Monday, December 23
Being accountable: Accountability.
It's a word defensive tackle Cameron Heyward knows all about as he is one of the most accountable players on the Steelers roster.
And he is preaching that right now, making sure everyone is accountable for their assignments this week against the Kansas City Chiefs so that the missed tackles that plagued them the last two weeks aren't an issue this week.
"Being accountable and being in the right spots," said Heyward. "Half the missed tackles are us being out of our gaps or guys just trying to do too much. If you're in the vicinity of where you need to be, there's less chance for that error and we've got to clean that up. Got to get back to playing our ball. Looking forward to doing that."
Heyward knows what the defense is capable of as he has already seen it from the unit this year.
Now, it's just a matter of getting back to that.
And to do it, everybody just needs to do their job.
"Not trusting what we've got to do, myself included," said Heyward. "I just think we've got to rely on what we got into. It's your fundamentals. It's your technique. It's your execution of plays. It's a mixture of all of that and then remembering that if one guy does his job, then we then we can rely on everybody doing their job.
"I think if you watch our last game, particularly early on, I think myself, I was playing too many blocks and trying to do too much. This defense is made on everybody doing their job.
"It's just guys playing ball. And sometimes you need to reiterate it."
Heyward knows getting some injured players back, including safety DeShon Elliott, cornerback Donte Jackson and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi would make a difference, but no matter who is out there still has to come through.
"It's very big," said Heyward. "Veterans we can rely on. But whoever's out there has to be willing to do the job. Just rely on what we know and not what we have to do."
Time to correct it: In Week 17, one of the biggest topics the Steelers defense is discussing shouldn't be communication.
But it is just that this week, and it's something they are looking to correct.
And correct fast.
After two games where missed tackles were an issue for the defense, communication is something that is getting a lot of attention and not in a good manner.
"It is frustrating, but at the same time, we're human," said linebacker Patrick Queen. "But we don't have the luxury or the room for error to do those things. That's why we've got to have a sense of urgency, especially this game, all the stuff riding on this game.
"Getting into the back half of the season, the postseason, this is when you are supposed to be taking off as a defense, not falling back."
Any issues with communication will have to be addressed in every free minute this week, and with a quick turnaround playing on Wednesday, time is not on the Steelers side.
"Do it at practice. Do it every single day in the meeting room," said Queen. "Just having a sense of urgency and want to do it.
"You could see guys communicating and one person not receiving it or somebody is not communicating, and they try to do something else."
"So, it's simple things we have to do the right way."
The Steelers only have a limited number of opportunities to practice it on the field this week, and physical reps are even more limited as many are still in recovery mode from Saturday's game.
"You can't really put your body to the physical test," said Queen. "You've got to do it mentally. Meeting rooms, practice field when we walk through stuff, even after practice.
"Just a sense of urgency for everyone to be on the same page.
"We just have to do our job. It's that simple. We have the guys here to be great. There are playmakers at every position, all over the field. If we communicate, we will be fine."
The Steelers have a chance of getting safety DeShon Elliott back this week, after he missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury. Elliott has been a hub of communication for the defense, so getting him back on the field would be beneficial in multiple ways.
"We know he's a playmaker, a guy who communicates," said Queen. "A guy who makes plays, has physical presence and can cover as well. So, it will be nice if we have him back."
Ready if needed: With cornerback Joey Porter Jr. dealing with the knee injury he suffered against the Baltimore Ravens, fellow cornerback Cory Trice Jr. could see increased playing time for the second straight week.
Trice stepped in last week when Porter left the Ravens game, and the challenge this week isn't any easier as the Steelers face the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
"Cory has done a nice job in practice, and he did a nice job (Saturday) when given an opportunity to get back on the moving train," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "And he has done so earlier in the year, and so I expect more of the same from him.
"In terms of competing against a guy like Mahomes, he'd better just focus on his fundamentals in his game. He doesn't have enough of a resume to get preoccupied with what Mahomes is doing. He needs to focus on his game and his quality of play, his eyes, his techniques, his fundamentals, and I'm sure that he will."
Trice, who dealt with injuries of his own throughout his rookie season and again this year, said he is definitely ready for the challenge again this week.
"I was out there our last game for us so I'm always going to feel like I'm ready," said Trice. "I prepare every day. I definitely feel like I'm ready.
"Playing on Christmas and playing against Mahomes, I'm itching to make a play against Mahomes. Just make sure we execute when the calls come."
Lending a hand: Before Wednesday's game, the Steelers are teaming up with Light of Life Rescue Mission for a donation drive. Fans are encouraged to support neighbors in need by bringing gloves, hats, hand warmers and socks with them to the game. Donations can be dropped off at the Light of Life Rescue Mission tent West General Robinson Street near the corner of Art Rooney Avenue.
On the mend: After missing his first game of the season last Saturday in Baltimore due to a groin injury, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi anticipates sticking his hand back in the pile on Christmas Day against Kansas City.
"I should be good to go," Ogunjobi said after practice today. 'It'll be good to get back out there."
The Steelers have lost two straight, but they remain in control of their AFC North Division fate. If they beat the Chiefs on Wednesday and the Bengals in the regular-season finale, they win the division.
"Everything we want is right in front of us," Ogunjobi said. "We just gotta go handle business."
Ogunjobi acknowledged "the stakes are high," but doesn't anticipate trying to do too much upon his return amid such circumstances.
"Just play my game," he said. "The run has always been my strong suit."
The Steelers gave up 220 yards on the ground to the Ravens in Ogunjobi's absence, including 162 on 24 carries (a 6.8 average) to running back Derrick Henry. The Ravens averaged 5.8 yards on 38 rushing attempts overall.
"Everybody just has to do their job, that's really it," Ogunjobi said. "Sometimes it's just assignment football.
"You look back at the tape, sometimes you can shoot yourself in the foot. Other than that, it's team football, playing all together, all 11, the same goal, same direction, and just playing as one. I think that's the biggest thing."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
Steelers players give back to the Pittsburgh community during the holiday season
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers partnered with Convoy of Hope to give back to multiple community organizations in the Pittsburgh area on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) surprised local youth with a holiday shopping spree on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) takes families from Family Care Connection Centers on a holiday shopping trip, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (#1\ / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) takes families from the Veteran Leadership Program on a holiday shopping trip, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (\1956e7#1\ / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) delivered coats to Urban Impact youth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) takes families from Family Care Connection Centers on a holiday shopping trip, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (#1\ / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) surprised local youth with a holiday shopping spree on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) and his teammates takes teens from Foster Love Project to Dave and Busters, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (#1\ / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers partnered with Convoy of Hope to give back to multiple community organizations in the Pittsburgh area on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) delivered coats to Urban Impact youth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers partnered with Convoy of Hope to give back to multiple community organizations in the Pittsburgh area on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) takes families from Family Care Connection Centers on a holiday shopping trip, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (#1\ / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) delivered coats to Urban Impact youth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) surprised local youth with a holiday shopping spree on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) delivered coats to Urban Impact youth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) takes families from the Veteran Leadership Program on a holiday shopping trip, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (\1956e7#1\ / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) surprised local youth with a holiday shopping spree on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers partnered with Convoy of Hope to give back to multiple community organizations in the Pittsburgh area on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) surprised local youth with a holiday shopping spree on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) delivered coats to Urban Impact youth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.(Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers partnered with Convoy of Hope to give back to multiple community organizations in the Pittsburgh area on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) takes families from Family Care Connection Centers on a holiday shopping trip, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (#1\ / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) distribute food to those in need during the holidays Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) distribute food to those in need during the holidays Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) distribute food to those in need during the holidays Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Happy Holidays: As part of the Steelers Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, they will be wearing a custom holiday patch with the NFL shield and candy canes.
The patch was worn in Week 16 by the four teams playing on Christmas Day, and again during the Christmas games.
The Steelers-Chiefs game is part of the NFL Holiday Remix, which features all four teams that played on Saturday, Dec. 21 playing again (Steelers, Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans).
"The NFL on Christmas has become a holiday staple with families coming together to celebrate and watch NFL games," said Tim Ellis, NFL Executive Vice President of Marketing. "This year, we look forward to the start of a new holiday tradition with Netflix which will be seen around the world, and these holiday-inspired uniform patches are a great touch to mark this special occasion."
Last day to vote: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.
For your favorite Steelers players that is.
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.
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.
Larry Ogunjobi gives back to the city of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) and team mates lend a hand to Cameron Hayward to distribute turkeys and fixings for Thanksgiving meals to members of the community at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 in Duquesne, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) participates in the back to school distribution of book bags, school supplies, books, haircuts and more on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers Style benefiting UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Cancer Bridges, and the Chuck Noll Foundation, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) participates in the back to school distribution of book bags, school supplies, books, haircuts and more on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers Style benefiting UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Cancer Bridges, and the Chuck Noll Foundation, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) participates in the back to school distribution of book bags, school supplies, books, haircuts and more on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) and team mates lend a hand to Cameron Hayward to distribute turkeys and fixings for Thanksgiving meals to members of the community at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 in Duquesne, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) collaborated with Nike to educate middle school and high school kids from the Boys & Girls Club and Urban League's Black Male and Female Development Institutes on the technology behind shoes. (Darren Frasier / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers Style benefiting UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Cancer Bridges, and the Chuck Noll Foundation, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) participates in the back to school distribution of book bags, school supplies, books, haircuts and more on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) and team mates lend a hand to Cameron Hayward to distribute turkeys and fixings for Thanksgiving meals to members of the community at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 in Duquesne, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) collaborated with Nike to educate middle school and high school kids from the Boys & Girls Club and Urban League's Black Male and Female Development Institutes on the technology behind shoes. (Darren Frasier / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) participates in the back to school distribution of book bags, school supplies, books, haircuts and more on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers Style benefiting UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Cancer Bridges, and the Chuck Noll Foundation, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) participates in the back to school distribution of book bags, school supplies, books, haircuts and more on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) distributes Thanksgiving meals at the YWCA on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) collaborated with Nike to educate middle school and high school kids from the Boys & Girls Club and Urban League's Black Male and Female Development Institutes on the technology behind shoes. (Darren Frasier / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) participates in the back to school distribution of book bags, school supplies, books, haircuts and more on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes youth from YWCA and Urban League on a shopping trip for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Homestead, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
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.
