Saturday, January 11
Steelers Nation is ready: Just hours before the Steelers took the field against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Steelers fans gathered at Tequilla Cowboy on Pittsburgh's North Shore, just a short walk from Acrisure Stadium, for a Steelers Playoff Party.
Steelers fans turned up in droves to show their support, decked out in black and gold and waving their Terrible Towels from the minute they walked in the door.
Steelers legends Santonio Holmes and Charlie Batch were both on hand to welcome the crowd, visit with them and get them fired up for the game.
"This is always fun," said Batch. "To be around it is great. The fans build a connection, rooting for this team all year to get to this point. They always hope they are one of those teams that have the opportunity to play for a championship. Everybody has the hope of being able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
"What better way to get ready for it than to do a pep rally type of party and get people excited, even though we wish it was home. But people still are supporting the team, whether that's in Pittsburgh or throughout the world, they will be rooting them on. And that's one of the reasons why the NFL has slated this game into a primetime slot, because they know Steelers Nation will be glued in."
Batch and Holmes made sure the crowd was hyped before the team took the field, something that was an easy task for them.
"I didn't feel like I had to do too much because everyone was excited to be here," said Batch. "Just watching everybody get in their outfits, dressed all in their black and gold, in character for game day and the team rewards them and posts their pictures. Fans want everyone to know they are diehard fans through thick and thin.
"I get excited to be a part of it. I went from player to fan mode, and I love getting them excited for it."
Friday, January 10
Showing their support: The excitement is real in Pittsburgh as the Steelers prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium in the Wild Card Round.
Students at Chartiers Valley High School in Pittsburgh's South Hills area made sure they showed their spirit when they hosted the Steelers Playoff Pep Rally on Friday afternoon.
And while Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz couldn't be there at his high school alma mater with the students, he loved that they were bringing the enthusiasm.
"What's up Chartiers Valley, this is Christian Kuntz, Class of 2012, a longtime ago," said Kuntz in a pre-recorded video. "I want to thank you guys and give you a shoutout for hosting our Steelers Playoff Pep Rally. You have the best host that you could have, my man Charlie Batch.
"I want to say what's up to a lot of the faculty, teachers and staff. A bunch of people there now were there when I was there. I love that place. It was home for me.
"Big game this weekend. Go Steelers. Thank you for your support."
As Kuntz said, Steelers legend Charlie Batch was on hand to host the rally, getting the students fired up, even though that didn't take much.
"When you're at that high school level, you're excited with the dream of hopefully being able to don that black and gold at some point in your life," said Batch of the students, in particular those on the school's football team. "But also growing up Steelers fans, they get excited just like anybody else. When you're that close to it and you're able to participate and cheer your team on, it's a special moment. There's only a handful of teams that are in the playoffs at this particular point and you're hoping that you're able to hoist that Lombardi Trophy at the end. So, it's exciting for a lot of people all around."
Steely McBeam was also on hand for the pep rally, which also featured giveaways, Terrible Towels waving like crazy and the Steelers-wrapped Ford F-150 for the students to see.
"It's a great atmosphere," said Batch. "I love the enthusiasm."
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School that featured Steelers legend Charlie Batch, a Ford truck delivering Terrible Towels, and a surprise video from Chartiers Valley alum and Steelers LS Christian Kuntz
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Thursday, January 9
Plenty of juice: From the time the 2024 season started, linebacker T.J. Watt made one thing perfectly clear.
He wants to win a playoff game.
And this weekend, he is hoping to make that happen.
Watt, the Steelers first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has a drive like no other to get over that hump.
"Since I've been here, I haven't won a playoff game," said Watt. "I've been saying it this whole season. You guys know how important this is to me.
"It starts with having a great day, day in and day out this whole week. Today was a good day. This whole week was a good week. But if we've learned anything about these last four weeks, it doesn't matter how well you prepare, how good you feel about your preparation, if you don't execute on game day."
And game day will be one where the defense has to bring everything they have.
The Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium, an opponent the black and gold are plenty familiar with. The two teams split the regular season series, each winning at their home venue. In the Week 16 matchup, the Ravens offense came out strong, something Watt knows they have to clamp down on this week.
"I don't know if you can add to it honestly," said Watt. "I'm excited to play in the playoffs. I wasn't able to do it last year.
"I want to play better than what we did a couple of weeks ago when we played these guys. I feel like we're capable of playing much better football, especially as a defense. I feel like we had a really good week of practice.
"You can't add juice. You really can't. I mean, if you don't get up for these games, I don't know what you're doing.
"It's a huge game because we're in it. Obviously, the Ravens, divisional opponent. It's great that we to have two games to look at for film, just to see those intimate relationships that Mike T (Coach Mike Tomlin) always talks about."
While the game itself is about as hyped up is you can get, there is something that does add juice for Watt.
And that's what the ultimate goal is.
Yes, he wants a playoff win.
But he wants more.
A Super Bowl Championship.
"You say all the time there's a big difference between guys that come back that are Super Bowl champions and guys that are not," said Watt. "And that's not a slight at the guys that aren't. I'm one of those guys right now.
"But there's definitely an aura and a sense to a guy that has won a Super Bowl. There's a togetherness, a close-knit group of guys that when they come back for those alumni weekends, they hang out and they bond, and they talk about their successes on and off the field in that Super Bowl run. And we want that. Every guy in here wants that.
"Don't confuse any of this lack of success for lack of effort. Everybody's trying. We're turning over every stone, every stone that we possibly can to be great. We want to be great. We just need to do it together. And that's not saying that we haven't, but we just need to do everything collectively. Play complementary football when that time matters most.
"There's definitely a sense of urgency because it's the playoffs in the National Football League. This is what everybody plays the game for."
The road to recovery: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has spent part of this week battling the flu, but he was back to work on Thursday and said he is ready for Saturday night.
"Good day of practice," said Heyward. "Excited to go play this week."
Heyward played against the Bengals last week with the flu after it hit him the day before the game, but missed time early this week dealing with it.
He now appears to be back on track.
"I've been sick before like that, but it's been a while," said Heyward. "It hit me all Friday and then snowballed from there. Finally starting to get out of it."
And that is good news for the defense. While he was a dominating force against the Bengals last week, a healthy Heyward is even more dangerous and that's going to be a necessity against Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the rest of the Ravens.
Heyward knows they can't have any letdown, and have to do everything they can to limit the group.
"(Guys have to) get off blocks, stay in their gaps," said Heyward. "I think just executing. I think before we go on and try to try to play hero ball, take care of your job, just settle in with our technique."
That combined with the energy that has been on display this week could be just what the doctor ordered.
"Guys have been focused all week," said Heyward. "I think there was attention to detail. You're only measured off it if you win the game. So, fingers crossed that we're dotting our I's and crossing our T's."
So many weapons: When people talk about the Baltimore Ravens offense, the first person everyone mentions is quarterback Lamar Jackson, a frontrunner for NFL MVP once again.
And while Elandon Roberts knows Jackson is who makes the offense go, he also knows there are too many other weapons to focus on just one.
"I think the primary focus is the entire offense because you know Lamar brings his own, but the dynamic of what Lamar can bring to the running game, which Derrick Henry brings his own aspect to it," said Roberts. "Then you've got to think about the pass game where they have some great weapons too.
"They are a complete offense. Statistically first in every category. It's not depreciating Lamar. He is the engine, but it's more than that."
The Ravens offense is ranked first overall in the NFL, as well as first in the run game. And the combination of two MVP type players in Jackson and Henry brings a unique challenge.
"You've just got to take it one play at a time," said Roberts. "Can't get too far ahead of what your responsibility is, and you've just got to play it one play at a time."
That one play at a time mindset is what he is sharing with younger players who haven't experienced the playoffs yet.
"Just take it one play at a time," said Roberts. "That's it. Play it one play at a time. Play your game, but just take it one play at a time.
"If you have a bad play, on to the next."
Right now matters: There is no time like the present.
That is the mood in the Steelers locker room as they aren't looking back, and they aren't looking forward.
They are just focused on the present.
It's a message that Coach Mike Tomlin delivered to the players in their team meeting to start the week, and it resonates with them.
"I think it's very important because if you keep dwelling on the past, it's hard to focus on the future and hard to make improvements," said nose tackle Keeanu Benton. "So, I think that's a great mindset to have, and I think the guys are buying it."
Don't get the wrong idea, though. While they are focused on the here and now, they are still learning from what happened in the past, including the last four games of the season, and doing what they can to ensure they turn it around this week.
"It's about not dwelling on the past, but learning from it," said Benton. "And I think Coach does a great job of getting us together as a group and getting the same message across.
"We definitely learn from our past. And we had enough learning, enough losing. I'm looking forward to right now, this week."
Benton feels an energy in the locker room this week, one that was noticeable on the field on Tuesday when the defensive backs and linebackers did what cornerback Donte Jackson described as a 'mosh pit' type of energy to start things off.
It's contagious, and it came with another message too.
"We were in pads Tuesday. I think that brings the energy out all the time," said Benton. "I think we can transfer that over."
Benton knew with the pads on what things were going to be like.
"It's going to be a physical week," said Benton. "I think we all know what this time of year means. But it just goes to show that our Coach will do what's necessary, and will put us in the position to make those plays, and put us in the position to be great by giving us those circumstances in practice settings."
The Steelers prepare for the Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Hype man: The energy the Steelers have had this week has been a hot topic in the locker room and there is one player who got it all started.
Safety Damontae Kazee.
"He's our hype man," said safety DeShon Elliott.
That he is. And it isn't something new.
It's just on display more this week as Kazee got practice started on Tuesday with a hyped-up mosh pit that he thought was going to just be him and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but it turned into a lot more.
"Just looking for some energy out there," said Kazee. "Big week for us. New start. Everybody is 0-0.
"So, just trying to start the week off fast, with energy. Just have fun with it."
Kazee was jumping around with Fitzpatrick when the next thing he knew, he was joined by all of the defensive backs and some of the linebackers.
"Yeah, it was funny," said Kazee. "I didn't know everybody was around. We were just having fun, me, Minkah and everybody. Just enjoying it."
It's typical of the energy he brings on a daily basis, someone you can always hear before you see him keeping everyone upbeat always.
"It's just the moments for me," said Kazee. "Just try to enjoy the moment, enjoy what you've got now."
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Wanting to join the history: As the son of a long-time Steelers star, Joey Porter Jr. knows what the rivalry against the Ravens is all about.
His father was a big part of the rivalry both as a player and a coach with the Steelers. And the younger Porter is looking forward to Saturday's playoff matchup as an opportunity to add his name to the rivalry.
"I remember a couple of them. I was young, but I definitely remember those back-and-forth matchups," Porter said Thursday as the Steelers wrapped up their preparations for Saturday's game in Baltimore. "I'm just happy to be a part of this one and get to make my name in this game."
He'll be happy to do it with some of his teammates in the defensive backfield available for this one, as well. While the Steelers had their secondary intact in the first meeting with the Ravens this season, an 18-16 win at Acrisure Stadium in Week 11, fellow cornerback Donte Jackson and safety DeShon Elliott missed the rematch because of injuries.
Porter also suffered an injury in that game, a 34-17 win by the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 16. Now, the gang is back together again for this game.
"It's a boost for everybody. Donte is a good player. He's been great for us this season. Getting him back in the rotation is going to be good for us. I know once he gets out there, he's going to be ready to play," Porter said. "DeShon always loves to run through somebody's face. Just to have him back on the squad and feeling great, that's just another addition to the puzzle that we have back on the team.
"No guys really want to miss a game, especially a close division game like the Ravens. The fact that we've got them back, they get to play them this time around, they're fired up and we're fired up for them."
This time around, it's the Ravens who are going to be without a key component of their passing game. Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said Thursday that Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers won't play Saturday because of a knee injury suffered last week.
"They know us and we know them, so it's always going to be a great matchup," Porter said. "Now that it's the playoffs, it's going to be even more. We're ready. They are too. It's going to be a good one."
-- Blog entry by Dale Lolley
Highly motivated: Safety DeShon Elliott is new to the Steelers this season but he appreciates the sense of urgency that's palpable throughout the organization to break through in the postseason after not having won a playoff game since the 2016 campaign.
"I've heard this organization hasn't won a playoff game in a while so it's not about who we play, it's about winning this game and on to the next," Elliott emphasized today. "We understand who we're playing but it's about coming out with a win by any means."
Elliott was drafted by the Ravens in 2018 and spent the 2022 season with Detroit and 2023 with Miami before coming to the Steelers, so he's well familiar with Baltimore.
His response to the news today that Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers was out for Saturday's playoff opener in Baltimore was an expectation that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson would rely even more heavily on the Ravens' two outstanding tight ends, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
"I was there for four years with Mark and Lamar, they just have that chemistry, kinda like a Mahomes-to-Kelce thing, backyard football," Elliott said, referencing Kansas City's dynamic duo, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. "When plays break down (Jackson and Andrews) still find a way to make a play. Then Likely's a great athlete, gets in and out of his breaks well. He's like a glorified receiver, really, he's a phenomenal player.
"Just gotta go out there and match up accordingly, know your rules, play football, that's all it is."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
Field position battle: When you play a team with the offensive firepower of the Baltimore Ravens, the field position battle is real.
Punter Corliss Waitman knows that is the case weekly, but at the same time understands it's just a little bit different this week.
"Every game I try to do my part, and everybody covers and blocks, and we just try to put our defense in the best position possible," said Waitman. "In our division, we have great quarterbacks we face. I try to do my best and pin that offense and make them go 90 plus yards ideally."
Waitman knows what Lamar Jackson and company are capable of, and understands the first line of defense can be the punt team.
"That's why it's so important to be on your P's and Q's as a special teams," said Waitman. "We really want to try and seize the moment and pin that offense.
"It's the playoffs. Everybody's really good now. So, it's very important."
Ability to adapt: For the better part of the last six years of his career, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has counted himself among the lucky ones to play for Coach Mike Tomlin.
This year, the Steelers have an infusion of new blood who get to enjoy the same pleasure he has since he was traded to the Steelers in 2019, and Fitzpatrick sees them fitting into the culture Tomlin has created perfectly.
"We have a lot of new faces, a lot of new guys in important positions," said Fitzpatrick. "And I think a lot of those guys recognize the foundation that Coach T has created here.
"They don't try to change too much of what's already here. They try to add to it for sure.
"But it's easy to buy into what Coach T is preaching."
And there is one reason why it's so easy.
"Because it works," said Fitzpatrick. "He has had as many winning seasons as he does for a reason."
Tomlin is a steady force for the team, a man who brings the same standard every day.
But he also has the ability to be flexible, to change along with the times.
"I think he adapts," said Fitzpatrick. "I think his foundation is the same, but I wouldn't say he's the same coach he was 15 years ago. He's very adaptable and I think that's what makes him a good coach.
"When we win, you still learn from a win. When we lose, I think that adaptability part is what allows him to learn from losses very well. He looks at the losses and it's, 'Did we lose this game, or did we get beat.'
"I think that allows him to adapt his coaching style and adapt his preparation in what we do on 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.
Wednesday, January 8
Attacking it: Larry Ogunjobi sat quietly at his locker in the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, but his words spoke a message that was loud and clear as the Steelers prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round on Saturday night.
It was a similar message to what Coach Mike Tomlin shared this week.
It's all about living in the moment.
"Everything that we want is still right in front of us," said Ogunjobi. "A lot of times when you look at the past and, yes, we're on a four-game skid right now, but you can kind of have a pessimistic or dang what's going on aspect.
"At the same time, you can't cry over spilt milk. What's done, is done. Being able to move forward, look forward and understand that we have an amazing opportunity in front of us in the playoffs is really important.
"The playoffs are one of those things where you just never know what can happen if you just attack it."
Ogunjobi can easily look around the locker room and see that everyone has bought into that approach, that outlook.
"I think that's just the nature of this organization, this team, the group of guys that we have in the locker room," said Ogunjobi. "You can't get too down, and you've just got to dust yourself off, get back up and go fight."
While Ogunjobi might have gone with a quiet approach in the locker room, on the field the energy level is completely different this week. It started with the defensive backs and linebackers creating a mock 'mosh pit' on Tuesday and the energy hasn't slowed down.
"That's the energy you're going to need, especially going into a hostile environment like Baltimore," said Ogunjobi. "You're going to have to have high energy. You're going to have to make plays, going to have to be detailed.
"And guys are attacking it and going about it with the right attitude."
While Ogunjobi joked that he opted out of jumping into the mosh pit, he did love seeing the vibe.
"I always like their energy," said Ogunjobi. "It was good to see."
The Steelers prepare for the Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens
A general view during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (89) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (61), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Julius Welschof (45), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ayo Oyelola (17), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23), Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jamal Agnew (17) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams Sr. (57), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Julius Welschof (45) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (61) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Matt Sokol (85) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (61) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (89) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defense during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Harper (40) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko (96) during practice at Acrisure Stadium preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
No surprise: Linebacker Patrick Queen knew coming into the 2024 season he would face his former Baltimore Ravens team twice, but it doesn't surprise him that the two teams will meet for a third time, this time around in the postseason.
"It's crazy. But that is football," said Queen. "That's competition at the highest level. It's a great opportunity to go out there and play a good game."
The two teams split the regular season series, both winning at home. In the first meeting, the defense held the Ravens to 16 points, while in the second meeting, the Ravens offense scored 27 points, adding a pick-six by Marlon Humphrey.
The difference from the first meeting to the second is simple in Queen's eyes.
"(We) played team football," said Queen of the first meeting. "I think that was the biggest thing. We played as a unit. Everything was flowing the right way.
"I think the second time around we started doing our own thing. That reflected in the score.
"Now it's the point of us going out there and playing as a unit, communicating at a high level, playing fast, playing physical, doing the job we are supposed to do."
From what Queen has seen the last two weeks, he feels confident that's what is going to happen.
"It's good vibes. We feel good," said Queen. "We were communicating good last week. Communicating is going great in practice, meetings. Every single thing has been good about the defense right now.
"So, it's just the point of us going out there tomorrow at practice and doing it again, doing it at the walkthrough, and then bringing it to the game.
"Playoffs is a different type of atmosphere. Different intensity. Everybody is going to be full tilt. Everybody is going to do their job at a high level. Everybody is going to be that more intense."
The time is now: Receiver Calvin Austin III can't wait for Saturday night's Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Because once again, it's doing what he loves most.
"We get another opportunity to do what we love, so we will take full advantage of it," said Austin.
Austin's approach to the week falls right in line with what Coach Mike Tomlin has been preaching since the team met on Monday morning.
It's time to focus on the here and now.
It's a new season, one that has everyone on an even playing field at 0-0 and looking to live for another week.
"I don't think you use the past or the future, you just worry about the present," said Austin. "You worry about this practice that we have coming up and how we can make this the best practice that we've had all season. And we will use that practice, to get us ready for tomorrow's practice.
"You forget about (the past) and just worry about the Ravens that we got coming up. All focus on there. Whether we won four games, lost all four like we did, wouldn't matter anyways.
"We're where we are right now and that's all that matters.
"It's honestly a clean slate about starting fast on Saturday. So, we're going to practice today to do everything possible to help us in preparation for Saturday."
The Ravens give the Steelers enough to focus on without having to deal with anything else. The two teams split the season series, each winning at their own venue. And the Ravens defense is one you have to been on target going against, as they are ranked No. 1 against the run in the NFL and 10th overall.
"It's a very familiar team, quality opponent," said Austin. "So, it will definitely be a good matchup."
In Week 11, the Steelers defeated the Ravens, 18-16, while in Week 16, the Ravens won, 34-17.
Austin said there are things they can take from that loss as they prepare this week, but there are also things they can take from the long history the two teams share.
"There are definitely some certain things, but you can really take the years that we've played them and kind of build the game plan from it," said Austin. "These matchups, we play them twice every year, so you can kind of get a little theme of what they're going to try to do and what we're going to try to do."
Back at it: When the Steelers and Ravens met in Week 16, safety DeShon Elliott was on the sidelines, dealing with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss several weeks.
It wasn't easy for him, as all he wanted to do was be out there with his teammates doing his part and feeling like he could have made a difference.
"It was hard," said Elliott. "I was really getting into a groove. I missed two weeks. And once you miss two weeks with a hammy, it feels like you've got to get back to yourself. I feel like myself now.
"Even the last two weeks, I didn't feel like myself. I was trying to get back to normal. It sucked. I feel like I could have made a difference.
"Now that I am back, I'll do my job. Be a part of this defense and make plays."
Elliott feels good about the vibe the defense has right now, one that is high energy and kicking into overdrive, which started with the secondary and linebackers getting hyped before practice on Tuesday.
"(Damontae) Kazee started it," said Elliott. "He is our hype man. It's good to start off like that. It's fun to get everybody's energy up before we get out there.
"The energy is always high. But doing it on the field is cool. Doing it the last few days has been pretty cool."
A very special occasion: It'll be about Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson and about T.J. Watt and Roquan Smith, among others who play offense and defense, on Saturday night in Baltimore. But the special teams for the Steelers and the Ravens will also take their rightful places on center stage in the playoff opener for a couple of long-time AFC North Division rivals.
The kicking game is seemingly always paramount whenever the Steelers and Ravens get together. The stakes of the playoffs dictate the special teams on both sides will be even more impactful.
"Of course, it's all on the line," Steelers safety and special teams captain Miles Killebrew emphasized. "Both teams are looking for any advantage they can muster, any edge they can get over the other team and special teams come into play."
The Steelers' special teams have enjoyed a splashy and often spectacular regular season, led by kicker Chris Boswell, who missed practice on Wednesday due to an illness.
But recent outings have also included a 25-yard punt return to the Steelers' 42-yard line that set up a short-field touchdown on Christmas Day against Kansas City and a 43-yard kickoff return that impacted field position late in last Saturday's 19-17 loss to the Bengals.
Killebrew maintained the temperature of the special teams is right where it needs to be in advance of Round Three against the Ravens.
"It's always hot," Killebrew he insisted. "We're always ready. We're just galvanizing and we're gonna go out there and put our best product on the field."
The Steelers have also resorted to special teams subterfuge on occasion (they attempted a fake punt from their 16-yard line in the first quarter on Nov. 10 at Washington; Killebrew's pass to uncovered gunner/cornerback James Pierre fell incomplete when Pierre couldn't complete the catch).
It remains to be seen what if anything they have up their sleeves for the Ravens.
"I don't wear sleeves," Killebrew said. "I'll answer that after the game. We'll see what (special teams coordinator) Danny (Smith) is cooking. We're excited, man, we're pumped. Can't wait to get there."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
2025 Opponents determined: While the dates and times won't be announced for a few months, the Steelers know who will be on the 2025 regular season schedule, which includes the traditional AFC North opponents.
This year the AFC North teams will face the AFC East and the NFC North in games at home and on the road. In addition, there will be three games based on home teams finished within their divisions, with the AFC North teams facing teams from the AFC South and NFC West at home and the AFC West on the road.
With 17 games on the schedule, the Steelers will have an additional home game this year, with the NFL rotating the 17th game on a home/away basis each year.
At home the Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in the North, in addition to the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks.
On the road the team will face Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots and New York Jets.
Interested in ticket information for the 2025 season? Learn more here: Steelers Tickets
Twirl your towels: Steelers Nation, it's time to show us your black and gold spirit.
Starting today, Steelers fans are encouraged to take part in the Towel Twirls Around the World.
Fans can submit photos or videos of themselves, or with friends and family, from any location twirling your Terrible Towel to support the team as the Steelers prepare for Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
Fans can post the photos and videos to X, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, and use #HereWeGo and tell us where you are repping your Steelers support from. Don't be shy, have fun and feel free to wear all your black and gold.
In addition, fans can submit their photos or video of Towel Twirls Around the World via Steelers.com or the Steelers Official Mobile App.
To submit via Steelers.com, visit Towel Twirls Around the World, then fill out your information. After that, go to the 'Category' drop down and select 'Terrible Towel Twirl.' Then upload your content, and submit your Terrible Towel Twirl video or photo.
To submit via the Steelers Official Mobile App, open the app on your mobile device and click 'More.' Then click 'Fan Zone,' and click 'Towel Twirls Around the World.' Fill out your information and then under 'Category' drop down select 'Terrible Towel Twirl.' Then upload your content and submit your Terrible Towel Twirl video or photo.
All posts could be shared by the Steelers and Steelers Nation Unite on the social media platforms to show your support for the team as the playoffs are underway.
It's time to get those towels twirling, Steelers Nation.
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.
Tuesday, January 7
Turning it up: When it comes to the postseason, the energy definitely goes to the next level.
And no doubt, the Steelers took it to that level on Tuesday.
"It's turned up. It's turned up," said cornerback Donte Jackson. "Everybody doesn't get a chance to play in the playoffs, everybody doesn't get a chance to prolong their season week-by-week.
"So, you have to be turned up. You've got to flush everything that happened, and you got to just detail in and hone in on this. The guys don't worry about the last month. We just got to go out here and play ball.
"This is a blessing. It's a great team on the other side. I'm sure they're preaching the same thing. They're not worried about our last matchup. They are just worrying about this one right here. That's kind of been our focus. Just worry about this one and go and get this win and it's going to make everything right."
Jackson even revealed practice started in an usual manner on Tuesday, with safety Damontae Kazee getting the defensive backs and linebackers hyped up with a mosh pit of sorts on the field.
"Everybody's been having great energy since Monday," said Jackson. "We stepped back in the building on Monday and you just feel energy coming through. It's been awesome.
"We had like a mosh pit to start practice today. Just these guys getting hype. Just blessed and grateful to be here.
"It was awesome. You just got to get that energy because that's what it's going to take. We're playing against a very talented team, with talent all over the field, offense and defense. And we are a very talented team on offense and defense, so we just got to go out there and put it together.
"Let's go get this one. This one is going to change everything. You're not going to be worrying about anything that happened or anything that's coming down the road.
"Just worry about this one right here. Saturday night. Primetime. Against a division opponent.
"Man, you don't get better than that."
While Jackson knows you have to put things behind you and move forward in the postseason, he also knows the team is still focused on learning from what happened at the end of the season.
"The learning never stops," said Jackson. "The moment you stop taking lessons from wins and losses, you are losing. We can't get confused with moving on and hone in on it this week and miss the details and stuff we need to change from previous weeks.
"The learning never stops. You learn from wins; you learn from losses. But we have to put together our best game. And that's all that matters. Getting this one right here."
Jackson missed the Steelers regular season finale with a back injury, but he is hoping to be good to go on Saturday. He was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and said he is feeling better.
"It's really just nagging because I'm so twitchy. Certain moves just aggravate it a little bit," said Jackson. "Just trying to keep it comfortable and go with the plan that the training room has for me."
Knowing what's at stake: Beanie Bishop doesn't need to have any postseason experience to understand what is at stake on Saturday when the Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
The rookie nickelback knows it's plain and simple.
"We got to win," said Bishop. "I mean, you lose, you're out and go home.
"Guys that I train with, their team didn't make the playoffs. And obviously against the Ravens it means a lot. So, you win, you can continue to play, and you lose, you go home."
That harsh reality, though, has the vibe in the Steelers locker room fired up.
"The intensity kind of cranked up," said Bishop. "It's win or go home.
"We just know that we got to win the next game. If you don't win, you go home. You've got to pack your stuff, and obviously some guys won't be here next year and things like that.
"So, just being able to focus on this game and look at the things that we did well and look at the things that we didn't do well and know that they're going to try to attack us in those type of ways. So just being able to have a plan for that."
The Steelers and Ravens split the regular season series, with the defense shutting down the ground game and limiting the scoring in a Week 11 win, while Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was able to get the ball into the end zone in Week 16, a loss on the road.
Turnovers also play a key part in it, with the Steelers intercepting Jackson in both games, but coming up with two fumble recoveries in the Week 11 win.
"That was one of the big reasons why we won the first game," said Bishop. "We had three turnovers, and we ended up winning the game. Obviously, we want to score more points on offense, but we limited their opportunities to score.
"Just limiting their runs. They have a lot of firepower on offense with Lamar and Derrick Henry running the ball and just taking the ball away, being able to get to the quarterback and being more opportunistic."
The Steelers prepare for the Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (5) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Harper (40) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers guard Doug Nester (72) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jamal Agnew (17) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman John Leglue (68) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Ready if needed: On Monday, Coach Mike Tomlin indicated that he was open to using Justin Fields in packages against the Ravens on Saturday night, as the quarterback is back from an abdominal injury.
"I'm certainly open to utilizing Justin," said Tomlin. "He has an awesome skill set. We've done some of that in the past. We've done less of it in recent weeks. He experienced an injury a couple of weeks back that slowed some of that.
"But certainly, in an effort to win this game, I am open to any combination or combinations of the division of labor in an effort to do so, and so I'm certainly open to that as we develop plans this week."
Tomlin isn't the only one open to it.
Fields also would welcome seeing playing time this week. He said he doesn't know what the plan is for this week, but he is prepared and open to whatever is asked of him.
"Of course. I always prepare the same, preparing like I'm playing," said Fields. "If my number's called, I'll be ready to go."
Fields gives the Steelers offense more options, ones that make it tougher for the Ravens to prepare for along with Russell Wilson.
"I think for me, just being able to utilize with my legs and stuff, that causes the defense to watch film on that, really just waste time on it whether we're planning on running it or not," said Fields. "So, I think it's definitely a plus for us."
Coming together: Communication.
It's something the Steelers defense has been preaching all season, especially late in the season when there were some issues.
But last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, especially as the game wore on, communication was much more on point for the defense, and it showed. The defense held the Bengals explosive offense to just one touchdown, which came in the first quarter, and held them to field goals from there.
"We were communicating at such a high level," said linebacker Payton Wilson. "It was super cool to be a part of and getting some of those things off our tape that we had.
"But, obviously there's still some things to fix and things that we can correct. A lot of it still goes to communication and guys just getting lined up right and playing fast."
Everything will have to be on point this week for the defense as they face the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is having another MVP season.
"He's the best player I've ever played against," said Wilson. "He's a great player. If you think you've got him down, you probably don't.
"We've got to get a lot of hats to the ball and understand that he might make plays sometimes, you just have to knock it off and go to the next."
This will be the third meeting this season between the Steelers and Ravens, with both teams winning at their home venue.
In Week 11, the Steelers defeated the Ravens, 18-16, with Jackson completing 16 passes for 207 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards.
In Week 16, a 34-17 Ravens win, Jackson completed 15 passes for 207 yards again, but threw for three touchdowns, while Derrick Henry rushed for 162 yards on 24 carries.
"Anything can really happen in this series," said Wilson. "Every game comes down to the last second with these guys. They have some amazing players. They can make anything happen at any time.
"We have been super locked in this week. Communication and execution have to be a big thing."
This will be Wilson's first NFL postseason game, and he is hoping it's a long postseason.
"It's super cool. Obviously my first one," said Wilson. "The intensity is high. Everybody's super focused, locked in. I'm just excited to, you know, do my part and help us get a win.
"It's a brand new season for me now. The playoffs start. We've got a whole new intent. I'm just super excited, thankful for Jesus Christ putting me in the spot and can't wait for that first game."
Wilson said the key to approaching Saturday night's game is to keep the same mindset they have had all season.
"What I've learned from these guys like T.J. (Watt), Minkah (Fitzpatrick) and Cam (Heyward), they prepare the same way every time," said Wilson. "Just the professionalism that some of these guys have in the locker room. It's super cool to be a part of and learn from these guys."
Playoff perspective: The postseason has a do-or-die caveat attached, but also with the same preparation and performance challenges the Steelers have been dealign with all along.
"I feel like it's still the same week all week," offensive tackle Broderick Jones offered. "Just coming in with a mindset, just having the energy and enthusiasm, be ready to go, because at the end of the day we're in a single-elimination tournament now.
"Everybody knows we can do it. We just have to go and do it."
The Steelers open the postseason in Baltimore on Saturday after having lost their final four games of the regular season in succession. Jones is looking forward to the former and isn't sweating the latter.
"I feel like everybody goes through that slump where everything's not perfect, that was ours," he said. "We just have to continue to just try to grind out of it. At the end of the day it's loser go home.
"I'm really not trying to go home yet. I'm gonna do everything I can to be in the same position next week."
To get there the Steelers will need to achieve more consistency on offense than they have of late. Jones is of the opinion such a level of play is attainable.
"Just all 11 being on the same page at the same time for 60 minutes," he said. "I feel like that's all it is. That's all it will ever be in the game of football so we just gotta continue to do that.
"We just gotta put it on us as players and have that chip on our shoulder to come out and just want to do it. We'll see Saturday when game time rolls around. I feel like the guys in the locker room are ready. I know the coaches are fired up. We just have to go out there and do it."
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
Ready for a Wild Card Weekend: The Steelers will open the postseason on the road against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in the Wild Card Round on Saturday, January 11 at 8 p.m. on Prime Video and locally on WPXI-TV in the Pittsburgh area.
The Steelers, who are the sixth seed, and Ravens, who are the third seed, split the regular season series this year, with both teams winning at home.
The Steelers are 3-1 against the Ravens all-time in the postseason.
The Steelers are in the postseason for the 34th time in team history.
The Steelers, who own a 36-27 all-time record in the postseason, are now ranked third overall in playoff berths in NFL history, breaking a tie with the New York Giants, who have 33 playoff berths.
This is the 11th time under Coach Mike Tomlin that the Steelers have earned a playoff berth. He has led them to seven AFC North titles, three AFC Championship games and twice led them to a Super Bowl appearance, including winning Super Bowl XLIII.
Related: Steelers-Ravens Playoff History
Steelers Playoff Sweepstakes: We're sending one lucky member of Steelers Nation and their guest to a Steelers 2024 Playoff game!
Prize includes:
- 2 game tickets
- Roundtrip travel*
- A two-night hotel stay*
- a $250 VISA gift card
Enter now for your chance to win a trip to our playoff game and for full details. Deadline to enter is Jan. 8 at 12 noon.
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.
