Steelers finish on-the-fly offensive retool with draft picks
The on-the-fly retooling of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense is nearly complete. Outgoing general manager Kevin Colbert ended his 20-plus-year tenure with the organization by investing heavily in offensive skill players in his final draft, with the hope that his still-unnamed successor is well-positioned for the future. Throw them into the mix with the top of the 2021 draft class that featured running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth and it's clear the Steelers have loaded up on young and relatively inexpensive talent (at least in the short-term).
news.yahoo.comSteelers ponder changing of the guard at QB with 20th pick
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has spent more than 20 years being as vague as possible before the NFL draft. There will likely be a handful of prospects available when Pittsburgh goes on the clock with the 20th overall pick in the first round. Just don't expect Colbert have commissioner Roger Goodell sprint to the podium with a selection.
news.yahoo.comNew details in death of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ohio State star Dwayne Haskins
The Florida Highway Patrol has released more information following the stunning death of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins Saturday morning in South Florida. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin put out a statement earlier Saturday following the news of Haskins’ death. “I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Tomlin said. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. https://t.co/3JKEqR8Ndk — Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) April 9, 2022“Wow, may you rest Rest in Peace big bro!,” former Harrisburg High, Penn State and current Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons tweeted.
mlive.comPittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins hit and killed by car in South Florida: report
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and former Ohio State standout Dwayne Haskins was hit and killed by a car Saturday morning in South Florida, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Tomlin said. He was reportedly in South Florida training with fellow Steelers teammates after being re-signed by the team less than a month ago. “RIP Dwayne Haskins ...” Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray tweeted. https://t.co/3JKEqR8Ndk — Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) April 9, 2022“Wow, may you rest Rest in Peace big bro!,” Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons tweeted.
mlive.comSteelers CB Witherspoon cashes in on breakout season
Ahkello Witherspoon spent most of the first half of the 2021 NFL season standing on the sideline in sweatpants while the Pittsburgh Steelers went on without him. Witherspoon credits both for the two-year contract he signed earlier this month that will keep the veteran cornerback in Pittsburgh. “The most important opportunity is the next one,” Witherspoon said Monday.
news.yahoo.comWestern Michigan WR Skyy Moore grew up playing with Mike Tomlin’s son
Skyy Moore grew up in suburban Pittsburgh and played high school football with Dino Tomlin, the son of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “It’s a storybook ending if I landed with the Steelers,” Moore told reporters Wednesday. Moore is one of two WMU players to earn invites to this year’s combine, along with quarterback Kaleb Eleby. I learned a lot from just all the receivers that were ahead of me, NFL players,” Moore said. In 2019, Moore caught 51 passes for 802 yards and three touchdowns, earning first-team all-MAC honors as a true freshman.
mlive.comChiefs take playoff experience into Sunday night vs Steelers
The last time the Kansas City Chiefs played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, Tyreek Hill was a wide-eyed rookie wide receiver, Chris Jones was learning the ropes at defensive tackle and Travis Kelce was just becoming one of the NFL's best tight ends.
Tomlin's leadership guides Steelers to unlikely playoff spot
It sounded like wishful thinking at best. “I'm capable of talking myself in(to) anything,” Mike Tomlin said last week when asked about the seemingly unlikely series of events the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to unfold if they wanted to navigate their way to the playoffs. Over the past four months, through injuries, uncharacteristically lopsided losses and a series of wins whose only saving grace was the final score — oh and that comical tie with Detroit — Tomlin's message has not changed.
news.yahoo.comSmoke and mirror Steelers somehow still alive in AFC North
The Pittsburgh Steelers don't make any sense. Joe Haden returned from a month on the sideline with the game-sealing tackle in the final seconds. The offense managed all of 168 yards, failed to score a first-half touchdown for the fourth straight game and managed all of 35 yards rushing.
news.yahoo.comAngry Tomlin initiates changes in Steelers' 36-28 loss
Never mind the comeback the Pittsburgh Steelers made in the second half. Mike Tomlin had seen enough before that, and the 15th-year coach was so upset he started benching players in search of a spark. The defense gave up 176 yards rushing to the Minnesota Vikings in the first half.
news.yahoo.com‘Ridiculous’ Penei Sewell moves back to right tackle for Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions first-round pick Penei Sewell had some ups and downs in his move from left tackle to right tackle and then back to left tackle, as you might imagine from any rookie, much less one who was also the youngest player ever to start at that position. That was especially true in his last three games, when he allowed just one hit, no sacks and five total pressures. “His pedigree is ridiculous, his talent is ridiculous.”Of course, the Lions also have another talented offensive tackle in Taylor Decker. “Look, he’s going to go today and he’s got to prove to us that he can’t,” head coach Dan Campbell said. “He’s already a big name in this league, he’s already established himself, and I have to do the same.”
mlive.comDid Packers’ Aaron Rodgers hint at future move to AFC?
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who could leave Green Bay following the 2022 season, hinted he could see himself playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I’m a big Mike Tomlin fan. I like Mike Tomlin,”Rodgers and the Packers beat Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, 27-17, on Sunday. Meanwhile the 37-year-old Rodgers and the Packers have won three straight to move into first place in the NFC North. Unhappy with the direction of the Packers, Rodgers, the reigning NFL MVP, had threatened to retire earlier this year before reworking his deal to return to Green Bay.
mlive.comHold the line: Steelers like depth with DE Tuitt uncertain
Chris Wormley is ready to do whatever the Pittsburgh Steelers ask. “I'm kind of a versatile guy,” Wormley said Monday. Good thing, because the Steelers will need the 27-year-old to be flexible, particularly with Stephon Tuitt's status uncertain as the opener against Buffalo looms on Sept. 12.
news.yahoo.comLive updates: Detroit Lions face Pittsburgh Steelers in Game 2 of preseason
The Detroit Lions are on the road for the first time of the 2021 campaign, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Game 2 of the preseason. Detroit heads into this one 0-1, with the Steelers sitting 2-0 through the exhibition slate to this point. Hit the refresh button to keep up and make sure to follow MLive’s Detroit Lions reporters on Twitter -- @BenjaminSRaven and @kmeinke. Lions coach Dan Campbell said some veterans, including quarterback Jared Goff, could sit or have their roles reduced against the Steelers. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin previously said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would play this weekend, for what it’s worth.
mlive.comSteelers, Roethlisberger agree to new deal for 2021 season
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh, late Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Don Wright)PITTSBURGH – Ben Roethlisberger is returning for an 18th season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is taking a pay cut to do it. Financial details were not immediately available, though the Steelers made no secret of the need for Roethlisberger to take a pay cut to ease some of the burden of his NFL-high $41.25-million salary-cap hit scheduled for 2021. NFL Network, citing anonymous sources, said Roethlisberger's new deal will essentially pay him $14 million this season and adds four voidable years to spread out the dead money. “We know that Ben can still play at a high level and do special things for this team,” Colbert said.
The Latest: Big West hoops tournaments banning spectators
(AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Big West Conference will hold its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments without spectators, including family and guests of the teams. The Big West’s board of directors decided to start the season without fans in attendance. AdPelicans officials say they are hoping to allow as many as 4,000 fans per game later this season. The Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers have been permitted to have a limited number of fans at games during the pandemic. AdThe governor said about 1,700 to 1,800 fans should be allowed to attend Devils games under the new rules.
More interviews didn’t equal more minority hirings in NFL
(AP Photo)The NFL expanded the Rooney Rule to give more minority candidates opportunities to become a head coach and reward teams who develop them. The Houston Texans hired David Culley this week, making the 65-year-old longtime assistant the league’s third Black head coach hired. Culley and Saleh join Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Miami’s Brian Flores and Washington’s Ron Rivera as the league’s only minority head coaches. “We didn’t make as much progress on the head coaching side as we would have liked,” Rooney said. AdPerhaps an increase in minority executives will lead to more minority head coaches.
AP source: New Lions coach Campbell gets 6-year deal
FILE - This is a 2016 file photo showing Dan Campbell of the New Orleans Saints NFL football team. The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with Dan Campbell to be their coach. (AP Photo/File)The Detroit Lions landed the coach they coveted from the start of their search by hiring Dan Campbell. Philadelphia and Houston, meanwhile, still have an opening for a head coach. Patricia, a former New England defensive coordinator, was 13-29-1 in two-plus seasons as a first-time NFL head coach.
Jets make hiring of Robert Saleh as head coach official
FILE - San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is shown during an NFL football game against Arizona Cardinals, in Santa Clara, Calif., in this Sept. 13, 2020, file photo. The search for a new coach continues for the New York Jets after they completed an in-person interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, without apparently reaching a deal. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)NEW YORK – Robert Saleh left no doubt for the New York Jets that he was their guy. The team officially announced Tuesday they hired the former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator as their head coach after agreeing to terms last Thursday. Saleh is believed to be the third Arab American to become a head coach in the NFL.
Dearborn native Robert Saleh’s hiring by Jets source of pride for Muslim Americans
FILE - San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is shown during an NFL football game against Arizona Cardinals, in Santa Clara, Calif., in this Sept. 13, 2020, file photo. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)NEW YORK – Robert Saleh has made history that extends far beyond any football field. That's a source of great pride for a group that has been generally underrepresented in the league's on-field leadership roles. He was a popular candidate among the seven teams looking for a new coach this offseason, and quickly emerged as the favorite for the Jets job. “Robert Saleh has made history on the field and off,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Friday night.
Column: Smith-Schuster fires up foes through jigs and digs
(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)Say this about Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster: he sure knows how to fire up foes through jigs and digs alike. He said he thought “they’re still the same Browns teams I play every year” and while they had talent, “the Browns is the Browns." The Browns snapped their 17-game losing streak at Heinz Field with their first road playoff win since 1969. “That turns you up a little bit,” Buffalo safety Jordan Power said after the Bills’ 26-15 win over Pittsburgh in Week 14. “For the betterment of myself and my teammates, I’m going to stop dancing on the logos,” Smith-Schuster declared after that loss to Cincinnati.
Mike Vrabel, Mike Tomlin punt away their teams’ NFL playoff chances
The Titans trailed the Ravens 17-13 in the fourth quarter and faced a fourth-and-2 and the Baltimore 40-yard line. Mike Vrabel has made some outlandish claims on what he’s willing to do to win a Super Bowl, but apparently going for it here didn’t make the (ahem) cut. “Just decided to punt,” Vrabel told reporters after the Titans’ 20-13 loss. The Browns exhaled and marched down the field for another touchdown after the punt, all but sealing their first playoff win since 1994. — Surrender Index 90 (@surrender_idx90) January 11, 2021While Kevin Stefanski was in his basement, Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Tomlin punted on fourth-and-1 when his team had all the momentum.
mlive.comSame old Browns? Hardly. Cleveland drills Steelers 48-37
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates as he walks off the field following a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. The Cleveland Browns overcame all of it. The Browns dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37 in the wild-card round Sunday night, picking up the franchise’s first postseason victory in more than a quarter-century and earning a trip to Kansas City next Sunday to face the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. The kick bounced into the end zone for a touchback and Mayfield calmly took Cleveland 80 yards in six plays. So much for the Browns being the Browns, a winking assessment Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster made about Cleveland in the middle of the week.
Mahomes leads champion Chiefs to 14-2 mark in stacked AFC
While the Chiefs get another week’s rest, the six other AFC playoff teams get going this weekend. For just the second time since the 1970 league merger, every team in the AFC playoffs has at least 11 wins. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 54, 31-20 over the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 2, 2020, at Miami. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 43, 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Feb. 1, 2009, at Tampa, Florida. Their pass rush is nearly nonexistent with 19 sacks, the fewest by a playoff team since Denver had 19 in 1979.
Browns end long playoff drought, survive late Steelers rally
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates after the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cleveland. The Browns, winless just three seasons ago and so bad for so long, are in the playoffs. The Browns and their passionate fan base endured 197 losses, 14 double-digit-loss seasons and seven coaches since the last playoff appearance. For the moment he got to Cleveland in 2018, Landry's goal was to get the Browns back to the postseason. Steelers: Will be back at full strength for their first playoff appearance since the 2017 season.
Steelers to sit Roethlisberger for finale against Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to let Ben Roethlisberger rest up for the playoffs. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Roethlisberger will not play when the AFC North champion Steelers (12-3) visit rival Cleveland (10-5) in the regular-season finale on Sunday. The Browns drilled the Steelers 21-7 on Nov. 14, 2019, a game in which Rudolph threw four interceptions. Garrett's first game against the Steelers this season was uneventful, a 38-7 Pittsburgh win on Oct. 18 in which Rudolph actually came on in mop-up duty of Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter.
Steelers rally past Colts to end skid, lock up AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) makes a catch past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. And even as the Steelers spent the first half against Indianapolis seemingly in a full-out sprint to get to the offseason as quickly as possible. It revived Pittsburgh's floundering season and delivered the Steelers the AFC North title. The defense kept Philip Rivers, rookie running back Jonathan Taylor and Indianapolis out of the end zone in the second half. “When we had everything to play for, we just didn’t have all the answers in the second half of a game we had to have.
NFL won't be cutting in line for coronavirus vaccine
(AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)The NFL won’t be cutting in line to get the coronavirus vaccine. “No one should be thinking about the vaccine going anywhere other than our first responders and the most vulnerable people right now,” said DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association. “The rollout of the vaccine is going to be driven by public health concerns and what medical and government officials determine to be the most efficacious for risk reduction across society as a whole. The largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history got underway Monday with health workers rolling up their sleeves for the first shots on the same day the nation’s COVID-19 death toll hit a staggering 300,000. High-risk health care workers and some nursing home residents were among the first in line for the shots that could finally conquer the outbreak that has upended life across the globe.
Bills improve to 10-3 with 26-15 win over sloppy Steelers
(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes )ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and safety Taron Johnson returned an interception 51 yards for a score in the Buffalo Bills' 26-15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. You come to play with a little extra fire.”Smith-Schuster and the Steelers weren't asked about what happened following the game. The Steelers also finished with 47 yards rushing despite the return of James Conner, who missed the past two games on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The game was decided midway through the fourth quarter after Buffalo’s Tyler Bass hit a 23-yard field goal to put the Bills up 26-15. Roethlisberger finished 21 of 37 for 187 yards with touchdown passes to Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster and two interceptions.
Surprise! Washington ends Pittsburgh's perfect season 23-17
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster after scoring on a 50-yard pass play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers spent three months shaking off whatever 2020 threw at them. pointing out time and again the only thing perfect about them was their record. Washington won the Super Bowl that season. The Bills beat the Steelers — minus Roethlisberger — 17-10 at Heinz Field last December to lock up a playoff berth.
Unbeaten Steelers focusing on Washington, not perfection
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) tries to fend off Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tramon Williams after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, in Pittsburgh. So forgive the Pittsburgh Steelers if they're not exactly caught up in the hype — or maybe lack of hype — surrounding their perfect start. Yes, the Steelers are unbeaten. “Every week is a test,” Rivera said. “It really is about feel and opportunity as far as those things are concerned," Rivera said.
Worth the wait: Steelers keep top spot in AP Pro32 poll
NEW YORK – For the Pittsburgh Steelers, getting to 11-0 was worth the wait. The Steelers maintained their top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll. 1 seed.”The Chiefs remained at No. The AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills remained at No. The Rams will head to Arizona and face the Cardinals in a key game in the NFC playoff race.
Steelers overcome rust, short-handed Ravens to move to 11-0
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell (24) runs away from Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker L.J. So while the Steelers stayed perfect with a disjointed 19-14 win over the undermanned Ravens in the first NFL game on a Wednesday in eight years, their play was anything but. “To be bluntly honest, I’m really disappointed in our performance tonight,” he said after Pittsburgh improved to 11-0. But the Steelers were able to drain the clock behind a third-down grab by James Washington, eliminating the Ravens from repeating as AFC North champions. “The way the game went, obviously we wanted to win,” Griffin said.
Wolverines in the NFL Week 11: Steelers TE Zach Gentry to be placed on IR
Below are the top performances and notable news involving ex-Michigan players in Week 11 of the NFL season. Pittsburgh Steelers TE Zach GentryThe 2019 fifth-round pick suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s 27-3 victory over Jacksonville Jaguars and will be placed on injured reserve, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 📺: #LARvsTB on ESPN📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/TIcsVC5VZ1 pic.twitter.com/ymAbEIrzSV — NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2020Brady struggled for most of the night, completing just 26 of 48 passes for 216 yards. Jaguars safety Jarrod WilsonThe former undrafted free agent signee had nine tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. Get Wolverine Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan football writers.
mlive.comMike Tomlin on ‘trap game’ vs. Jaguars: ‘We are not a Big Ten team playing a MAC opponent’
Don’t ask Mike Tomlin about “trap games.”The Pittsburgh Steelers coach doesn’t believe in them. “I’m not into the trap game discussion,” Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday ahead of the Steelers (9-0) meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8). In fact, prior to 2020 when the Big Ten isn’t playing non-conference games, at least one MAC team has defeated a Big Ten team in every season since 2005. Michigan State last fell to a MAC team when Central Michigan won at Spartan Stadium in 2009. Michigan hasn’t lost to a MAC team since Toledo beat the Wolverines during the 2008 season.
mlive.comSteelers' Roethlisberger, others removed from COVID-19 list
The Pittsburgh Steelers activated their longtime quarterback and three other teammates off the COVID-19 list on Saturday, clearing the way for Roethlisberger to be in uniform when the Steelers (8-0) host Cincinnati (2-5-1). Roethlisberger didn't miss a meeting thanks to advances in technology but admitted it wasn't the same as being on the field. This won't be the first time Roethlisberger has played on Sunday despite sitting out the entire week. Coach Mike Tomlin, however, believes Roethlisberger should be able to play without missing a beat given his experience level. We've been as safe as we can possibly be at home.”The Steelers also expect Williams to fill his usual spot at inside linebacker after being cleared.
Steelers stay perfect, keep top spot in AP Pro32 poll
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)NEW YORK – In their bid to stay perfect on the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been cutting it really close in recent weeks. After earning last-minute wins in their past three games, the Steelers remained on top in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Steelers held off the Tennessee Titans in Week 7 when Stephen Gostkowski missed a late field-goal attempt. “The perfect season continues, but the Steelers aren’t quite perfect, as their comeback win over the woeful Cowboys showed,” Newsday's Bob Glauber said. The Titans (6-2) lead the Colts by a game for the top spot in the division.
Mason Rudolph and Mike Tomlin deny Myles Garrett's claim Rudolph used a racial slur before brawl
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and head coach Mike Tomlin are denying claims from Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett that Rudolph uttered a racial slur prior to a brawl that erupted between the two teams at the end of a game last season. https://t.co/mZcEcC0tCl Mason Rudolph (@Rudolph2Mason) February 15, 2020Tomlin also backed the quarterback in a statement released Saturday. "I support Mason Rudolph not only because I know him, but also because I was on that field immediately following the altercation with Myles Garrett, and subsequently after the game," Tomlin said. When Garrett appealed his suspension, he told the NFL Rudolph called him a racial slur, but the NFL could find no evidence to support that claim. Both Rudolph and Garrett could be seen trying to remove each other's helmets while wrestling on the ground prior to Garrett hitting Rudolph.
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