When perspective is applied rather than passion, the Steelers’ head coach is appreciated for what he can still accomplish. When it isn’t he’s a convenient scapegoat.
They might be eliminated from postseason contention before they play the Ravens. But there would still be plenty to play for, even if it comes to that on Sunday night in Baltimore.
Franco Harris’ No. 32 jersey should have been retired years ago. But it’ll have been worth the wait if the occasion serves as a reminder that the 1970s should never go out of style.
There had been a plan for the rookie QB and the rookie wide receiver all along. The rookie duo provided a glimpse of what that plan entails by picking up where they had left off in Indianapolis.
Winning is always the ultimate goal, no matter the circumstances. As for the draft, the Steelers have found some of their best players in the later rounds.
The NFL used to love putting the Steelers on national television. But moving their upcoming rematch against the Bengals into TV oblivion is an unimpeachable indictment of what the Steelers have become.
It’s no longer all about refusing to give in no matter the circumstances of a given season. It’s about accepting where they are and finding the most practical way to get where they want to be.
A healthy Kenny Pickett will absolutely, positively get the call on Sunday night in Miami. But in committing to Pickett the Steelers are missing out on an opportunity to see if what Mitch Trubisky somehow managed to recapture against Tampa Bay had a shelf life.
Their No. 1 pick knows how to play, otherwise he wouldn’t have been drafted in the first round. But now that he’s demonstrated a grasp of how to be the quarterback, the Steelers have come to a conclusion: Their future is now.
The best-laid plans included Mitch Trubisky doing just enough in conjunction with a dominant defense to make the 2022 season a special one. So far, it hasn't worked out that way and if things don't turn around soon, the Steelers must be prepared to make a change.
They haven’t won many games and they’ve been downright embarrassing on occasion. But the Bucs have still found ways to make their mark, or at least a mark. Better that than obscure incompetence.
There’s a lot of work yet to be done for a team that’s just getting started. But commitment to the cause and attention to detail were boxes the Steelers checked repeatedly in their season-opening victory over the Bengals.
Mike Tomlin’s team answered some questions in training camp, particularly at quarterback, but an offensive line that wasn’t good enough last season is still an issue.
Hamilcar Rashed wasn’t even on the team when training camp started. But he’s on the verge of securing a significant roster spot, making a name for himself and honoring a historic namesake in the process.
The Saint Vincent College experience has long been a part of the fabric of the team and the region. Based on the response to that connection being re-established, it had been sorely missed.
The second-year running back is being tasked with helping to help fill a leadership void on offense left in the wake of Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
There are possibilities on offense, but there are established stars on defense. So there’s little question regarding which unit is going to have to do the heavy lifting. Cam Heyward isn’t running from that narrative, he’s embracing it.
In the wake of repeated playoff failures, starting the season with a new quarterback might be the breath of fresh air might to get the team to begin measuring up to Tomlin’s standard again. It’s been a while.
The Pirates are who we thought they would be. But the Yankees have been as good or better than they’ve ever been so far this season. They’ll be something to see next week at PNC.
Oneil Cruz has the look of a player who’s ready to justify the hype. But if history is any indication, Pittsburgh will be nothing more than a pit stop in his career.
General Manager Ron Hextall has yet to publicly address what needs to be addressed in the wake of the collapse against the Rangers. But it’s what Hextall is willing to do, not what he says, that’ll matter most moving forward.
The free agent quarterback understands the position he’s in because of those who have played the position before him. And he welcomes the chance to follow in their footsteps.
It’s not the sudden death they suffered at the hands of the Rangers that stings so much. It’s the realization that an era unlike any other has come to a crashing, crushing end along with the 2021-22 season.
There wasn’t much to be excited about as the playoffs commenced. But an inspired effort in Game 1 established the Penguins have a different narrative in mind against the Rangers.
After what seems like a lifetime of doing the right thing and rooting against Duke, I’m backing the Blue Devils in the Final Four. Blame it on the coach with the name that’s difficult to pronounce and even tougher to spell.
Career goal No. 500 was a significant milestone, but for the Penguins’ captain, it was also just another day at the office in a 17-years-and-counting run of defining moments that range from subtle to historic.
It seems the Steelers are a long way from earning a trip to the league championship, but this season the Bengals have reminded everyone how quickly the game can change.
Mike Tomlin knows what he wants in looking for Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement. The question is what are he and the Steelers willing to do to get that guy?
