A tough challenge: A lot of the talk going into Sunday's game against the New York Jets has been centered around quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Davante Adams, but they aren't the only ones the defense is centering their attention on.
Running back Breece Hall is a player the defense definitely has their eye on, knowing the damage he can do.
"He definitely can wreck a game," said linebacker T.J. Watt. "I think it's the consistency of trying to get him involved in the game. He can do things in the perimeter. Obviously, you can just hand the ball off to him. He is a polished route runner as well. He has great hands and just a tough tackle in space. Good contact balance.
"Can't say enough good things about him. So, it's going to be a tough challenge."
While the defense always focuses on stopping the run first, the topic ultimately does come back to Rodgers. He is a seasoned veteran who can hurt a defense with his sophisticated cadence, so playing them at Acrisure Stadium is a big advantage.
"I'm glad we're playing him on the road," said Watt. "He's got a hell of a snap count, so it'll be a little bit better with it being a silent count for sure.
"Cadence is always a difficult thing. Sometimes you have to figure out the cadence for defensive offsides, or if it's cadence for kind of coverage on cover. And he has it all in his snap count. So, on the road, it kind of limits things a little bit. So, it makes things a little bit better for us."
What else could make things better for the defense is getting linebacker Alex Highsmith back. Highsmith doesn't have an injury designation this week, so after missing four games he is expected to be back.
"He's had a great week of practice," said Watt before the injury report came out. "To get a vet like that back, I know he's eager to get back and just be able to balance out the pass rush. Obviously, he's also a phenomenal run defender, so if we can get him back, that would be great."
Time for playmakers to make plays: The Steelers defense will face a double-edged sword this week in New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and newly acquired receiver Davante Adams.
The two played eight seasons together in Green Bay and are now reunited after Adams was traded to the Jets from the Las Vegas Raiders this week.
Linebacker Patrick Queen knows each of them brings their own unique talents, something they have to be ready for.
"I think everybody knows that name," said Queen of Adams. "What he brings to the game is a dynamic playmaker. A guy who can catch any ball, can run any route. Probably is the best route runner in the league. So, it's definitely a challenge. But we've got guys who are able to handle their job."
Rodgers, who has been in the NFL for 20 seasons, is a been there, done that player. He has had every defensive scheme thrown at him, so it's not always about what you do, but how you do it.
"You've got to be perfect with what you do," said Queen. "You've got to be on top of your game. That's when your playmakers have to make plays, and you just have to be better than they are.
"I think everything goes into one. Pass rush has got to be there. You've got to stop the run, first of all, and then pass rush has got to be there. We got to be sticky on coverage just to get the pass rush time to get there. Just the pass rush and coverage working together. That's going to be the key."
One thing the defense is feeling better about this week is their communication. A week ago, it was a hot button topic after Coach Mike Tomlin said it wasn't where it needed to be against the Cowboys. This week, Queen said there is improvement, although more can be made.
"It was better. It's still not where we need it to be, but it was way better," said Queen. "That's a thing that's going to continue to grow throughout the season the more we grow, the more we learn each other and learn the situations.
"We just have to be able to roll with what we got, and keep doing what we're doing at a high level and raising the bar even more."
It takes all of us: There have been plenty of conversations about quarterbacks this week on the South Side, too many in the estimation of running back Najee Harris.
"You guys focus so much on one player," Harris told the assembled media on Thursday afternoon. "It's all 11 of us. You guys are worried about the quarterback. I'm worried about all 11, the quarterback and the line and the receivers and the running back."
The quarterback conversation was inspired, in part, by head coach Mike Tomlin's announcement on Tuesday that Russell Wilson was "in consideration" to start Sunday night against the Jets at Acrisure Stadium. Justin Fields, who has started the first six games at quarterback, took responsibility for the quarterback conversation on Thursday morning.
"I mean, I don't think I've played good enough, if I'm being real with you, if I'm being real with myself," Fields maintained. "I think if I did play well enough, I don't think there would be any sort of, who should be playing and who should not."
Harris remains focused on the collective.
"Russ being out there, he has to do the same thing that Justin was doing," Harris continued. "Justin was doing a great job for us. This is the best start I think I had throughout my years being here. I saw some comments that Justin said, I think he did the best he possibly can, I think he did a really good job. Just me saying publicly we're all proud of him, 'Don't be so hard on yourself, we got your back, I got your back.'
"All 11 of us gotta pitch in, because we need both of them, for sure."
Harris is of the opinion sustaining the running game the Steelers unleashed against the Raiders last Sunday in Las Vegas would benefit either quarterback against the Jets. He also had some thoughts on how that might be accomplished.
"Practice," Harris insisted. "In practice, finishing blocks. We got guys finishing plays, straining all the way through the play. Just because it may look like the play is over with, you still try to get on blocks, man, because anything could happen. You could break more tackles, anything could happen.
"Just really straining and working downfield for blocks."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
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Thursday, October 17
He's seen it all: If it's been said once, it's been said 100 times this week at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
And honestly, it will probably be said 100 more times.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has seen it all.
Rodgers is in his 20th season in the NFL and has faced every defensive scheme possible.
That doesn't change the challenge for the Steelers defense, though. Find a way to throw him off.
"He probably knows what's coming," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "But I think disguise still plays a key in winning the ballgame. He's seen every coverage. It's not like you're going to fool him that much.
"But we've got to have good disguise, good communication, good execution."
Communication is something that has been a hot topic with the defense, especially after the Cowboys game, but improved against the Raiders. That needs to remain the case going against a savvy veteran like Rodgers.
"I think communication, you can't have those breakdowns, especially on the back end," said Heyward. "You can hide it up front to an extent. But on the backend, it definitely stresses a lot of people. Sometimes that's our own doing trying to do too much.
"But we have to execute at a high level or he's going to have a lot of success. One thing Aaron's always been good at is substitutions and taking advantage of that as well. So, if we're subbing guys, we have to make sure we run off the field and we're ready to have 11 guys out there."
Added to the mix this week is receiver Davante Adams, who was acquired via a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Rodgers and Adams have a long history as teammates with the Green Bay Packers for eight seasons, so it won't take long for the two to get up to speed.
"A good wide receiver added to the mix," said Heyward. "Aaron's got a good relationship with Davante. I mean, they were probably training together this offseason. It's not like you've got to create a rhythm. It's just re-start.
"Aaron's always done a good job of putting the ball where it needs to go, and there's routes that Devante likes. His outs, back shoulder fades. That's nothing I really need to worry about. But I think just the relationship there and how they want to play and how they want to dominate a game, you got to be ready for it.
"Between (Davante) and Garrett (Wilson), I think they're looking to get those guys the ball. You can lean in on that. But I think you also have to focus on the run game. Breece Hall does an amazing job. Aaron's going to spread the ball around."
As far as the run game, which is always the first thing the defense wants to shut down, while it might start with Hall, it doesn't end with him as Braelon Allen can come in and beat the defense down as well.
"When you have two running backs, it allows everybody to stay fresh and it really stresses the defense," said Heyward. "Looking back at Green Bay, when they had their two monsters. Even here we have Najee (Harris), Jaylen (Warren), a little bit of Cordarrelle Patterson.
"Running back by committee really stresses the defense. What they're doing up there is toting the rock as of late. As you look at that Buffalo game, they had a lot of rushing yards and it's really allowing their offense to flourish."
Cook returns to practice: Offensive tackle Dylan Cook returned to practice today but remains on the Reserve/Injured List.
The Steelers have a 21-day window to either activate him to the 53-man roster, or he remains on the Reserve/Injured List the remainder of the year.
"It felt incredible," said Cook. "It's been almost eight weeks, nine weeks, something like that. Just being out there, even in limited participation, was so much fun.
"It felt great. Just keep stacking days."
Cook was placed on the Reserve/Injured (Designated for return) List before the season started. He said when the offensive line got hit with a rash of injuries, it made it even tougher to not be out there with his teammates.
"Definitely hard," said Cook. "But it was nice still being in the building, still being in meetings, still supporting the guys and watching them ball, watching people step up to the plate and do their part."
Cook spent the 2023 season on the 53-man roster, but didn't see any game action.
As anticipated: A day after head coach Mike Tomlin had said he was "sure at some point" quarterback Russell Wilson would get first-team reps during practices this week, Wilson hit the ground running in advance of Sunday night's hosting of the Jets.
"He's good, man," tight end Pat Freiermuth observed. "It's been good to have him back at practice. Seeing him work again, it's been great.
"He looked good. It was good to have him in the huddle. It was good out there."
Wilson was a full participant at practice last week for the first time since he aggravated a calf injury that had initially been sustained in training camp days before the regular-season opener at Atlanta.
Tomlin acknowledged on Tuesday Wilson is "in consideration" to play against the Jets.
"He brings leadership, that guy who has been there, done that," Freiermuth continued. "He brings a sense of urgency. He knows what it takes to get to that next level. It's been good."
Although Sunday's victory in Las Vegas snapped a two-game losing streak, Freiermuth is far from displeased with where the Steelers stand heading into the Jets game.
"We're in a really good situation being at 4-2, two games left before the bye," he assessed. "And then, obviously, we have six of our (last) eight (games) are AFC North (Division) games.
"Really good position right now."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
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Wednesday, October 16
Execution is the key: His resume is one that everyone who has ever watched football is familiar with.
His talent is unique, something cornerback Donte Jackson has seen up close and personal, having faced New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers multiple times in his career.
"His ability to just control the game from the neck up," said Jackson. "He's a very, very smart quarterback. He's one of the greats to play that position. What makes him great to me is obviously his arm talent, but just his above the shoulders, his IQ.
"He's one of the smarter football players to ever grace the game so it's always a great opportunity to go up against a guy like him."
Rodgers has seen it all. He is in his 20th season in the NFL, so there isn't anything that hasn't been thrown at him. The key when going against a player with that kind of experience is simple.
Execution.
"You just have to execute early," said Jackson. "It's not going to be too much guessing with him. Nine times out of ten, he knows what's going on. It's going to have to be early execution, 60 minutes of playing detailed football. That's what it takes to combat what a guy like Rodgers does with the ball in his hands."
And it's not just Rodgers the defense has to deal with. The Jets acquired receiver Davante Adams this week in a trade with the Raiders, and he is expected to play on Sunday night. Adams and Rodgers played together in Green Bay, a connection that will make the transition much easier.
"He's one of the best players in this league, one of the best receivers to ever touch this field, to lace them up," said Jackson. "If they didn't have a plan for him, I'm sure now that he's there, they have a plan for what they're going to do with him."
One thing the defense has to make sure of, though, is they don't just focus on Rodgers and Adams. Because they aren't the only playmakers.
"We know that these guys have a lot of playmakers all over the field, starting with the quarterback position," said Jackson. "He has athletes all over the field, so you really can't compare it to any other game that we've played up to this point.
"You just prepare This is a great duo (Rodgers-Adams), one of the best duos to ever grace this game, to have played together going way back. You get lost just thinking about those two guys.
"But then there's (Garrett) Wilson, who's also a great player. (Allen) Lazard who has a great ID with Aaron Rodgers as well. And No. 20, Breece Hall, he's probably the most dynamic player on that offense and that's saying a lot about him. Nothing to take away from the other guys, but that's saying a lot about him. He's one of the best backs in this league. He's a great player."
No QB determination: Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were full participants in practice on Wednesday as the Steelers began their on-field preparation to play the Jets on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
But head coach Mike Tomlin isn't ready to yet name a starter at quarterback for the game.
"I'm not going to get into the details of how we distributed reps," Tomlin said. "It doesn't benefit us. Both guys were full participants today and I liked it. I liked their participation. Any decisions that have been made at this point are in-house."
Wilson, who missed the first five games of the season with a calf injury, was active for the first time this season in last Sunday's 32-13 win over the Raiders, serving as the No. 2 quarterback behind Fields, who started the first six games. Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex that Wilson would be in consideration to start this week against the Jets.
Wilson began practicing in full last Wednesday for the first time.
Asked specifically how the 13-year-veteran looked at Wednesday's practice, Tomlin simply replied, "It was a good day."
-- Blog entry by Dale Lolley
Center of attention: The next man up mentality is in full effect this season for the Steelers, and nowhere has it been more apparent than on the offensive line.
Per Michael Bertsch of Steelers communications, the team has already had four different starting offensive line combinations this season, which is tied for third most in the NFL.
Compare that to 2023, when the team had four starting offensive line combinations all season and in 2022, when the same line started the entire season.
"We've suffered a lot of instability, particularly on the offensive line," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "We've had (four) lineups through six games, and sometimes that affects our ability to maybe start fluidly, that connectedness, that cohesion that comes with continued collective reps.
"But the group, I can't say enough about their efforts from a large perspective, and their ability to continue to deliver in spite of some of those challenges. We had some of those challenges in-game. Zach Frazier got hurt, and Ryan McCollum went in, and the train kept rolling as another example of that group and the men that coach that group, their resilience and their ability to step up and deliver when things are less than ideal."
This week, that number of combinations is going to increase.
With rookie center Zach Frazier injured, and Tomlin already saying he won't play on Sunday against the New York Jets, it will be Ryan McCollum who will make his first start in a Steelers uniform. He will be the ninth different player to start on the offensive line this season.
"I'm very excited," said McCollum. "I've kind of been waiting for it. I've been preparing for it for the past four years of my career, so just excited to showcase my talents."
McCollum spent the last two seasons on the Steelers practice squad, after being claimed off waivers from the Detroit Lions, where he played in 13 games, starting one.
He has been patiently waiting his turn, knowing his turn would come and never giving up.
"Keep your head down and keep working," said McCollum of his approach.
And when he was asked by someone if he ever considered giving it up, he had no hesitation with his answer.
"No, never. Not a quitter," said McCollum. "It's not in my blood. So just keep working."
While his playing time with the Steelers has been limited, McCollum has kept working. He has taken reps with all three Steelers quarterbacks during the offseason program and training camp, describing his level of comfort with each as 'high.'
"I played with all three of them," said McCollum. "All through training camp and then practice as well."
And while he has gotten snaps with all of them, this week will be different as he will be getting the lion's share of the first team snaps in practice.
"All the walk throughs, the reps and all the different looks I will be getting," said McCollum. "When I am not getting them, I just stand in the back and take mental reps because that's all the reps I'm going to get as a backup. But you've got to be ready to go because there can't be a dip whenever you go in."
When he went in against the Raiders, there definitely wasn't a dip. It was a seamless transition, due in large part to his preparation.
"I've always looked at it as just you've got to prepare like you're the starter and then if you don't play, that's a good thing because nobody got hurt," said McCollum. "But at the same time, you don't want to look like a donkey out there if you didn't prepare and then you've got to go out there and play."
McCollum and Frazier, as well as all of the other offensive linemen, talk continuously on and off the field, which helps with that preparation. Communication is a key for them, and it's a strength they have mastered even with the moving parts.
"I feel like communication is good," said McCollum. "We do a good job with swapping guys in and out to make sure we're working with everyone through camp and continue through the season."
What also helps McCollum's preparation is the coaching he receives from offensive line coach Pat Meyer and assistant offensive line coach Isaac Williams, who he has said have been 'incredibly' helpful for him.
"Any questions I've got, they just kind of break it down," said McCollum. "Being with them for the past few years, they know what words hit my brain and how I understand things. I can have a question about something, and Pat knows how to explain it to me specifically to where it hits my brain, because it hits everybody's brain differently. So, he's really good with that."
Ready for more: Rookie receiver Roman Wilson was active for the first time this season when the Steelers played the Raiders last week, and he said it felt good to finally get out there with his teammates.
"It was cool," said Wilson. "It was my first game active. Got to play a little bit and get my feet wet. So, it's pretty cool.
"Every day I was coming here preparing, trying to get ready for the week and hopefully waiting for my opportunity. I got it this week, so it was good."
Wilson missed the majority of training camp, the preseason and early in the season with an ankle injury. While he didn't have any receptions against the Raiders, he is hoping his time comes this week.
"I hope so," said Wilson. "I always expect to play. I always get my mind ready for that, just try to get better every day."
To get to the point where the ball is coming his way, Wilson knows he just has to keep on working.
"Just getting better every day," said Wilson. "Everything I can do to just get a little better each day, even today. It's what can I do to get better today. How can I become a better player. That's just my mindset.
"(Working on my) route running, blocking, knowing the plays, knowing all the positions, knowing the intent of the play, just a little bit of everything.
"Every week I look back at it and I can confidently say that I'm getting better."
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.
