalry, but I'm over my old team."

Despite being over the Ravens, Queen said it would be great to win the division at an AFC North venue, even if it isn't the ultimate goal.

"It will be nice," said Queen. "That's definitely a goal some people have. But my goal is bigger things.

"I would definitely be excited with my teammates to go into a division opponent and get that kind of win. This is a game we have to take seriously. A t-shirt and hat game. It's a huge game.

"I am ready to go and do that."

Something to play for: He might be a rookie, but linebacker Payton Wilson knows exactly what he is playing for this week.

A t-shirt and a hat.

And they are items that are earned, not given.

The Steelers have the opportunity to win the AFC North with a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, a game with a lot riding on it. Including a t-shirt and hat that the AFC North champs receive.

"It's big," said Wilson. "Obviously playing for a hat and t-shirt in this one. There's a lot of weight on it.

"To be a part of it, I'm grateful. Obviously, the first one we got the win, but that means nothing. We've got to go out and execute.

"We're playing an amazing team with amazing players, so we have to have an amazing week of practice, on a short week, and just go out there and execute."

And when Wilson says the Ravens have amazing players, he isn't joking. It starts with quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the key is to keep him off the field.

The Steelers were able to do that early in the Week 11 win over the Ravens when Nick Herbig forced a Derrick Henry fumble on the second offensive play of the game.

It's going to take more plays like that this week for the Steelers to come out on top.

"I think Coach Danny Smith says it the best in our special teams meeting," said Wilson. "To beat quarterbacks like this, you have to keep them off the field. Nick Herbig stealing a possession like he did, that's what you have to do to beat people like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, the guys that are in this conference. You just have to take possessions away from them and stuff like that. That's how you keep them off the field.

"You get Russ (Wilson) on the field, you get Najee (Harris) on the field, those guys that can score. Being able to steal possessions from these great all-time quarterbacks is very important."

This being the second meeting between the two teams this year gives the players a little bit of an advantage in knowing their opponent, but it goes the same for the Ravens.

"I think there's pros and cons because the stuff that you know about them, they also know that about you," said Wilson. "Every advantage we think we have, they have the same advantage. Everybody has the same amount of time to prepare.

"But for me, it's super cool. When we played the Browns, some of the stuff that we talked about in that game was showing back up. So, it's just really cool to be in the first game plan practice of the week and know what's going on and have a feel for what you're getting on certain down and distances, in certain situations and personnel."

Playing for the title: When the Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium, there will be a lot on the line, as there always is when the two AFC North rivals meet.

This time, though, it might be a little bit more.

The Steelers have already secured a playoff berth, but if they defeat the Ravens, they will win the AFC North. The Steelers are 10-4 and in first place in the AFC North, while the Ravens are right behind them at 9-5. The Steelers defeated the Ravens, 18-16, in Week 11 at Acrisure Stadium.

Coach Mike Tomlin, who has led the team to seven AFC North titles, understands the importance of the game.

"Really excited about this opportunity for obvious reasons," said Tomlin. "It's a divisional game. It's a road divisional game. It's Baltimore.

"I understand the nature of this rivalry and the amount of attention that it brings, and it's exciting and humbling to be a part of it.

"While at the same time we've got an opportunity to pursue a division championship this week. We're excited. We respect this process of preparation. We're going to display our excitement by getting singularly focused on what it is that we need to do to prepare."

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**

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.

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**.