Friday, December 29
Watt has one focus: Linebacker T.J. Watt is no doubt one of the leading candidates for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
His stats say it all, as shown in the graphic below, and his ability to wreck a game, it's unmatched.
But if you ask Watt about being in the running for the award and if it's something he is working for, which someone did during his media access on Friday, you have to expect the answer you got.
"I'm trying to beat Seattle," was Watt's response.
And the Steelers will have to do that once again with a defense that has moving parts.
Injuries have torn through the middle of the Steelers defense, and last week against the Bengals was another example of players who weren't on the roster Week 1 being asked to step up. And it will be more of the same this week.
"Like we talked about here, just trusting guys and making plays, not trying to do too much," said Watt of why it worked against the Bengals. "And communication was there, tackling, all the little things that make defense go is why we were able to execute."
Linebacker Myles Jack was called up from the practice squad last week and stepped up big for the defense in his first action in 2023.
"He's done a great job," said Watt. "Just a testament to him for staying ready for his opportunity. And obviously he got thrown into it in game. He had to be green dot at one point, and he didn't blink. He went out there and communicated really well.
"Very confident in him and you could tell he was confident in himself and everybody out there and that's why we we're able to kind of feed off each other."
Doing his part: With all the injuries the Steelers have had on defense, one player who keeps plugging away, who keeps taking on more snaps and more responsibility, is Chandon Sullivan.
Sullivan has a quiet approach off the field, but on the field he is someone different, a nickelback who played 70 percent of the snaps against the Bengals to help a defense that has been plagued with injuries.
Sullivan has played in every game this season, starting one, and has five passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble to his credit.
"I was excited to be able to step up and get more snaps," said Sullivan. "We have been dealing with a lot of injuries on the back end, so I was ready to come in and play whatever role they needed me to play. It's a familiar role I have played in the past, have played a lot of snaps previously, so I was able to use that and help the team."
Sullivan said it's amazing to see how many plays are being made on the back end of the defense with a different mix of players on not even a game-to-game basis, but sometimes even series-to-series with injuries.
Among those he was quick to call out is veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, who played safety against the Bengals.
"It is crazy," said Sullivan. "That was Pat Pete's first game starting at safety. He is a veteran and did a great job. I was like, don't get too comfortable back there. He was like a natural. That shows how coachable we are, how versatile we are, just willing to do what we can."
Another who stepped up was safety Eric Rowe, called up from the practice squad for the game and coming through with an interception.
"E-Rowe is another example of you never know when it's your time," said Sullivan. "He steps up and gets an interception. It's crazy how many plays we are able to make with the different combinations of players we have in the back end."
What they're up against: Wide receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba may be the headliners of the Seahawks' offense but running back Kenneth Walker III might be the heartbeat.
Walker leads Seattle with 774 rushing yards on 192 carries (a 4.0 average) and his eight touchdowns (seven rushing, one receiving) are tied with Metcalf for the team lead. Walker's 1,008 yards from scrimmage also top the Seahawks.
Seattle is 8-5 when Walker plays this season and 0-2 when he doesn't (he missed the Seahawks' losses on Nov. 23 to San Francisco and Nov. 30 at Dallas due to a strained oblique). Walker carried 228 times for 1,050 yards (4.6 per attempt) and found the end zone nine times in 15 games (11 starts) as a rookie last season.
Before arriving in Seattle on the second round of the 2022 draft, Walker shared a huddle with Steelers tight end Connor Heyward for a season at Michigan State.
"Explosive back, can take it the distance," Heyward reported. "He's an every-down back that can do everything. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, pass protect, run the ball.
"I knew in spring practice when he first got there that he was really good. He was a hard worker and a leader and someone that all the guys wanted to be around. It made it that much easier playing with him."
Walker rushed for 1,636 yards and scored 19 touchdowns (18 rushing, one receiving) in 2021 after transferring to Michigan State from Wake Forest. Heyward caught 35 passes for 326 yards and two scores that season and wound up being selected by the Steelers on the sixth round in 2022.
"He plays really hard," Heyward added. "He's gonna do anything to help his team win. He's just a complete back and person. We have a really good defense and a gameplan, I'm sure, that they're gonna put together to help contain him."
The Steelers are coming off of a 34-11 win over the Bengals last Saturday that snapped a three-game losing streak and bolstered their playoff hopes considerably. But Heyward doesn't consider the win over Cincinnati as one that provided for the Steelers a shot in the arm to their collective confidence.
"Just trying to stay even keel," he insisted. "We know this is a big game coming up. We can't look outside of here. It starts with us."
As for what worked against the Bengals that might also be applicable in Seattle, Heyward cited the Steelers' circumstances.
"Just knowing it's must-win," he said. "Those times you have to win."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
Vote for Cam: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. It's the sixth time Heyward has been nominated for the award.
This year, 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.
The WPMOY Charity Challenge runs from December 5 – January 8, and January 2 and January 3 are "Double Days" meaning each hashtag mention via X on these days will be counted twice
There are multiple ways that fans can vote for Cam to win the WPMOY Charity Challenge:
Any use of the hashtag and directions below on X (formerly Twitter) will count as votes for Heyward:
WPMOYChallenge + Cam Heyward
WPMOYChallenge + @CamHeyward
WPMOYChallenge + Heyward
Any repost on X of a post containing the above hashtag + name
New this year, fans can vote via NFL.com/ManoftheYear. Votes via this URL on the "Double Days" will also be counted twice.
The winner of the challenge will receive $35,000 for their charity.
In addition, fans can further amplify their support of Heyward by participating in an exciting campaign by Alltroo – an online fundraising platform started by former NFL tight end and 3-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Kyle Rudolph. Through Alltroo, fans can support Heyward by entering an online fundraiser customized by each player for the chance to win special prizes and experiences, such as meet and greets, game tickets, sideline passes and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through Alltroo's campaign will directly support the nominee's non-profit/charity of choice. For more information visit https://alltroo.com/manoftheyear/.
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. Start your free trial today here.
Thursday, December 28
Circling the game: It's not something that is uncommon.
Week after week since he has worked his way into the starting lineup, rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been drawing the assignment of covering the opponent's top receiver.
This week, it appears to be no different.
Porter will see plenty of Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, who has 60 receptions for 998 yards and eight touchdowns this season.
"DK is definitely one of those guys that is different from the rest," said Porter. "But like every matchup, I am ready for it, I am looking forward to it. Especially this one. This is a big one. Everyone's been talking about it.
"He puts it on tape. He is an aggressive guy. He likes to get physical. He puts hands on you. I know that and I am excited about it. Everybody says I am a physical guy, so I am ready for that matchup.
"I am not going to lie. I have it circled on my calendar. I am just ready to work."
Porter, who said he circled it the minute the schedule came out, also said among those talking about the matchup are his parents, including former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr.
Porter is similar to Metcalf in that he comes from a football family. Metcalf's father, Terrence Metcalf, played eight seasons in the NFL, and like Porter grew up in an NFL locker room.
"Just being around all of the guys, how they prepare and everything," said Porter. "It gives me an advantage to understand the game a little bit better."
Metcalf said you can tell a player who grew up around the game like Porter did.
"I think they just carry themselves differently and they are a lot smarter than their age," said Metcalf. "He is a very smart corner. For him just being a rookie, he has made a lot of plays. He has taken on a lot of big receivers.
"It's going to be a fun matchup going against him, knowing his dad was a heck of a football player for that same organization. I think it's going to be a good matchup."
One play at a time: Cameron Heyward laughed for a second, but the crazy part is, he wasn't joking with his answer to a question on Thursday afternoon.
Heyward was asked if the inside linebackers, a position crushed by injuries, were starting to get to know each other better.
And the answer is yes, they are thanks to the work being done by inside linebackers coach Aaron Curry who has made the patchwork position work with a mix of talent.
"It's musical chairs right now," said Heyward with a smile. "To say they're getting to know each other, I think it's a testament to Aaron Curry. having a guy like AC, he communicates well in meetings, outside of meetings, and it just allows the group to keep bouncing back.
"When you have that type of turnover, it's not easy, but you know AC is doing a great job within that group."
It's all part of the next man up mentality that Coach Mike Tomlin preaches. With Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb out for the year, and Elandon Roberts currently injured, the Steelers have relied on newcomers and practice squad players to get the job done, and that was in full effect last week against the Bengals.
"I think it starts with guys," said linebacker Alex Highsmith. "Coach Tomlin always says the standard is the standard. Guys were coming in and really playing to that standard for us, coming in and playing well. We had new guys making plays. All over the board, there were guys coming in and giving it all to this team. It means a lot.
"I'm excited to see how those guys continue to get better. I'm looking forward to seeing them take the next step this weekend, as well."
One thing the team has been preaching over the last few weeks has been communication, and even with all the changing parts, it worked last week.
"Good communication. Good study by the group," said Heyward. "Just taking one play at a time. I think if we can get three and outs, turnovers. Get off the field in those critical situations. I think the turnovers, and the turnover on downs were the biggest thing in that game and that's a recipe for success. We got to win those fourth downs and we have to make them either settle for a field goal or turnover."
Don't count him out: The Steelers inside linebacker room has been decimated by injuries this season, with starters Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb on the Reserve/Injured List, and fellow starter Elandon Roberts dealing with multiple injuries this season, the latest a pectoral injury suffered against the Bengals.
While Roberts has been ruled out for this Sunday's game against the Seahawks, don't fully count him out just yet.
"I am taking it one day at a time," said Roberts. "You know me, don't count me out."
Roberts said he has seen it before where his position has taken a beating by injuries in his career and knows it's all part of the game. One thing he loves about the Steelers linebacker room is the way others are stepping up.
"It's football. That's why everybody in the room is important," said Roberts. "That is why everybody needs to know what to do when their number is called. I think we have done a great job with that thus far this year."
The Steelers have made it work by adding player after player to the mix, including veterans Mykal Walker, Blake Martinez, Myles Jack and most recently Jaylon Smith. All have had success before signing with the Steelers, but there has been no time to reminisce about that.
"They came in at a significant point of the season where you don't have time to talk about tackles in the room," said Roberts. "We just talk about what we can do to get this game won. The room is doing a great job. I am going to continue to lead and help them guys with whatever they need this week.
"I am staying in meetings. I am out at practice. I am being that extra eye for them. I am being me, still there engaged."
An aggressive approach: Aggressive.
It's a word Coach Mike Tomlin didn't hesitate in using about quarterback Mason Rudolph leading into the Bengals game, and one he had no problem using talking about his play during his weekly press conference.
"We talked about him having a great deal of belief in himself and being aggressive in mentality and play," said Tomlin. "And those things were confirmed in game.
"I thought he did a really good job of being comfortable, being himself, communicating with people, regardless of the moments. I thought that showed the confidence that he has in himself. Also thought that he remained aggressive throughout.
"I thought the third-and-one touchdown to George (Pickens) in the third quarter is kind of reflective of that plan beyond situational circumstances and being aggressive.
"I thought we were aggressive there at the end of the half, the first half as well, in pursuit of the three points that we got. Another example where it's just his aggressive nature I thought was an asset to him and an asset to us in game."
That aggressiveness is something that a receiver loves from his quarterback and certainly didn't go unnoticed by Allen Robinson II.
"You see how that just impacts the game," said Robinson. "Last week we were able to score some points early, put our defense into an advantageous position, making them more one dimensional and needing to pass, shorten the game and things like that."
The key now is keeping that aggressive approach going where putting points on the board early, and often, is almost required in late December football.
"Just continue to stay dialed into the game plan," said Robinson. "We stayed ahead of the chains (last week). We had a lot of positive runs. When you're doing that, regardless of whatever is going on in the game, you're able to put yourself in an advantageous position.
"We played relatively penalty free, turnover free, and different things like that. Whenever you're doing that and are able to stay ahead of the chains, you're able to have positive performances.
"The most important thing is figuring out how we can attack this Seahawks defense, continue to get better and improve on the things we want to improve on throughout the course of the week."
And attacking the Seahawks defense is going to come from aggressive play, because as Robinson and everyone else knows, a defense led by Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll is one that is always going to come flying for the ball and playing soundly.
"They're a very fundamental defense, a ball searching defense," said Robinson. "Whenever you play against a Pete Carroll defense or teams of that kind of tree, single safety, middle defense, those guys play fast, aggressive, make plays on the ball. You have to be sound in your fundamentals as well."
Making it work: Cornerback Patrick Peterson's second-career start at safety in the Steelers' 34-11 win last Saturday over Cincinnati probably won't be his last, and might yet become a habit.
"We'll see where it goes from here," Peterson assessed. "I really did feel comfortable, felt great, made a couple plays to help this defense be successful and ultimately help this team win the ballgame.
"I thought I fared pretty good, didn't have to make any open-field tackles. Honestly, in my opinion, that's what safety is going to come down to for me. I feel like I have exceptional ball-skills to where I can track the ball wherever it is. It's just gonna come down to getting those open-field runners down when those opportunities present themselves."
Peterson was credited with one solo tackle and one assisted tackle and also had a pass defensed and his second interception of the season in the Bengals game.
He also thought he contributed helping to ensure everyone was lined up in the right spots on a defense that included Eric Rowe playing at safety in his first game with the Steelers and Myles Jack at inside linebacker in his first game after coming out of retirement.
"On my podcast (Wednesday) night I kinda said that I feel like I'm a safety at heart because I'm a big talker, I'm a communicator," Peterson said. "Being at corner it's kinda hard to communicate with guys on the defensive side of the ball.
"But now being at the safety position and having that real key component of the communication to everyone, that felt very natural to me."
Jack ended up playing 47 defensive snaps (73 percent) against the Bengals in the wake of the injury that knocked inside linebacker Elandon Roberts out of the game. Inside linebacker Mykal Walker led the Steelers with eighth total tackles against the Bengals. Walker had been added to the active roster on Nov. 18 in the wake of season-ending injuries to Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander and was playing for the Steelers for the sixth time.
The defense has survived the succession of injuries and the steady insertion of relatively unfamiliar players into the lineup, Peterson maintained, because of "(General Manager) Omar (Khan) and Coach Tomlin (head coach Mike) finding the right guys to plug and play for the most part.
"Credit to the guys who have been jumping on the moving train and putting their hand into the helping pile to help us be as successful as we can. Credit to both parties on getting the job done and also understanding how important the job is at hand."
Jack is among the newcomers contributing this season but he isn't new to the team after playing 15 games for the Steelers last season (13 starts).
"It's been great to see Myles step in for us," Peterson said. "The plus for him that he's been in the system, he understands the communication, how to line guys up and different checks and things like that.
"Myles definitely has an upper hand on most guys who are jumping on the moving train. And he stepped in and played great. He stepped in and played huge for us and we're gonna need that these last two weeks, as well."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
Vote for Cam: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. It's the sixth time Heyward has been nominated for the award.
This year, 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.
The WPMOY Charity Challenge runs from December 5 – January 8, and January 2 and January 3 are "Double Days" meaning each hashtag mention via X on these days will be counted twice
There are multiple ways that fans can vote for Cam to win the WPMOY Charity Challenge:
Any use of the hashtag and directions below on X (formerly Twitter) will count as votes for Heyward:
WPMOYChallenge + Cam Heyward
WPMOYChallenge + @CamHeyward
WPMOYChallenge + Heyward
Any repost on X of a post containing the above hashtag + name
New this year, fans can vote via NFL.com/ManoftheYear. Votes via this URL on the "Double Days" will also be counted twice.
The winner of the challenge will receive $35,000 for their charity.
In addition, fans can further amplify their support of Heyward by participating in an exciting campaign by Alltroo – an online fundraising platform started by former NFL tight end and 3-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Kyle Rudolph. Through Alltroo, fans can support Heyward by entering an online fundraiser customized by each player for the chance to win special prizes and experiences, such as meet and greets, game tickets, sideline passes and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through Alltroo's campaign will directly support the nominee's non-profit/charity of choice. For more information visit https://alltroo.com/manoftheyear/.
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. Start your free trial today here.
Wednesday, December 27
A day at a time: Quarterback Kenny Pickett is gradually working his way back from his ankle injury, but said the timeline for his return isn't in his hands, but rather the hands of the team's athletic trainers and the coaching staff.
"It feels good," said Pickett. "I am going to take it a day at a time, see what the coaches are saying, what the trainers are saying. They have a plan for me, I am just going about what they are telling me.
"It feels like I am on track with what I need to do. It's not how I feel, it's what they see me doing and how they feel like I am looking moving around."
Pickett has missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, with Mitch Trubisky starting two and Mason Rudolph against the Bengals. Rudolph is slated to be the starter again this week if Pickett isn't cleared.
"It's up to the trainers and what they see me do," said Pickett. "I always try to push myself. It's the trainers, it's the coaches, how they see me moving."
Pickett said he never gave shutting it down for the season a thought, something that isn't a part of his DNA.
"That will never be my mindset," said Pickett. "I have always tried to come back as soon as possible."
While he isn't playing, he is taking advantage of getting all the mental reps he can, but not being out there isn't ideal for him.
"Any competitor wants to get in there and play," said Pickett. "I am trying to come back as soon as possible."
Whether that is this week or not, only time will tell. For now, he has no prediction.
"I can't give you a percentage. I don't really know," said Pickett. "I am just listening to what the trainers are telling me and go from there."
More of the same: There is one thing the Steelers can do to come out on top on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
And that is do more of what they did against the Bengals.
The Steelers had things going on all cylinders, from the offense to the defense, and that will be needed again this week.
"We are just trying to carry that into this week," said receiver Diontae Johnson. "We put a lot of stuff on film last week, just trying to build off of that, prepare for the Seahawks this week, and getting ready for that defense.
"Just the flow of the game and the offense, from the quarterback to the line, running backs to receivers, everybody was playing sound and fundamental football. When you play in front of the sticks, good things can happen to you. We did a great job on that part."
The Steelers jumped out to a 24-0 lead before the Bengals were able to get on the board, giving them the ability to play the way they wanted and making the Bengals one-dimensional.
"Everybody wanted it more," said Johnson. "We wanted to make a statement. Mason (Rudolph) came out and did his job. Everybody rallied behind him. That's what kept the offense going.
"It started up front with the o-line winning the line of scrimmage, running backs doing what they had to do, outside we did our job, and the defense did their job as well.
"The coaches came up with a great game plan, we just went out there and executed it. We wanted it more. We put that on film. We put points up. That was big for us. We just want to build on it."
No rest for the weary: Linebacker Jaylon Smith wasted no time getting ready to hit the field on Wednesday, heading to practice less than an hour after the team announced he was signed to the practice squad.
And the veteran linebacker is pumped for his latest opportunity.
"Oh, man, I got in last night," said Smith before hitting the field. "Had a great Christmas back in Dallas, and I got the call, and I'm just happy to be here."
Smith, a former second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft, comes to the Steelers with an impressive resume, but for now he doesn't know what type of role he will have.
"I don't know what the role is going to be," said Smith. "What I'm going to do is make sure I'm ready for whatever. I'm a guy that's got experience and I know I can still add a lot of value to a team.
"Being here in Pittsburgh, I understand the Steel Curtain and tradition. For me, it's just about giving it all I got, applying pressure and really just adding value. I'm excited to be here.
"I'm just thankful to be here and I still got a lot left in the tank."
Smith has played in 88 games, with 69 starts, and has 626 career tackles, 378 of them solo stops, 11 sacks, 21 passes defensed and two interceptions, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. He has also played in and started four postseason games, recording 37 tackles, 23 of them solo stops.
He brings experience that can help him if the team needs him to step up this week, even on short notice.
"I've done it before multiple times in my career," said Smith. "I've gotten assigned to the team on a Friday and played 48 hours later. I've gotten in on a Thursday and started on a Sunday. So, for me, it's just about getting here, getting around the guys, understanding the chemistry, understanding what we're trying to do and achieve, and getting the playbook down from there. I know what I can do on the field.
"Just got to put the time in, that's all. There's just no way around it. You've got to put the time in. I've got experience. I understand a lot of schemes that I've been in. You just have to understand the terminology and then get out there and be great."
Smith said the Steelers defensive scheme is one he embraces, loving the physicality they bring every down.
"I love the edge, the physicality we play with," said Smith. "Here in Pittsburgh, everyone's flying around and trying to make a play, but doing it together. That's what matters, especially on the defensive side, you have to be a unit and as one."
Smith has played for his share of head coaches during his career, but getting to be on a Mike Tomlin coached team is something that has him smiling.
"Tomlin is a guy that any player wants to play for," said Smith. "It's just a matter of grace and opportunity. Me coming out of college, I was going to be a top three pick and got hurt in the last (college) game. So, a lot of guys thought I'd never play again. I'm happy to be in year eight and still striving for greatness."
Vote for Cam: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. It's the sixth time Heyward has been nominated for the award.
This year, 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.
The WPMOY Charity Challenge runs from December 5 – January 8, and January 2 and January 3 are "Double Days" meaning each hashtag mention via X on these days will be counted twice
There are multiple ways that fans can vote for Cam to win the WPMOY Charity Challenge:
Any use of the hashtag and directions below on X (formerly Twitter) will count as votes for Heyward:
WPMOYChallenge + Cam Heyward
WPMOYChallenge + @CamHeyward
WPMOYChallenge + Heyward
Any repost on X of a post containing the above hashtag + name
New this year, fans can vote via NFL.com/ManoftheYear. Votes via this URL on the "Double Days" will also be counted twice.
The winner of the challenge will receive $35,000 for their charity.
In addition, fans can further amplify their support of Heyward by participating in an exciting campaign by Alltroo – an online fundraising platform started by former NFL tight end and 3-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Kyle Rudolph. Through Alltroo, fans can support Heyward by entering an online fundraiser customized by each player for the chance to win special prizes and experiences, such as meet and greets, game tickets, sideline passes and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through Alltroo's campaign will directly support the nominee's non-profit/charity of choice. For more information visit https://alltroo.com/manoftheyear/.
Practice updates: The Steelers made multiple practice squad moves on Wednesday, signing safety Nate Meadors and linebacker Jaylon Smith.
Meadors originally signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft. He has seen action in three NFL games, two in 2019 and one in 2020.
He has spent time with the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns on multiple stints, including most recently.
He also played in the XFL for the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Meadors played at UCLA where he appeared in 44 games. He finished his career with 150 tackles, including 116 solo stops, three interceptions, four tackles for a loss, two sacks, 22 passes defensed and a forced fumble.
Smith was a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent five plus seasons with the Cowboys before being signed by the Green Bay Packers during the 2021 season. He has since spent time with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders. He played in 13 games for the Giants in 2022, finishing the season with 88 tackles.
He has played in 88 games, with 69 starts, and has 626 career tackles, 378 of them solo stops, 11 sacks, 21 passes defensed and two interceptions, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. He has also played in and started four postseason games, recording 37 tackles, 23 of them solo stops.
Smith played college football at Notre Dame where he started all 26 games he played in, finishing with 179 tackles, 106 of them solo stops, 15.5 tackles for a loss, three and a half sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Getting caught up: In case you missed it while celebrating the holidays, the Steelers signed running back Anthony McFarland Jr. to the practice squad and released linebacker David Perales over the last few days.
McFarland was released from the 53-man roster on Dec. 21. McFarland suffered a knee injury at the start of the 2023 season that kept him sidelined for a good portion of the season.
He played in the season opener against the 49ers, finishing with two receptions for 11 yards, but no carries. In three seasons, he has played in 15 games and has 42 carries for 146 yards and 11 receptions for 87 yards.
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. Start your free trial today here.
Monday, December 25
A special gift: Santa arrived around the world in the last 24 hours, but he delivered for Steelers Nation on Saturday night when the team defeated the Bengals, 34-11, at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph, making his first start since 2021, led the team completing 17 of 27 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown.
Rudolph got a special gift after the game when one of the team's defensive captains, Cameron Heyward, gave him the game ball.
"It was great," said Rudolph. "Cam is our leader of our team, and he was very kind. Such a competitor. I don't know, he does everything right. Great dude. So, it meant a lot. It was special. Yeah, I'm not one for speeches, so I just kept it quick, broke it down."
For Heyward, it was a no-brainer giving Rudolph the ball.
"Mason was ready for the moment," said Heyward. "Three games we've lost in a row. Personally, I just felt like with everything going on, Mason attacked. There wasn't any sitting back and letting things happen. He went out there and attacked the game. You saw a couple of times with third-and-1 throwing it deep and giving guys a chance."
Rudolph might have been ready for the moment, but getting the game ball, that was a gift he didn't expect.
When asked if it was his favorite Christmas present, he recalled one from his childhood, but held this one pretty high.
"I got a treehouse when I was 12," said Rudolph. "This is definitely up there."
Next man up: The 2023 season has been the year of the next man up mentality for the Steelers, particularly in the middle of the defense.
That mindset was on display Saturday against the Bengals.
The Steelers have lost inside linebackers Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb for the season, and starter Elandon Roberts left the game with a pectoral injury. At safety, Keanu Neal is on the Reserve/Injured List and Minkah Fitzpatrick missed the game injured.
With so many missing, it was players like Eric Rowe, Myles Jack, who both were game day elevations from the practice squad and reverted back to it, and Mykal Walker who were seeing plenty of playing time.
"We got capable guys that will come in and do the job for us," said linebacker Alex Highsmith. "Myles Jack and Mykal and everybody played well today that came in. Mark (Robinson), everybody. Just to have guys step up, and we're confident in the guys who are going to do that."
In addition, cornerback Patrick Peterson moved from his normal spot to safety to help plug the holes.
"It's necessary and appreciated," said Tomlin. "It's been a challenge readying those guys, but kudos to them. It's also a thoughtful acquisition of players, veteran players. The size of the practice squad today, the fact that you can have veteran players on it. We just positioned ourselves for the attrition component of play.
"Can't say enough about contributions from those guys, specifically Pat Peterson and Eric Rowe stepping in at safety under the circumstances that we have at that position.
"Both guys played every down. Did a heck of a job communicating solid throughout the week and provided some slash plays in the form of turnovers."
Peterson played 100 percent of the defensive snaps, never blinking.
"They did a great job out there for us," said Highsmith. "Just having those guys, E-Rowe coming out there doing what they did all game shows how selfless this team is, guys just coming out and doing whatever it is to help us win. So shoutout to those guys for doing their thing."
Vote for Cam: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. It's the sixth time Heyward has been nominated for the award.
This year, 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.
The WPMOY Charity Challenge runs from December 5 – January 8, and January 2 and January 3 are "Double Days" meaning each hashtag mention via X on these days will be counted twice
There are multiple ways that fans can vote for Cam to win the WPMOY Charity Challenge:
Any use of the hashtag and directions below on X (formerly Twitter) will count as votes for Heyward:
WPMOYChallenge + Cam Heyward
WPMOYChallenge + @CamHeyward
WPMOYChallenge + Heyward
Any repost on X of a post containing the above hashtag + name
New this year, fans can vote via NFL.com/ManoftheYear. Votes via this URL on the "Double Days" will also be counted twice.
The winner of the challenge will receive $35,000 for their charity.
In addition, fans can further amplify their support of Heyward by participating in an exciting campaign by Alltroo – an online fundraising platform started by former NFL tight end and 3-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Kyle Rudolph. Through Alltroo, fans can support Heyward by entering an online fundraiser customized by each player for the chance to win special prizes and experiences, such as meet and greets, game tickets, sideline passes and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through Alltroo's campaign will directly support the nominee's non-profit/charity of choice. For more information visit https://alltroo.com/manoftheyear/.
Pro Bowl voting is in the final stages: Voting is now open for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, the second year for the new-look games.
Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 25.
Cast your votes today.
Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.
During the final two weeks of voting (Dec. 11 – Dec. 25), fans can vote directly on "X" (formerly Twitter) by tweeting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player's official Twitter 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. 24 – Dec. 25), social votes will count as double.
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. Start your free trial today here.
