News Of Western Pennsylvania And The World
Pending free agent QB Russell Wilson won’t be available to sign anywhere until he officially becomes a free agent on Wednesday with the start of the new league year, but he was granted permission by the Denver Broncos to get an early start on his visits to find his next landing place.
Source: Fowler: Steelers’ Interest In Russell Wilson Is ‘Indeed Real’
The Chiefs secured back-to-back championships by beating the 49ers 25-22 in overtime. The 49ers head coach is 0-3 in Super Bowl appearances.
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh medics had a busy day during the Steelers game on Sunday.
Three people were taken to the hospital during the game.
Medics say they were requested for 12 other calls at the stadium.
Source: Pittsburgh medics respond to 15 calls at Acrisure Stadium during Steelers game, 3 hospitalized
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers had some extracurricular activity at the end of their game after a game-winning interception led to a fight.
Source: Steelers’ Damontae Kazee’s game-sealing interception leads to fight with Packers players
QB Kenny Pickett will attempt to practice with a bone bruise Wednesday as the Steelers evaluate if he’ll be able to play vs. the Ravens on Sunday.
Source: Steelers QB Pickett has bone bruise, will practice
Steelers open 2023 preseason with a victory in Tampa Bay
The Steelers got a pair of long touchdown passes, including one from Kenny Pickett in limited duty, in a 27-17 defeat of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers here Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams.
The first-team offense, which played en masse, looked like a well-oiled machine on its only possession.
Pickett completed 6 of his 7 passes for 70 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens on third-and-8.
Source: Steelers defeat Buccaneers, 27-17
“I won’t be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year so. Really, thank you guys so much to every single one of you for supporting me: my family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors — I could go on forever, there’s too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all.”
Brady, 45, appeared in a record 10 Super Bowls and won six titles with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his 23-year career. He is also the only player to be named Super Bowl MVP five times.
He leaves the gridiron as a certain first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio.
Source: Tom Brady: ‘I’m retiring for good’
Pittsburgh came up just short of the playoffs, but finished with a winning record
Sunday was certainly a bittersweet day for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh handled its business by recording a 28-14 win over the Browns, but was eliminated from playoff contention after the Dolphins kicked a late field goal to defeat the Jets.
While they won’t be playing this postseason, the Steelers’ late surge should be a sign of good things to come for Mike Tomlin’s team. The Steelers, who ushered in a new era this season with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, finished the season with a 9-8 record after a 3-7 start. The Steelers increased their NFL-best streak of non-losing seasons to 19, while Tomlin expanded his record of 16 straight non-losing seasons to begin a coaching career.
Neither team had separated itself from the other until Kazee’s pick of Watson late in the third quarter. Pittsburgh’s offense capitalized on the short field after Harris punched it home for his 10th total touchdown of the season.
The Steelers’ resilience this season was again on display on Sunday. Pittsburgh fell behind early before scoring 20 unanswered points against the Browns, who finished last in the AFC North for a second straight year. Cleveland cut its deficit to 20-14 in the second half before Derek Watt’s touchdown run and Diontae Johnson’s two-point conversion catch gave the home team an insurmountable 14-point lead with under five minutes left.
George Pickens’ 31-yard touchdown catch tied the score after David Njoku’s 10-yard touchdown catch gave the Browns a 7-0 lead midway through the second quarter. The Steelers took their first lead just before halftime when Levi Wallace’s interception of Deshaun Watson set up Chris Boswell’s first of two field goals.
Pittsburgh’s lead swelled to 13 points when Damontae Kazee’s interception set up Najee Harris’ 3-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. Watt’s game-clinching score occurred moments after Nick Chubb caught Watson’s second touchdown of the game from 2 yards out.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle during Monday night’s game, causing the NFL to suspend a pivotal matchup against the Bengals that quickly lost significance in the aftermath of a scary scene that unfolded in front of a national television audience.
Here’s what we know:
The Bills said Hamlin, 24, suffered cardiac arrest.
“His heartbeat was restored on the field,” the team said in a statement early Tuesday. He was transferred to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for “further testing and treatment.”
‘Please pray for our brother:’ NFL players rally around Damar Hamlin after shocking injuryDamar Hamlin’s condition is far more important than footballBills safety Damar Hamlin suffers cardiac arrest, in critical condition after on-field collapse
The Bills said Hamlin is sedated and in critical condition.
Hamlin was hurt while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins on a seemingly routine play that didn’t appear unusually violent.
Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/03/sports/what-happened-damar-hamlin/
Pittsburgh still has a path to the postseason, but a lot needs to go right for the Steelers to get there.
Read Source: Steelers’ path to playoffs: Pittsburgh’s potential clinching scenario for Week 18
A game-winning touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to Najee Harris kept the Steelers in the playoff hunt.
BALTIMORE — The Pittsburgh Steelers got all the help they needed from outside forces, and pulled off a thrilling win themselves to keep their playoff hopes alive. They trailed by four inside of two minutes remaining before Kenny Pickett hit Najee Harris for a game-winning touchdown with 1:02 left to cap the clutch, 80-yard march and secure a season-extending 16-13 win.
- Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett connected with Najee Harris for the go-ahead touchdown with 56 seconds to play.
- Baltimore held a 10-point second-half lead and then failed to score on its final four possessions.
- The Steelers, who would’ve been eliminated from playoff contention with a loss, now need a win next week along with losses from Miami and New England to make the postseason. Per Austin Mock’s model, the Steelers’ playoff odds jumped from 2.3 percent entering Week 17 to 18.1 percent after beating the Ravens
Steelers take on Browns next Sunday at home.
Source: Kenny Pickett’s Game-Winning Drive Keeps Steelers Playoff Hopes Alive
Source: https://theathletic.com/4050883/2023/01/01/steelers-ravens-comeback-sunday-night-football/
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t need a deflected pass to beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night, but they did need some last-minute heroics to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. On the Immaculate Reception anniversary weekend, when Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris had his uniform number retired, the Steelers used Kenny Pickett’s 14-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens with 46 seconds remaining to pull out a 13-10 victory.
Source: Steelers rally past Raiders in final minute on 50th anniversary weekend of Immaculate Reception
Harris passed away on Tuesday
Harris played for the Steelers from 1972 to 1983 and was famous for that incredible play that won the Steelers their first playoff game 50 years ago.
Several events were planned in Pittsburgh in the days ahead marking the anniversary of The Immaculate Reception.
The cause of Franco Harris’ death was not immediately known.
Source: Steelers Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris dead at 72
The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the Carolina Panthers on their way to their sixth victory of the season.
The Week 15 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers pitted two 5-8 teams head-to-head, but these two teams couldn’t be in more different situations heading into the game Sunday. The Panthers were still alive in the atrocious NFC South, while the Steelers division hopes were gone, and their playoff hopes were dangling by a very thin thread.
Nonetheless, these two teams squared off in Charlotte, NC with a Sam Darnold vs. Mitch Trubisky matchup. The Steelers were without Kenny Pickett, who failed to clear concussion protocol after leaving in the first quarter of the Week 14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Trubisky and the Steelers offense would have to wait to get their first possession, with the Steelers winning the toss and deferring their possession to the second half.
Carolina’s first drive lasted just three plays before punting the ball to Pittsburgh. Starting at their own 34-yard line, the Steelers put together an impressive opening drive. Highlighted by several big Najee Harris runs, and timely third down conversions, the drive was capped off by another Harris touchdown run of the season.
Chris Boswell’s extra point was good, making the score 7-0 with 5:48 left in the opening quarter.
The Panthers were putting together their best drive of the day, thus far, and did so with the arm of Darnold. Darnold converted three 3rd and 10+ on the drive, and were in a first and goal situation to end the first quarter. On 3rd down, Darnold scrambled to his right and hit D.J. Moore for the touchdown pass. The extra point was good, tying the game 7-7 with 14:12 left in the first half.
The 24-16 win moves the Steelers’ record to 6-8 on the season, and keeps their playoff hopes alive for at least another week. The team now turns their attention to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve in Week 16. Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the 2022 regular season.
Source: Final Score: Steelers dominate Panthers in 24-16 win
Steelers play a home game on Christmas Eve with
WEEK 16 · Sat 12/24 · 8:15 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders
Two injured players went in the wrong direction in participation in Thursday’s practice.
One player who did not practice much last week ahead of the game against the Falcons was running back in Najee Harris. As he continues to nurse his oblique injury, Harris did not practice on Wednesday. On Thursday, Harris was able to return as a limited participant.
One player specifically mentioned by Mike Tomlin on Tuesday who is banged up is outside linebacker T.J. Watt. On Wednesday, Watt was limited in his participation just like he was every practice last week. Thursday saw Watt held out of practice completely.
Another player constantly dealing with injury but has been able to suit up for all but one game this season is Larry Ogunjobi. Dealing with a toe injury, Ogunjobi did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
Another player not previously mentioned as dealing with an injury is outside linebacker Malik Reed. Listed as having a back injury, Reed did not practice on Wednesday. On Thursday, Reed was back as a full participant.
Another player on the injury report for Wednesday was wide receiver Diontae Johnson with a hip injury. In the first practice of the week, Johnson was a limited participant. Unfortunately, Johnson went in the wrong direction and did not practice on Thursday
Source: Steelers Injury Report: 3 players return while 4 others fail to practice on Thursday
The Steelers out-rushed the Falcons, 155-146. They have averaged 158 rushing yards per game in their past five games.
The Steelers closed the game out in impressive fashion. Clinging to a 19-16 lead with 5:27 on the clock, the Steelers offense controlled the ball until the final minute and then punter Pressley Harvin III pinned the Falcons on their own 2 with 42 seconds on the clock.
Source: Instant analysis: Steelers ride ground game to win over Falcons
PITTSBURGH — Joe Burrow gave Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett an NFL quarterbacking clinic Sunday when he sliced the Steelers for four touchdown passes and 355 yards in a 37-30 victory that gave the Bengals their sixth win in the last eight games.
The Bengals also got a monster game from wide receiver Tee Higgins (nine catches for a season-high 148 yards) and three touchdown catches from running back Samaje Perine, when he stepped in after Joe Mixon left the game with a concussion. Cincinnati also got a boost from a suffocating defense in the second half that held Pittsburgh to fewer than 70 yards after half time before a touchdown drive in garbage time as Trey Hendrickson racked up two sacks after he briefly left in the first half with a knee injury.
The Bengals moved to 6-4 to remain a game in back of the first-place Ravens with their first AFC North win of the season.
That last-minute score by the Steelers did cut the lead to 37-30 and it came down to who else grabbing the on-side kick with 44 seconds left?
Source: Bengals Upend Steelers With Second Half Onslaught
The Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium
Salute to Service: The Steelers will honor active duty service members and veterans during the Steelers Salute to Service game. The Salute to Service game, an annual NFL initiative, honors our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families.
The Terrible Towel Twirl will be led by Steelers legend and Vietnam Veteran Rocky Bleier, along with actor and Pittsburgh-native Joe Manganiello, a strong supporter of the military whose family has served dating back to the Continental Army in the American Revolution and Lieutenant General Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command.
The Terrible Towel unfurl will be led by Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, The Inspector General for the entire U.S. Army and Brigadier General Jake S. Kwon, Commander of the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command of U.S. Army Reserve. In addition, members from the 28th Infantry Division Band and 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command of U.S. Army Reserve will take part.
The Color Guard will be a Joint Services on representing the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.
The National Anthem will be performed by the United States Army Herald Trumpets. Following the Anthem and prior to coin toss, a team inspired Salute to Service video will play, followed by a PA announcement inviting active and veteran service members to stand
The 28th Infantry Division Band will perform at Stage AE prior to the game and throughout stadium grounds pregame.
Source: Pregame Blog: Steelers vs. Bengals
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers got back on their winning ways with a 20-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 10.
It was a game many expected them to win. The Saints weren’t very good coming into the game, the Steelers were coming off a bye and at this point, something needed to click for Pittsburgh. But how they walked away victorious wasn’t expected.
It did create great football, though.
A rushing touchdown by someone no one expected, a burst from a player other than Najee Harris and a fourth down stuff that should’ve been credited to someone other than Robert Spillane set up this win.
Source: Steelers Had Three Unlikely Heroes in Win Over Saints
The Dolphins’ 16-10 win over the Steelers on Sunday night was a game the 1972 Dolphins were surely proud of. Known for their “No Name” defense, members of the ’72 Dolphins — who were honored at halftime on Sunday’s game — were treated to a defensive battle that saw the current Dolphins’ defense make two crucial stops late to preserve Miami’s fourth win of the season.
An offensively charged first half gave way to a defensive-fueled second half. Miami and Pittsburgh traded punts for the majority of the half until the Steelers made two late charges to win the game. Pittsburgh was turned back both times, with Noah Igbinoghene sealing the win with his end zone interception of Kenny Pickett with 25 seconds left. Javon Holland ended Pittsburgh’s previous drive when he stepped in front of Pickett’s pass intended for Diontae Johnson deep in Dolphins territory.
Miami received just enough offense from Tua Tagovailoa, who threw for 261 yards that included his 8-yard scoring toss to Raheem Mostert on the game’s first drive. Miami led 13-0 after the first quarter before Pittsburgh’s offense woke up with a pair of second quarter scores. Pickett cut Pittsburgh’s deficit to three points after he hit fellow rookie George Pickens for a 7-yard score with 1:50 left until halftime. The Dolphins managed to get a quick field goal before halftime, a score that would ultimately pay massive dividends during the final stages of Sunday night’s game.
Neither offense scored in the second half
Source: Steelers vs. Dolphins score: Defense keys Miami’s win over Pittsburgh in Tua Tagovailoa’s return
Tampa Bay’s offense fails in the red zone, and its defense gives up four 3rd down and long conversions in loss to Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-18 on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium. The Buccaneers once again got off to a slow start, going three and out on their opening offensive possession, and then allowing an opening drive touchdown on the Steelers first possession. Mitch Trubisky came into the game after Steeler’s starting quarterback Kenny Pickett was injured and threw for 144 yards, one touchdown, and lead Pittsburgh on a game-sealing 4 minute 38 second drive to close out the Buccaneers.
Source: NFL Week 6 Game Analysis: Steelers shock Bucs 20-18
Sunday was a classic David vs. Goliath matchup in Buffalo. But unlike the biblical story, Goliath prevailed on Sunday, as the Bills posted a 38-3 victory over the Steelers, who entered the game as a 14-point underdog. The Bills are now 4-1 and remain in first place in the AFC East. The Steelers, who saw rookie Kenny Pickett make his first career start on Sunday, are now 1-4 after dropping their fourth straight contest.
Josh Allen threw four touchdown passes in the first half as the Bills roared out to a 31-3 halftime lead. He threw two touchdown passes to Gabe Davis that included a 98-yard touchdown on the third play from scrimmage. The score tied the record for the longest touchdown in franchise history.
Allen, who threw for 348 yards in the first half, also lobbed touchdowns to Stefon Diggs and rookie Khalil Shakir, as the Bills’ offense churned out 401 yards in the first half and finished with 554 yards. Conversely, the Steelers’ offense went dormant after scoring on their first drive. Pickett, who did not receive much help from his running game, threw for 327 yards and an interception on 34 of 51 passing.
Mitch Trubisky’s postgame session with media Sunday was relatively short, his answers concise.
Kind of like the way he found out he’d been benched while in that same Pittsburgh Steelers locker room.
“He said, ‘8’s in,’ at halftime,” Trubisky said of how Mike Tomlin let him know that Kenny Pickett (No. 8) was supplanting him as the Steelers’ quarterback. “That’s about all (Tomlin) said.”
And with that – pending on who starts next week and games beyond – Trubisky’s tenure as the Steelers’ starting quarterback was ended after only 3 ½ games.
The result was a 24-20 loss to the New York Jets and a huge quarterback dilemma for coach Mike Tomlin.
Source: Mitch Trubisky ‘disappointed,’ did not expect to be benched as Steelers QB
Steelers drop Thursday Night Football road game in Cleveland
Four days after their gut-wrenching loss, the Browns rebounded by defeating their longtime rivals at home on “Thursday Night Football.” Aided by Nick Chubb and a strong second half by their defense, the Browns posted an 29-17 victory to move to 2-1 on the season. Pittsburgh, fresh off its own disappointing Week 2 loss, fell to 1-2.
Source: Steelers fall to Browns, 29-17
PITTSBURGH — In his second start in his second season with the Patriots, Mac Jones did something his predecessor did numerous times in New England: beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Following a rocky season debut in Miami, Jones answered the bell on Sunday while leading the Patriots to a 17-14 win over the Steelers.
Jones, who dealt with a back injury as well as an illness leading up to Sunday’s game, gave the Patriots the lead for good with his 44-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor just before halftime. Jones then completed several key passes in the second half. He threw early and often to Agholor and Jakobi Myers, who caught a combined 15 passes for 205 yards.
Jones outplayed Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky
Source: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-vs-patriots-score-takeaways-mac-jones-leads-new-england-to-first-victory-of-2022-season/live/
Quarterback Jake Phillips has hand in all seven touchdowns in 48-7 win.
Three WPIAL heavyweights await Hempfield over the next three games, but coach Mike Brown refused to even think about Penn-Trafford, Gateway and Seneca Valley.
Brown was all about living in the moment — and why not? Friday night gave Hempfield a moment it hasn’t felt in 51 years.
Hempfield is 4-0. Don’t let your jaw drop so far.
Hempfield used a terrific performance from quarterback Jake Phillips and a staunch run defense to clobber host Shaler 48-7 in a WPIAL Class 5A nonconference game that gave the Spartans their fourth win in as many tries.
Source: Game of the week: Hempfield goes to 4-0 for first time in 51 years with blowout of Shaler
It took until the final whistle to finally walk on through.
Chris Boswell kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired in overtime and the Steelers overcame T.J. Watt’s injury late in the fourth quarter to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in a sloppy season opener for both teams Sunday.
Watt and Fitzpatrick had two of four interceptions off Joe Burrow, who rebounded from a lousy start and rallied Cincinnati from a 17-6 halftime deficit. His 6-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase tied it at 20 with 2 seconds left in regulation
Fitzpatrick kept the Steelers alive by blocking Evan McPherson‘s point-after try, sending the game to overtime.
“It’s just good to come in here in a hostile environment, man, and not blink, particularly with a number of new guys, whether they’re rookies or new to us,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said.
McPherson and Boswell missed potential winning field goals in overtime before Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky completed passes of 9, 26 and 10 yards in the final 56 seconds.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401437634
Steelers CB Levi Wallace Injured vs. Bengals
Minkah Fitzpatrick Scores Steelers First TD of Season
Larry Ogunjobi Reveals Difference Between Steelers, Bengals Sides of Rivalry
Mike Tomlin is Hiding Something
PITTSBURGH — The Pitt Panthers defeated West Virginia University 38-31 in the Backyard Brawl.
According to our partners at TribLIVE.com 70,622 fans made their way to Pittsburgh for the rivalry game. The event marks an all-time record for the most watched sporting event of any variety in Pittsburgh.
The game was tied 10-10 at halftime.
#WVUvsPitt #BackyardBrawl
Photos: @ChazPalla pic.twitter.com/Nn3IIwEFqp— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) September 2, 2022
Source: Pitt defeats West Virginia University 38-31 in Backyard Brawl – WPXI
The preseason is quickly winding down as the Pittsburgh Steelers look to finish undefeated heading into September.
The Steelers will have some massive roster decisions that will come down to the wire as well as a few position battles yet to be determined. With Detroit looking to play their starters for around a half, per their head coach Dan Campbell, this will be a nice final test for a young Steelers team.
Quarterback Battle Comes Down to the Wire
Whether you believe it or not, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been firm that the Steelers starting quarterback battle is ongoing. Mitch Trubisky will get the nod to open the game while Kenny Pickett seems like the sure bet to follow while Mason Rudolph will likely get mop-up duty in the finale. While Trubisky has been solid, he hasn’t exactly done much to necessarily win the job and Pickett’s splendid performances have done nothing but close the gap between the two players.
For Trubisky, he likely doesn’t need a huge performance to come away with the starting gig. If he holds still and plays clean football, the job will likely be his, at least for now. Pickett has more pressure on him to do the spectacular as he’s looking to unseat Trubisky who’s taken the vast majority of number one reps since the spring. Both quarterbacks would benefit immensely from improved offensive line play and a competent run game, something Tomlin has alluded to multiple times in recent weeks.
Still have to think that the leash for Trubisky will be rather short even if he’s able to come away on top as the pressure of a first round pick is never going to be something you can completely dismiss. As for Pickett, you have to be encouraged so far by what you’ve seen as he’s been extremely decisive, poised and accurate in every appearance so far. That’s exactly what the Steelers were looking for when they took him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
It wasn’t just Kenny Pickett who showed some last-minute heroics. Mason Rudolph came up with his own late magic when he threw a 1-yard touchdown to undrafted rookie Tyler Snead with 1:56 remaining to give the Steelers their second preseason victory.
Source: Kenny Pickett takes another big step in Steelers’ 16-15 preseason win over Jaguars
