Tag Archives: Patrick Queen

5 Quick Takes on the Steelers Initial 2026 53-Man Roster

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It took 2 trades, cuts of four experienced veterans, 1 surprise injured reserve designation and an unorthodox quarterback decision, but Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy have assembled the Pittsburgh Steelers initial 53 man roster for the 2026 season.

Here are 5 quick takes on their roster decisions which come after a look at the initial roster in its entirety.

Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar at Steelers OTAs in the spring of 2026

Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar at Steelers OTAs. Photo Credit: Alysa Rubin, Steelers.com

The Initial Pittsburgh Steelers 53 Man Roster

Quarterbacks (4)

Aaron Rodgers
Mason Rudolph
Will Howard
Drew Allar

Running Backs (4)

Jaylen Warren
Rico Dowdle
Eli Heidenreich, Running Back/Wide Receiver
Riley Nowakowski, Fullback

Offensive Line (9)

Troy Fautanu
Mason McCormick
Zach Frazier
Spencer Anderson
Dylan Cook
Max Iheanachor
Gennings Dunker
Brock Hoffman
Ryan McCollum

Tight Ends (3)

Pat Freiermuth
Darnell Washington
Robert Tonyan

Wide Receivers (6)

D.K. Metcalf
Michael Pittman Jr
Roman Wilson
Germie Bernard
Ben Skowronek
Kaden Wetjen

Defensive Line (7)

Cam Heyward
Keeanu Benton
Derrick Harmon
Yahya Black
Sebastian Joseph-Day
Gabriel Rubio
Kevin Jobity Jr.

Linebackers (8)

T.J. Watt
Alex Highsmith
Patrick Queen
Payton Wilson
Nick Herbig
Jack Sawyer
Carson Bruener
Cole Holcomb

Cornerbacks (5)

Jalen Ramsey
Joey Porter Jr.
Jamel Dean
Asante Samuel Jr.
Brandin Echols
Daylen Everette

Safeties (3)

Jaquan Brisker
Robert Spears-Jennings
Rayshawn Jenkins

Specialists (3)

Chris Boswell, kicker
Cameron Johnston, punter
Christian Kuntz, long snapper

Injured Reserve Designated Return

DeShon Elliott, safety
Jack Driscoll, offensive line

1. Take Mike McCarthy at His Word on 4 Quarterbacks

When Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar were the only 3 quarterbacks during OTA’s Mike McCarthy affirmed that “4 quarterbacks would be awesome.” He meant it. For the third time in 21 years, the Steelers are keeping 4 quarterbacks on their initial roster. In 1995 they did it from a position of strength, in 1999 they did it from a position of weakness.

This time it is somewhere in between, but given the dynamics of the room, McCarthy is making the right move by keeping 4 quarterbacks.

2. There’s No Numbers in Safety

The most concerning personnel move the Steelers made was to put DeShaun Elliott on the injured reserve list. Sebastian Castro got cut while Donte Kent is on the PUP list.

That leaves the Steelers with 3 safeties, one of whom is a 7th round pick and another 9-year veteran on his 6th team.

Mike McCarthy has talked about using Jalen Ramsey as a Charles Woodson like chess-piece. I suspect he’ll start 2026 the way he finished 2025 – working as a strong safety.

Jalen Ramsey and DeShone Elliott at St. Vincents in the summer of 2025.

Jalen Ramsey and DeShone Elliott at St. Vincents. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images, via SI.com.

3. Steelers Lean into the “Fail Fast” Principle

The first major move that Omar Khan and McCarthy made was to deal 2023’s first round pick Broderick Jones off to Dallas, after just 3 seasons with the Steelers. The duo didn’t stop there, shipping off 2025’s 3rd round pick Kaleb Johnson to Green Bay for a 6th round pick.

During the spring McCarthy promised Johnson a clean slate moving in 2026. And he clearly got a long-look early in training camp.

But he fell out of favor with the coaches and will now follow his NFL dream with the Packers. Clearly neither Omar Khan nor Mike McCarthy are allowing sentimentally to cloud their decisions.

Kaleb Johnson heads for the open field in the Steelers August 2026 preseason loss to the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium.

Kaleb Johnson almost breaks won. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

4. Youth Over Experience

The entire Steelers 2026 draft class has made the final roster. Some of these guys could be headed to IR if veterans are re-signed and this may not be a first, but it is a rare occurrence.

  • Much has been made about the age of the Steelers roster.

And while the average age of the Steelers roster is a bit skewed by the presence of Aaron Rodgers and Cam Heyward, Mike McCarthy and his staff clearly opted for youth over experience.

Veterans such as Dean Lowry, Elandon Roberts, Malik Harrison, Travis Homer and Esezi Otomewo all got visits from The Turk.

Some of these players could be back either in the next few days or after the opener, but McCarthy clearly isn’t beholden to something that a player has done for the team or done in the league in the past, but instead is focused on what he believes players can do in the future.

5. The Ball is in Porter’s Court

The Steelers also had to decide to activate Joey Porter Jr. from the PuP list or keep him there for the first 4 games of the season. The Steelers activated him.

  • In doing so, they put the ball in Porter’s court.

The Steelers would like to extend Porter’s contract, and Porter purportedly wants to stay in Pittsburgh. But the two sides can’t agree on a number.

  • Mike McCarthy, unlike Mike Tomlin, doesn’t seem to have much use for “hold ins.”

Word is the Steelers want Porter to participate in practice before engaging in serious contract negotiations. Now that he’s off the PuP list he has to decide whether he’ll do that or not.

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Grounded: Steelers Shut Out by Jets 17-0 in Preseason

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The New York Jets came to Acrisure Stadium and blanked the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 17-0 in the second preseason game of the 2026 season.

  • My what a difference 8 days can make.

After Pittsburgh pulverized the Packers in preseason last week, the talking heads on social media would have had you believe that Mike McCarthy had already not only cured, but expunged every emblematic Tomlin-era error.

  • Against the Jets, it felt like McCarthy was metastasizing those maladies in real time.

And that’s why it is wise to take both the highs and lows of preseason in stride.

The loss to the Jets was as ugly as the score suggests but, given that it is the second preseason game, there are a few legit negatives and positives we can begin to project forward towards the regular season.

Let’s see what those are.

Chase Wilson with one of several sacks of Drew Allar in the 2026 Steelers Jets preseason win at Acrisure.

Chase Wilson sacks Drew Allar. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

1. Worry on the Offensive Line, Encouragement for the Steelers Defensive Line

The two biggest indicators that Steelers fans needed to look for in preseason were the quality of offensive line play and the strength of the spine of the defense.

Two preseason games have seen the coaches test various offensive line configurations and each combination leaves us something to worry about.

Last season several members of the Steel City Insider message board agreed that Broderick Jones had been improving prior to suffering a neck injury in Chicago. I had the same feeling, and it felt good to get confirmation from a few gents who are far more knowledgeable about X’s and O’s than I.

But we’ve seen Broderick Jones give up sacks playing on the left side last week, and against the Jets he gave up two playing on the right.

  • And it isn’t just a question of Jones.

Preseason is often, (although not always), a good gauge of the play of individual units. And the Steelers pass protection has not been good, no matter who has been out there.

The Steelers have given up 7 sacks and 9 QB hits. And all three Steelers quarterbacks have evaded other would be sacks.

Aaron Rodgers safety, Khalil Mack, Aaron Rodgers, Steelers vs Chargers, Steelers vs Chargers SNF,

Khalil Mack sacks Aaron Rodgers for a safety. Photo Credit: IMAGN Images, via Tribune-Review

This is a problem. A big part of the premise behind bringing Aaron Rodgers back was that, behind a more mature offensive line, he could do some damage with an upgraded receiver corps.

  • Nothing we’ve seen means this still can’t happen, but we’ve seen scant evidence that it is.

On the flip side, the spine of the Steelers defense had a strong night.

Both Yahya Black and Gabriel Rubio made stout plays against the run. As did Patrick Queen and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings. Payton Wilson also logged a solid night. A little more on this group later.

2. Anyone Still Want to Run Rudolph Out of Town?

The play of both Will Howard and Drew Allar against the Packers had more than a few in Steelers Nation ready to send Mason Rudolph packing.

  • Such talk was always going to be nonsense regardless of how the quarterbacks performed against the New York.

But the performance of the quarterbacks against the Jets has-re-grounded talk about the young quarterbacks in reality.

To his credit, Will Howard looked poised in the pocket and at the line of scrimmage. He looked comfortable making decisions and threw the ball with confidence – and that includes the two interceptions he threw.

Many agree that his second interception was the fault of the receiver, but regardless, Will Howard looked to be every bit of the 6th round draft pick playing in his second NFL game.

Drew Allar is a little harder to evaluate, because he delivered several passes that were on target that his receivers could have and should have caught.

With that said, the play of both quarterbacks against the Jets sustained the prevailing narrative, that Howard has the intangibles but lacks some of the athletic skill, while Allar has the athletic pedigree but lacks the intangibles.

  • That doesn’t mean either man’s future with the Steelers or in the NFL is doomed.

Mike McCarthy explained that both men left multiple teachable moments on tape. The key is for both to take advantage of the learning opportunities in front of them.

3. Stat Sheet Deceives? A Word About Running Backs and the Running Game

The stat sheet delivered a surprise this morning on the running backs. None of them have averages which raise an eyebrow. Fair enough. Numbers don’t lie, but sometimes they can mislead.

Jaylen Warren logged several authoritative carries.

Watching Dowdle brought back memories of his last performance at Acrisure, where he did enough to help Dallas move the chains.

Kaleb Johnson heads for the open field in the Steelers August 2026 preseason loss to the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium.

Kaleb Johnson almost breaks one. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Kaleb Johnson’s performance was also interesting. He led the team in rushing, and almost broke a long one. But Johnson showed the kind of scrappiness between the tackles that you like to see in a Pittsburgh Steelers running back.

4. Wonder and Worry on Wetjen

OK. Maybe “Wonder” is a bit to strong of a headline here, but hey I need to keep your attention. Seriously. During training camp we heard about Kaden Wetjen’s burning speed and ability to make seamless cuts as a returner.

  • We didn’t see any of that against the Packers, at least as a returner.

But against the Jets we saw some signs of it, and it was encouraging.

Kaden Wetjen fumbles during the Steelers 2026 preseason loss to the Jets at Acrisure.

Kaden Wetjen coughs up that ball. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

What isn’t encouraging was his ball security – he lost a fumble and bobbled another return. And watching him get tackled made me wonder whether someone of his size can withstand the pounding.

5. Of Carson Bruener and Bloodlines

When it came to picking players, Mike Tomlin loved his bloodlines.

The struggles of Terrell Edmunds and Devin Bush Jr. made it easy to wonder whether Tomlin wasn’t letting sentimentality get the better of him. (Funny, neither Cam Heyward or T.J. Watt ever prompted suggestions of sentimentality.)

Bloodlines were a factor in Tomlin’s final draft pick Carson Bruener. Carson Bruener is of course the son of Steelers scout and former tight end Mark Bruener, who made the team last year on special teams.

  • And this preseason he’s showing he belongs on the defense.

On consecutive plays Bruener deflected a pass and then sacked the quarterback. And overall this kid just looks like he belongs every time he sees the field.

6. Two More Who Belong: Skowronek and Roberts

Two more players who are showing that they belong are Ben Skowronek and Elandon Roberts. Skowronek had 3-catches against the Jets, adding to the two he had against the Packers.

Skowronek may never prove he’s the Yancey Thigpen in hiding as this site suggested in the spring of 2025, but he’s a special teams ace and shows that he can catch the ball when it is thrown to him.

The Steelers re-signed the “Tooth Chipper” Elandon Roberts earlier this week and he led the defense with five tackles, renewing the question: Why did Omar Khan and Tomlin let him walk last spring?

No matter. That’s an academic question now. But it certainly is good to welcome Elandon Roberts back as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Steelers-Packers Preseason Priorities: Focus on the Offensive Line and Defensive Spine

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When the Steelers begin their 2026 preseason campaign at Acrisure Stadium tonight against the Packers, all eyes will be on the two extremes of the offense, with the focus on answering two questions:

Mike McCarthy and his staff must gain clarity on both questions during preseason.

Finding out whether Howard and/or Allar has legit long-term potential as a starting quarterback is essential. And if the Steelers 2024 and 2025 seasons taught us anything, it is that a varsity offense requires varsity wide receivers.

Keeanu Benton, Steelers vs Packers

Kennau Benton tackles Aaron Jones. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

But if you really want to understand what will define the Steelers’ ability to not only reach but compete in the playoffs this year, you should keep your focus on the front and center.

  • The “front” being the offensive line, and the “center” being the middle of the defense.

To understand why, let’s look back the Steelers playoff debacle against the Texans and then peer further back into the bowels of Pittsburgh’s famed 3-4 defense.

The Offensive Line’s Eyesore Performance vs. the Texans

Watching the Steelers-Texans game in the cold at outside of Hibernia Bar in Manhattan, my gut reaction was simple:

  • This offensive line just isn’t ready.

The game reminded me of the 2014 playoff loss to the Ravens at Heinz Field. During the 2014 regular season Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin’s commitment to rebuilding the offensive line, after years of “plug and patch,” began to pay dividends.

That year, under Mike Munchak’s tutelage, the offensive line had transformed itself into an asset. But in the playoffs, the Ravens defense revealed that Pittsburgh’s offensive line still needed to mature more.

And so it was in 2025.

The Steelers line started the season a little shaky, and while they never dominated, they clearly improved as the year progressed. But in the playoffs they withered under the Texans’ pass rush, showing that more maturity was needed.

  • With the unit returning four out of five starters everyone expects improvement. But there’s a “but.”

Of the four returning starters, only Zach Frazier will play in the same spot. Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick will move to the left side, Dylan Cook will move to the right and Spencer Anderson, who played primarily on the left, also moves to the right.

Steelers reserve center Ryan McCollum with Aaron Rodgers during the Steelers 2025 win over the Colts.

Ryan McCollum and Aaron Rodgers. Photo Credit: Ed Thompson, SteelersNow

That may not be the opening-day lineup, particularly with Broderick Jones back in the mix, but the coaching staff has established a clear pecking order.

Mike McCarthy, Brian Angelichio and James Campen have enthusiastically moved around the pieces. While nothing about the performance against the Texans screamed, “This isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” moving so many players into new positions still carries a bit of risk.

  • But it also carries potential upside.

My friend and Steel City Insider analyst Matt C. Steel has written extensively about the disservice that NFL coaches can do by moving offensive linemen away from their natural positions, pointing to neuroscience and citing Kevin Dotson as an example, who is playing much better at right guard in Los Angeles than he played on the left in Pittsburgh. (It should be noted that Alan Faneca switched sides in the pros, and his a Hall of Famer.)

But if reshuffling the offensive line deck is what allows the unit to take the next step forward, this decision will pay dividends both this season and beyond. Tonight against the Packers we’ll get our first taste of what’s to come.|

Steelers Piss-Poor Run Defense Hiding in Plain Sight

The ugly nature of the 30-6 home playoff loss to the Texans made it easy to forget an interesting factoid: the Steelers were still within one point early in the 4th quarter until Houston hustled the game away with two defensive scores.

The Steelers defense kept the team in the game while their offense didn’t look like it belonged on the field.

  • But there’s an unpleasant surprise hiding in the stat sheet.

Yes, the Steelers defense earned their stripes, keeping Pittsburgh in the game with turnovers by Brandin Echols, T.J. Watt, and Yahya Black. Sacks by Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton and Jack Sawyer made C.J. Stroud look lost.

  • But one player who found a groove was rookie Texas running back Woody Marks.

Marks ran for 112 yards – his previous best had been 69 yards. Nick Chubb added another 48 yards on 10 carries.

This is important, because Mike McCarthy made no bones about sticking with the 3-4 upon his return to Pittsburgh.

And to understand how alarming those run defense stats are, we need to go back to something former defensive coordinator Tim Lewis once told Jim Wexell: The strength of the Steelers 3-4 defense runs through its spine.

To visualize that, simply remember the days of Casey Hampton, James Farrior and Troy Polamalu and the (6) Super Bowl rings they own.

And the Steelers have questions to answer across the spine of their defense.

  • Can Benton, in a new system, show he’s a true run-stopping nose tackle?
  • If not, is Yahya Black that man, or perhaps even Gabriel Rubio?
  • Are Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson strong enough to man the middle?
  • And who will emerge at safety?

This last question is perhaps the most critical, because Omar Khan has already made several moves at safety.

After watching Kenny Pickett and Company look All World just three Augusts ago, Steelers fans need no reminder that preseason can be deceiving.

But preseason can still offer decent looks at individual position groups. And against the Packers, my focus will be on the spine of the Steelers defense.

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Mike McCarthy’s “No Tackling” in Steelers Training Camp? What Does and Doesn’t Mean

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Like most Steelers fans, Mike McCarthy disappointed me when he announced there would be no live tackling during Steelers training camp this summer at St. Vincents.

The reaction is understandable. Toughness forms an innate part of the Steelers self-identity. There’s a reason why, at one time at least, the toll-free number for phone ordering Steelers merchandise was 1-800-TUF-TEAM.

Lew Nichols stiff arms an unnamed defender at Steelers training camp at St. Vincents College.

Lew Nichols gets away with a stiff arm. Would it have been as easy had there been tackling? Photo Credit: Jordan Perez, Steelers.com

But Mike McCarthy’s announcement triggered memories of two other “Mikes” from Steelers history, one many have forgotten and another everyone remembers. And those memories have helped bring into focus what physicality in practice means to that identity of toughness.

The Mike everyone forgets is Mike Merriweather, whom Tony Defeo rightly identified as “Pittsburgh’s forgotten outside linebacker.”

I can vividly remember as a 15-year-old sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table in 1988, reading in the Pittsburgh Press or Post Gazette, about Merriweather’s holdout for either a new contract or a trade.

But Merriweather explained he wanted to stay with the Steelers because, in part, he’d observed the San Francisco 49ers practices and “they barely hit” or words to that effect.

Mike Merriweather, Edmund Nelson, John Elway, Steelers vs Broncos 1984, Mike Merriweather Steelers career

Mike Merriweather and Edmund Nelson close in on John Elway. Photo Credit: Pin Interest

In the summer of ’88, the Steelers still owned a 4-2 advantage over the 49ers in the Lombardi count. To this 15-year old, Merriweather’s comment offered existential proof not only of why the Steelers should but also why they would maintain that advantage.

The other Mike that everyone remembers is of course Mike Tomlin who launched live, full-contact tackling at Steelers training camp on July 31st 2013.

This was big news. Mark Kaboly of the Tribune Review claimed it was the first time full contact had been allowed in 10 years. Chris Bradford of the Beaver Times reported it was a first since The Emperor Chuck Noll’s reign.

In July of 2013 the Steelers were coming off an 8-8 finish in 2012 punctuated by a December meltdown. Tomlin insisted that adopting live-tackling policy was unrelated to 2012, just as Bruce Stringsteen assures us that the implosion of his first marriage had zero influence on his songwriting or Tunnel of Love….

  • Steelers Nation rejoiced.

If any fans had problems with Tomlin’s no live tackling, no go cart training camp, they sure did keep quiet about it on social media. And since then, Steelers fans have taken pride whenever a newly arrived free agent, such as Patrick Queen, remarked at how much more physical practices are in Pittsburgh.

Again, if you’re reading this, you probably feel the same way.

  • But we also must ask: Did Tomlin’s full contact approach work?

Let’s go back to 2013 opener against the Tennessee Titans. When the afternoon began, the Steelers RB No. 1 was injured, their two top tight ends were out and 3 players on injured reserve. By the time the afternoon was over the Steelers would:

Now let’s remember: correlation does not equal causality.

Football is brutal. Mike Tomlin could have banned all contact in training camp and David DeCastro still would have ended Pouncey’s season by falling on and breaking his leg.

But injury is the back story behind most of the chapters of the Steelers disappointing post-Super Bowl XLV playoff story.

There’s no need to re-live the memories of watching practice squad running backs and wide receivers start playoff games. Nor must we repeat visions of losing stars like Cam Heyward, Bud Dupree or T.J. Watt just as the last leaves fall off the trees, turkey leftovers get finished or the Christmas decorations get put away.

  • Did live tackling in training camp contribute to those injuries?

There’s no way to be sure. But only a select few argue more contact makes them less likely.*

That doesn’t mean that physicality can’t foster a willing culture – Bill Cowher famously used a late-season padded practice to break a 3-game losing streak and spark the 2005 Steelers on a run that ended in victory at Super Bowl XL.

Sure, the old school Steelers fan in me thinks there “should” be live tackling at St. Vincent’s this summer. But if the Steelers can still maintain their physical edge while staying even just a little healthier for December and January football then Mike McCarthy will have delivered a competitive edge.

Oh, and if my adult self could go back and have a “Just Sayin” moment with the 15-year-0ld me: Despite those hard hitting practices the 1988 Steelers finished 5-11. As for the 1988 San Francisco 49ers? They won the Super Bowl.

*In his autobiography In the Locker Room, Tunch Ilkin makes this exact argument. I’m not sure I agree, but Tunch was a lot closer to the game than I am and I respect his opinion enough to share it here.

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Steelers 2026 Draft Needs at Inside Linebacker: Khan’s Work Isn’t Done

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If there is any one position that the Steelers have tied themselves up in knots trying to fill over the last decade, it is inside linebacker.

And no wonder why.  Jack Lambert, Levon Kirkland, and James Farrior were centerpieces of Steelers Super Bowl defenses, while David Little and Ryan Shazier took their teams to Conference Championship games.

The Steelers have made a plethora of moves at inside linebacker since losing Shazier. Some have been fruitful, others have failed.

So the question going into the 2026 NFL Draft is, must the Steelers address inside linebacker again?

This is the next article in our Steelers 2026 Draft series.

Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson on the sidelines of the Steelers 2025 win over the Vikings in Dublin.

Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson in Dublin. Photo Credit: Ian Walton, AP, via the Post-Gazette.

The Steelers Inside Linebacker Depth Chart Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Starters

The Steelers made a splash in the spring of 2024 when they made Patrick Queen the 4th highest paid outside free agent in franchise history (kudos to Chris Adamski of the Tribune-Review for this salary cap-inflation adjusted figure. BTW Wayne Gandy was first – ouch!)

No matter how you measure it, the Steelers invested heavily in Patrick Queen and the returns have been mixed. While he hasn’t been a liability, he hasn’t dominated at the level expected and needed of someone with his salary cap number.

Queen is only 26 and would normally be a candidate for a contract extension this summer, but it would be surprising if Omar Khan targets him for one.

Playing alongside Patrick Queen is Payton Wilson.

Payton Wilson, Justice Hill, Payton Wilson interception, Steelers vs Ravens

Payton Wilson intercepts a Lamar Jackson pass. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

The Steelers drafted Peyton Wilson in the 3rd round of the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Wilson made his presence known fast, making Lamar Jackson pay when he tried to target him in the Steelers upset of the Ravens at Acrisure in 2024. He also recovered a strip-sack by Nick Herbig of Joe Burrow and took it to the house in the road win over Cincinnati.

Since then Wilson has worked himself into the defense increasing his snap count from 45% to 63%. Wilson’s second year was solid – he showed incredible heart and athleticism in running down Jordan Addison  during the Steelers win over the Vikings in Dublin and he authored an incredible game against the Colts, leading the team in tackles and securing his first interception, but his play leveled off after that.

The Steelers Inside Linebacker Depth Chart Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Backups

Leading the depth chart at inside linebacker behind the starters is Malik Harrison whom the Steelers signed from the Ravens last spring. Harrison played in 40% of the defensive snaps and overall was a solid contributor on defense.

Cole Holcomb, Davante Adams, Steelers vs Raiders

Cole Holocomb throttles Davante Adams. Photo Credit: AP via Tribune-Review

The Steelers opted to bring Cole Holcomb back. They signed Holcomb as a free agent in 2023, and Holcomb was beginning to make a name for himself when a brutal knee injury ended his season and ended up costing him the 2024 campaign as well.

Finally, the Steelers have Carson Bruener whom they drafted in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Bruner, the son of former Steelers tight end and current scout made the final roster largely due to his special teams acumen.

If Pro Football Reference’s stats are to be trusted, Bruener only played 1 snap on defense, yet he played 64% of the special teams snaps where he was a demon, recording 17 tackles and winning 2nd team Pro Football Focus All Pro honors.

Steelers 2026 Draft Needs at Inside Linebacker

The Steelers have two solid starters at outside linebacker, two quality backups and a promising developmental prospect.

So they can ignore inside linebacker and focus on other needs, such as guard or tackle in the 2026 NFL draft right?

No, not so fast. The good news is that the Steelers roster at inside linebacker is relatively healthy. Unlike, say wide receiver, they don’t need to add a player with a premium pick in the draft. But they certainly can’t afford to ignore the position, and their experience in 2014 is instructive.

Going into the 2014 NFL Draft, Lawrence Timmons was still going strong, Vince Williams made great progress during his rookie year, Sean Spence was back and Terence Garvin was an interesting developmental prospect who was excelling on special teams.

Inside linebacker was the team’s deepest position and their lowest area of need entering the 2014 NFL Draft – Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert drafted Ryan Shaizer. How right were they? Well, three and a half years later, Shaizer’s injury closed the Roethlisberger Era’s Super Bowl window.

The Pittsburgh Steelers draft needs scale

Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy must take the same mindset at inside linebacker into this draft.

The Steelers don’t need to add an inside linebacker in this draft just as they don’t have anyone on their depth chart who screams “long term answer.” So they’d be wise to add a play maker if they can as their needs going into the 2026 NFL Draft at inside linebacker are Moderate.

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On Paper: Steelers Look Stronger After Week 1 of Free Agency

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The Pittsburgh Steelers were busy during the first week of 2026’s free agency. As expected, Steelers Nation said goodbye to several familiar faces while welcoming newcomers to Pittsburgh.

Here’s an overview of what’s happened so far:

The James Pierre, Kenneth Gainwell left Pittsburgh almost immediately and were followed by Isaac Seumalo, Calvin Austin III, Connor Heyward, Miles Killebrew and Corliss Waitman.

The Steelers welcomed back Cameron Johnston, extended Cam Heyward’s contract, resigned Asante Samuel Jr. Cole Holcomb, Esezi Otomewo and Jack Driscoll.

They also traded for Michael Pittman, signed Jamel Dean, Rico Dowdle, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Jaquan Brisker.

  • Question: So, how has Omar Khan done?
  • Answer: We’ll know when the games start.

Thank about it: A year ago the Steelers secondary looked stronger on paper with Darius Slay’s signing. Sure he was old, but he’d just started on a team that had won the Super Bowl with dominating defense.

  • The Steelers cut Slay, just as they were entering the home stretch.

In contrast, Kenneth Gainwell was seen as more of a “nice to have,” as relief for Jaylen Warren. Gainwell ended up leading the team in receptions and winning MVP honors.

So instead of trying to make pronouncements, let’s look at how each move has impacted their respective areas on the depth chart – on paper.

Michael Pittman Jr. signs his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the South Side in the March of 2026.

Michael Pittman Jr. signs his contract Steelers. Photo Credit: Alysa Rubin, Steelers.com

Wide Receivers – Stronger, on paper, But….

By trading for Michael Pittman Jr.  the Steelers have something on paper in their wide receiver corps that has eluded them for the last two years – 2 viable starting NFL wideouts. With Pittman playing alongside him, D.K. Metcalf now has someone to take attention away from defensive backs.

  • However, losing Calvin Austin was a blow to depth.

It leaves the Steelers without a viable Wr. No. 3 and a starter in waiting. Yes, Roman Wilson could still be that person, but that was the case this time last spring, and he finished the season on the bench.

Defensive Line – Stronger, on paper…

Cam Heyward might be turning 37 soon, but he put in another All Pro year adding another season to what should be a Hall of Fame resume.

Signing Sebastian Joseph-Day is the type of move the Steelers should have made last spring but didn’t, due to successful attempt to game the comp-pick system. Keeanu Benton, is a good player, and can pressure the passer. Yet, he’s had some good moments against the run, as well as some ugly ones.

Joseph-Day gives them an option there, and a chance to work Benton at end with an eye towards the day when Heyward begins his “Life’s Work.” Signing Esezi Otomewo also shores up depth.

Tight End – Slightly Weaker, on paper…

In truth, losing Connor Heyward isn’t dramatic, but the Steelers still have no one with experience behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. They’re doing to need to add a couple-of-three somebodies.

Darnell Washington, Barrett Carter, Steelers vs Bengals

Darnell Washington dumps Barrett Carter. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Secondary – Stronger, on paper…

James Pierre was the kind of guy you want to keep. Losing Pierre hurt. But the Steelers didn’t see him as a viable long-term starter, and Jamel Dean, on paper, gives the Steelers the chance to field two shut down corners with Joey Porter Jr. yet to reach his prime.

  • Signing Asante Samuel Jr. over Pierre does come with more risk, but also offers a higher return.

The moves also signal Jalen Ramsey remaining at safety, but with DeShone Elliott returning and hopefully at full health, they still had no one behind them. Jaquan Brisker appears to be starter-capable and is a welcome addition.

Running Back – Neutral

You never want to lose your previous season’s MVP, but Rico Dowdle is a proven starter in this league and gives the Steelers an insurance policy with resepct to Kaleb Johnson.

Offensive Line – Weaker, on paper…

The Steelers like Spencer Anderson but Isaac Seumalo has been their best offensive lineman for the past three years. Jack Driscoll gives them depth at offensive tackle, where they need it.

Inside Linebacker – Neutral

Cole Holcomb’s return amounted to a minor surprise, but at this point this is nothing more than a depth signing, as Patrick Queen remains in Pittsburgh and doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere.

Holcomb’s a good guy to have coming off the bench.

Special Teams – Weaker

The decision to let Waitman go and replace him with Johnston, who is older and has had injury issues, is a head scratcher. Calvin Austin was a solid return man, and James Pierre, Connor Heyward were special teams demons and Miles Killebrew was their special team’s captain.

The Steelers should find replacements to fill these holes from the bottom of their roster, but they have created the need to do so.

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Staying Put: Steelers to Re-Sign Cole Holcomb and Asante Samuel Jr.

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The legal tampering period for NFL free agency has begun and two Steelers free agents will be staying in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers agreed to terms with inside linebacker Cole Holcomb in what is being reported as a 2-year 5 million dollar contract. They also will ink a cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to a one-year deal valued at 4 million dollars.

Cole Holcomb, Davante Adams, Steelers vs Raiders

Cole Holcomb throttles Davante Adams. Photo Credit: AP via Tribune-Review

Cole Holcomb had been one of the Steelers marquee free agent signings in the 2023 off season, signaling hope that the franchise’s quest to find stability at this critical position might finally be coming to fruition.

Holcomb earned a starting role and was beginning to prove himself as a difference maker, when he suffered a brutal, season-ending injury in the Steelers win over the Tennessee Titans.

Holcomb missed the entire 2024 season rehabbing his injury, but returned to play in 2025 where he appeared in 14 games, made 3 starts and forced a fumble in the Steelers week 3 win over the New England Patriots.

The San Die… er um, Los Angeles Chargers made Asante Samuel Jr. a 2nd round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He began starting as a rookie and held the starting role for 3 seasons, until injuries ended his 2024 campaign after just four games.

Following that Asante Samuel had spinal fusion surgery which was performed by Dr. David Okonkwo and required a long recovery.

The Steelers were one of the few teams to show interest once he was cleared to play. He joined the practice squad in November and first activated him for the Bills game.

His first start came at Acrisure Stadium against the Miami Dolphins. Samuel intercepted a Tua Tagovailoa pass in the 1st quarter just after the Dolphins had crossed into Pittsburgh territory and the play set the tone for a dominating 28-15 win by the Steelers.

Impact of Holcomb and Samuel’s Return to Steelers

Cole Holcomb was the Steelers only unrestricted free agent at inside linebacker, and his signing shores up depth at this critical position. And assuming that the speculation that Malik Harrison could be a salary cap casualty is unfounded, Holcomb gives the Steelers a ready-to-go option behind Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.

  • Samuel’s return carries a different impact.

Going into free agency, Joey Porter Jr. is the only Steelers full-time starting cornerback under contract. Samuel gives them depth at this critical position, and along with the signing of Jamel Dean, it also gives Patrick Graham a free hand in deploying Jalen Ramsey where he can be most effective.

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Steelers Report Card for Win over Dolphins – Delivering in December Edition

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Taken from the grade book of a teacher happy to see his students delivering for December football, here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the MNF win over the Dolphins at Acrisure.

Jalen Ramsey, Tua Tagovailoa, Steelers vs Dolphins, Steelers vs Dolphins MNF

Jalen Ramsey sacks Tua Tagovailoa. Photo Credit: Alysia Rubin, Steelers.come

Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 27 for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rodgers commanded the field with the authority of a Civil War General leading a counter-attack at Little Round top. He hit 8 different receivers, engineered a penalty to covert a third down, and threw a pure laser for his second touchdown pass. Grade: ASteelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
Kenneth Gainwell led the unit with 126 all-purpose yards, including 80 on the ground and 46 on 7 passes through the air. At this point, everyone should understand why the coaches have made a concerted effort to work him into the game plan. Jaylen Warren ran for 33 yards on 12 carries and caught 3 passes for 15 yards. Kaleb Johnson had 2 carries for 4 yards. Grade: B+

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth led the unit with 3 catches for 45 yards. Darnell Washington had 3 of his own for 25. Jonnu Smith had 2 catches for 12 yards, but also scored the final touchdown on a 1 14 yard run. Grade: B+

Wide Receivers
If you ever question the value of having a “big” wide receiver, look no further that D.K. Metcalf’s touchdown run. HE caught a bullet from Rodgers, and then bullied his way through 3 Dolphin defenders to find the end zone from about 10 yards out.  Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen only caught 2 passes, with Valdes-Scantling going for a score, but clearly the wide outs playing better with him in the lineup. Grade: B+

Offensive Line
The line was playing its 4th string tackle. It lost its starting guard during the middle of the game. Yet the Steelers dominated time of possession, ran effectively, and Rodgers – 2 sacks notwithstanding, had time to throw. A very welcome performance from a unit under duress. Grade: B+

Defensive Line
No Derrick Harmon? No problem. The Steelers contained De’Von Achane. He had some good runs, but nothing like what we saw against the Bills. Cam Heyward continues to lead the unit. He set the tone early with a tackle for no gain and punctuated it with a sack late. Grade: B+

Linebackers
Did you realize that T.J. Watt was out? And that Nick Herbig had to leave? Patrick Queen made a phenomenal tackle for a loss to force a field goal, and Payton Wilson recorded a sack to obliterate any semblance of a comeback. A very good night for the linebackers. Grade: A-

Secondary
Before garbage time kicked in, Tug Tagovailoa completed 6 of 10 passes for 65 yards with an interception and took two sacks. Asante Samuel Jr. got his first interception snuffing out a Miami attempt to get into scoring position. And Jalen Ramsey’s sack forced the Dolphins to punt away their first possession. Not bad for a secondary where Joey Porter Jr. is the only starter who was both on the roster and playing in the same position on opening day. Grade: A-

Special Teams
Chris Boswell was perfect with place kicks, although he did land one outside of the landing zone. Corliss Waitman and a strong night and both the return game and the return coverage was solid. Ben Skowronek was a monster. Grade: B

Coaching
Let’s get this straight. No one would have compared the Miami Dolphins’ defenes to the 85 Bears going into the game. But the unit had been allowing less than 2 touchdowns per game during the resurgence that began at mid season.

Yet Arthur Smith’s unit had its best night of the season and patched together its first game with four consecutive touchdown drives since 2018. Smith needs to find a way to sustain this, but the unit is coming together nicely as the Steelers reach mid-December.

Its also time to give Teryl Austin credit. He went into this game missing two of his best strong-side defenders. And just two weeks ago a James Cook had humiliated the his defense on this same ground.

  • But Austin’s defense owned this night.

Sure, Miami had some nice runs and moved the ball a little to open the game, but Austin adjusted and dominated the Dolphins, effectively shutting them out of the game in the 3rd quarter.

  • Mike Tomlin has taken a lot of heat this season.

While some of the barbs have been unjustified, when the Steelers have swooned low, they’ve looked as bad as any variety of numbers could suggest. But every NFL season has its ups and downs, and December is the time to bring it together. Two games into the month finds Mike Tomlin’s team doing just that. Grade: A

Connor Heyward, Steel City Shove, Steelers vs Dolphins, Steelers vs Dolpins MNF

Connor Heyward scores with the Steel City Shove. Photo Credit: Jared Wickerman, Steelers.com

Unsung Hero Award
4 Carries for 4 yards doe not impress on the stat sheet. But when 3 of those converted 3rd or 4th downs and one of those was a touchdown it shows you how stats alone seldom tell the full story. Because of that, a because he caught an on-sides kick that had bounced past the first man, Connor Heyward wins the Unsung Hero Award for the Steelers 2025 MNF win over the Dolphins at Acrisure.

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Strike Hard, Strike Smart: Steelers Dominate Dolphins 28-15 on MNF

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On a cold night at Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-15.

The Steelers emerged with their undefeated streak on Monday Night Football that began in 1992 intact and, more importantly, with an 8-6 record and a one-game lead in the AFC North.

Both teams came to the field with something to prove.

The Dolphins had won 4 straight and 5 out of their last 6 and need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Steelers were on a one-game winning streak, having lost 5 out of their last 8. But Pittsburgh prevailed because with the realities of December football closing in, Mike Tomlin’s team found a way to shift into higher gear while the Dolphins sputtered.

Aaron Rodgers, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers vs Dolphins, Steelers vs Dolphins MNF

Aaron Rodgers flicks it as Minkah Fitzpatrick can only watch. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Dolphins Swing Hard, Steelers Stand Strong

When the Dolphins won the toss and elected to receive, the narrative for this game was a latent storyline waiting to be activated.

Miami had been rushing on anyone and everyone. The Steelers struggled to stop anyone on the ground. The Dolphins defense had been dominating opponents, while the JVness of Pittsburgh’s offense has been on display all season long.

  • But football teams author their own narratives.

And, to that end, there’s one thread that will get lost from this contest: The Miami Dolphins exited their corner swinging hard:

  • Their defense forced a 3 and out on its first go against Pittsburgh’s offense
  • Jordyn Brooks ended Miami’s next drive with a sack of Aaron Rodgers
  • Eleven plays later, Zach Sieler did it again, giving Corliss Waitman his third opportunity to punt
  • On offense De’Von Achane appeared to be finding his footing and building up to a big night

Despite suffering a few misfires, the Steelers yielded nothing, and stood tall. Asante Samuel ended Miami’s second drive with an interception. Pittsburgh ended up punting on the ensuing Steelers drive, but Mike Tomlin threw down the gauntlet by going for it on 4th and 1 at his own 28, and Connor Heyward set the tone for the offense by converting.

Patrick Queen did his part on the next Dolphins drive, dropping Ollie Gorden for a four yard loss on 3rd and 1 at the Steelers 32, forcing a punt.

Jaylen Warren, Steelers vs Dolphins, Steelers vs Dolphins MNF

Jaylen Warren rushes. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

With just over 5 minutes left Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense went to work. Rodgers methodically moved the Steelers down the field, mixing up passes to Darnell Washington, Jonnu Smith, Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren while Gainwell and Warren advanced on the ground.

When the Steelers faced a 4th and 1 at Miami’s 15, there was no doubt they were going for it, and once again Connor Heyward delivered.

Five plays later, the offense was executing the Steel City Shove for the 4th time that night as Connor Heyward was putting the Steelers up by 4 with his first rushing touchdown.

Steelers Strike Hard, Strike Smart

Taking a 7-3 lead out of the locker room at halftime doesn’t deliver much of an advantage, but it does give you a foothold – if you can hold it. And Pittsburgh Steelers, as we know, have been abysmal during the 3rd quarter in 2025.

  • To remedy that, Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith leaned into the spirit of Ron Erhardt.

Even though Aaron Rodger’s had gone 13 of 14 in the first, half, the Steelers began the second one by feeding the ball to Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. In doing so they fulfilled Erhardt’s philosophy of “Throw to score, run to win.”

The Steelers ran 5 sright times to open the second half, burning nearly 4 minutes off of the clock by the time they reached the Miami 19. There Aaron Rodgers faked the handoff to Gainwell, and then hit Marquez Valdes-Scantling  who was wide open in the end zone, scoring a touchdown on his first catch as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Leaning into your ground game when you’re down 14-3 in the second half is certainly doable, but it isn’t a mode your offense can automatically slip into. So after Cam Heyward stuffed Archane for no gain on Mami’s first play the Dolphins were forced to pass. Tua Tagovailoa managed to find Alec Ingold for 4 yards on second down, but on third down Jalen Ramsey sacked Tagovailoa without even laying a hand on him.

  • It was on the next drive where the Steelers offense definitively shifted into high gear.

Aaron Rodgers converted a third down by catching the Dolphins with 12 men on the field. Gainwell ripped of several 9 yard runs, and Pat Freiermuth caught a chunk pass. From Miami’s 26, Gainwell lost a yard. Then Rodgers missed Freiermuth. But on the next play, he iced the game.

He threw a laser to D.K. Metcalf and Metcalf, then took the ball and stiff armed two Dolphin defenders while beating a third on his way into the end zone.


By the time he finished moving, the Steelers were up 21-0, as the Steelers offense was simultaneously striking smart and striking hard.

Rudolph on the Bench, but Misfit Toys Have Their Day

A little over two years ago, the Steelers had been left for dead, only to have Mason Rudolph come off the bench and lead Pittsburgh to 3 straight wins on Christmas weekend.

Although Rudolph remained on the bench throughout the night, the Steelers team that took the filed in many ways represented the NFL equivalent of the Island of Misfit Toys.

  • T.J. Watt was out.
  • Nick Herbig had to leave the game with an injury.
  • Rookie run stuffer Derrick Harmon was injured and unable to play.
  • James Pierre, who has been improving by the week, missed game due to injury
  • Receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen were practice squad call ups and waiver wire pickups
  • Dylan Cook, their 4th string offensive tackle, started his first game

Yet the Steelers collectively came together and not only found a way to defeat, but dominat the Dolphins. After Metcalf’s touchdown, Payton Wilson ended the Dolphins next drive with a sack. By the time Jonnu Smith opened the 4th quarter by running it into the end zone from 14 yards out, it was icing on the cake.

December Football Has Arrived, and the Steelers Are Delivering

December has become a month of deliveries. The NFL is no exception. As the Steelers so painfully learned last year, either you step up and deliver in December, or you wither on the vine.

  • The Steelers opened December with a win over the Baltimore Ravens, on the road no less.

But, as Jim Wexell has pointed out through the years at Steel City Insider, the Steelers have typically struggled after a win against the Ravens. Instead, Mike Tomlin found a way for a short-handed Steelers team to dominate a Dolphins team coming into Pittsburgh on a hot streak, and fighting for their playoff lives.

That’s good. But it is December and deliveries must continue. Now the Steelers need to find a way to go into the Detroit Lions in their own lair.

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Bottoming Out Continues: Bills Batter Steelers 26-7 @ Acrisure

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Heading into the home stretch of their 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed the Buffalo Bills into Acrisure Stadium and got blasted, losing 26-7.

  • Following the defeat Pat Freiermuth explained, “It sucks. That’s the only way to describe this loss.”

Yes. The Steelers did suck on Sunday. And then some. They’ve now lost 5 of their last 7, and this latest defeat represents the clearest signal to date that the bottoming out process that Mike Tomlin and the franchise have so deftly avoided for 6 years continues to gain momentum.

Mike Tomlin, Steelers vs Bills.

Mike Tomlin’s long face tells it all. Photo Credit: Aaron Anastasia, Steelers.com

First Half, Ugly, But Above the First Line

When this article hits the internet, 24 hours won’t have even passed his the Steelers 2025 loss to the Bills. But by this point has long forgotten the fact that, for the first 30 minutes, the Steelers played winning football.

  • No, they weren’t playing “good” football.

In fact, they were behind the Bills in several statistical categories, but leading in the score – in many ways a reversal of last week’s loss to the Bears, where the Steelers won on the stat sheet everywhere except the point tally.

But the Steelers did a number of things right to earn their lead including:

  • Brandin Echols picking off Josh Allen, ending Buffalo’s first drive.
  • Nick Herbig forcing the mighty James Cook to fumble, with Patrick Queen recovering
  • Kenneth Gainwell making an All Pro catch just above the turf and running it to the Red Zone
  • The Steelers defense forced two Bills punts, in addition to those turnovers

And to end the half, the Bills capped off a 16, 7:18 second drive by running 5 plays inside the Pittsburgh’s Red Zone, with the Steelers defense forcing a field goal.

The water stood at the vessel’s halfway line. clearly your defense is doing something wrong if you give up a 16-play, seven-minute plus drive in the NFL; but if your defense can tighten the screws in the Red Zone just enough so that you can force a field goal, there’s also hope.

The question heading into the locker room was which fork in the road would the Steelers take?

Steelers Stumble into 2 Headshots to Start Second Half

The 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers have started 2nd halves of games with leads, only to squander them. One of the biggest constants in those second-half collapses has been disastrous drives to open the third quarter.

  • Could the Steelers avoid such a disaster against Buffalo?

No, they couldn’t. No. Instead of feigning a good performance for a couple of snaps, Pittsburgh’s first series of the second half lasted precisely one play, as Joey Bosa strip sacked Aarron Rodgers and Christian Benford recovered, taking it to the house.

Joey Bosa, Aaron Rodgers, Steelers vs Bills

Joey Bosa strip sacks Aaron Rodgers. Photo Credit: Bills.com

In just 16 seconds, the Buffalo Bills had taken the lead at Acrisure Stadium.

Rudolph rescued the Steelers entire season on a cold December night just two years ago, could he do it again? Well, a penalty on the kickoff by Sebastian Castro didn’t help. Nor did a negative run by Jaylen Warren on first down. But an unsportsman like conduct penalty on the Bills moved the ball to the 32 and gave the Steelers a fresh set of downs.

  • Jaylen Warren responded with a 4-yard run. A step in the right direction, eh?

AT that point, Arthur Smith decided to take a deep shot. Which is fine. He decided to do it using play action, which is even better. (Nod to my buddy Matt C. Steel, who’ll no doubt remind us that play action out of the shotgun isn’t nearly as effective.)

Mason Rudolph wanted to target Darnell Washington. Again, a very good idea. Washington’s a big target who is very hard to take down. The Bills knew that. Which is why they put three defenders on him. Rudolph threw the ball anyway. Risky, you’re trying to thread a needle. But Washington’s tall. He gives you a big hole on your needle to thread.

And triple coverage be damned, there was a window for Rudolph there. Unfortunately, he missed it, overthrowing Washington and sending directly to Christian Benford, who picked it off.

The Steelers had only run 5 plays in the second half in less than 2 minutes of action, yet they’d still managed to walk into two headshots.

Body Blows: Bills Impose Their Will

Fans of pro wrestling will appreciate this metaphor. The Steelers opening of the second half was somewhat reminiscent to WrestleMania XV’s shoot match between Butterbean and Bart Gunn, where Gunn opened the first round by taking two shots to the head.

  • The second shot knocked out Gunn, ending the affair.

By comparison, Bart Gunn was far more fortunate than the Steelers defense, because Gunn got to go home after suffering his second headshot. In contrast, the Steelers defense had to continue to stand in there, and take body blows for the next 28 minutes.

T.J. Watt, James Cook, Steelers vs Bills

T.J. Watt tries and fails to stop James Cook. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune Review

In the first half, James Cook and Ray Davis had shown they could run on the Steelers defense.
In the second half, the duo proved they could impose their will.

Last season, after Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson ridiculed the Steelers run defense in the playoffs, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan went out and drafted Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black. The Steelers run defense has had its weaknesses at times, but overall its been better, and it did deliver a shutdown performance against the Colts.

  • Harmon missed the game with an injury, and the Steelers felt his absence.

But while that may explain a few things, it excuses nothing. The Bills were without their top two tackles. But you wouldn’t have known it had Jim Nanz and Tony Romo not continually reminded us.

  • It didn’t matter if the Bills ran inside or ran outside, or which running back they used, Pittsburgh was powerless to stop them.

On their lone non-turnover 3rd quarter possession, the Steelers managed 9 yards on two runs. By the time they got the ball back, they were down 16 points. It was then, in garbage time, that they managed a 10-play drive that ultimately ended in a turnover on downs.

Bottoming Out – Or Full Fledged Free Fall?

Early in the game, before the outcome was clear, Nanz and Romo pointed out that the Steelers had tied Tom Landry’s record of 21 consecutive non-losing seasons. The streak started with Bill Cowher’s 2004 Steelers and has continued since Mike Tomlin arrived.

The story of how Art Rooney II’s troika of Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan have managed to avoid the inevitable bottoming out process for so long is an impressive one, but one for another day.

Because the Pittsburgh Steelers are clearly a team in the process of bottoming out. This reality has been evident for several weeks.

But the loss to the Bills brings up a brutal question: Can Mike Tomlin prevent this bottoming out from becoming a full-fledged a freefall?

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