Ready for the challenge: It's been talked about all week, and it's still being talked about because quite honestly, there is a lot to be said about Falcons running back/returner Cordarrelle Patterson.
He is one of the most explosive threats the Falcons have, on a team that has their share, and the way he is used in the running game is going to force the defense to be on their toes this week.
"Downhill runner," said linebacker T.J. Watt, who is listed as questionable for Sunday. "Loves contact. Big back and obviously they can flex him out and do some wide receiver stuff too. So just a versatile player."
As mentioned, though, he isn't the only threat the defense will face. Quarterback Marcus Mariota can do damage through the air and with his feet, something the defense has to be aware of at all times.
"He's very strong. He fights for the extra yard," said Watt. "He's not a guy that's gonna slide after getting the first down. Has good ball security. He can look to create and throw the ball late in downs. If he's behind the line of scrimmage, he can still dump it off. We've seen quarterback mobility a good amount of times. We haven't been in a stadium with him before. Its' a real challenge."
Beyond compare: The Steelers will have a huge test on their hands Sunday in Atlanta against Cordarrelle Patterson, and it will be in multiple areas he will test them.
Patterson is one of the most dangerous returners in the NFL, with an NFL-record nine kickoff returns for a touchdown and averaging 33.5 yards this season.
Patterson is also the Falcons second-leading rusher with 97 carries for 506 yards and five touchdowns.
"He is a great running back," said linebacker Myles Jack. "He is bigger than people think he is. He is very sturdy. Runs very hard, runs through tackles, he will run you over if you're not expecting it. Once he gets up field he is moving. He is a great player. Kick returner, running back. He can do it all."
Jack was asked to compare Patterson to another player, and he struggled to do so.
"It's hard to compare," said Jack. "I feel like he is in his own league. He is running the ball. He transitioned from wide receiver to running back late in his career which is unheard of. He is a great player and tough to play against."
Locked in: Monday night might have been the first time Benny Snell Jr. has gotten offensive snaps, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been completely in tune with what is happening while he was waiting for his turn.
"I am locked in," said Snell. "Film, protection, plays, game plan, game prep. Everything. I am on it."
Snell saw his first action of the season on Monday night against the Colts, with both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren dealing with injuries, and finished with 12 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, and one reception for six yards.
How much he will be used this week isn't known, but he is ready for whatever comes his way.
"I am just ready," said Snell. "I don't know how to explain it. I am locked in. I love football. I am glad I was able to help the offense."
The strong bond Snell formed with quarterback Kenny Pickett in training camp also helped him pick up right where they left off when he was called upon.
"Any time I am in there with Kenny I am willing to go all out for him," said Snell. "In training camp it was really fun with him. He has a genuine energy he brings after he makes a play, or when he's calling a play. I will make a first down and Kenny is hyping me up. I am hyping the offensive line up. We are all feeding off energy. I love Kenny."
My Cause My Cleats:Steelers players often wear custom cleats during pregame warmups, but starting this week against the Atlanta Falcons, custom cleats will be the norm during the game.
For the seventh year the NFL is allowing players to represent a charity that touches them deeply in a unique manner with the league's player cause initiative, My Cause My Cleats. Week 13 will be the first week players are permitted to wear them, and they will be able to do so again in Week 14 when the Steelers have a home game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The initiative was created for NFL players to showcase a charitable cause in order to bring attention to it, and the players take part in helping with the design of their cleats.
After the players wear the cleats, they have the option to auction them off to raise money for their cause on NFL Auction, with 100% of the funds raised given to the charity. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction.-->> Read all the stories here.
Get out and vote: Voting is now open for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, which will be a completely different format than in the past.
The traditional Pro Bowl game will be replaced by four days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 5.
Leading into the game there will be skill competitions, giving fans a fun look at all of the league's top players.
Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 15. A social aspect of voting is now available.
-->> Cast your votes today.
Tune in: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on your phone or tablet. Start your free trial today here.
Thursday, December 1
Looking to start a streak: The Steelers head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons at Mercedes Benz Stadium this week and there is one thing defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is searching for.
A winning streak.
The Steelers haven't put together two consecutive wins yet this season and Heyward wants to turn that around this week.
"This should be our start to doing that, but it doesn't come easy," said Heyward. "Can't be an on and off switch. It needs to just stay on."
With only six games left in the regular season, and a 4-7 record going into the Falcons game, the switch definitely needs to stay on. And inside the locker room, they are leaving that light on.
"I don't think we're ever dead," said Heyward. "We just gotta go play. We got to make sure that we hold up our end of the deal. Start stacking. It's not going to be easy. They have a pretty good team. They have a good pass rush on their side. They got really opportunistic special teams between their punt returner, kickoff returner and then on offense. They've got runners we got to make sure we handle.
"I'll take it one game at a time, but I want to win them all from here on out."
Ready for a run: Cameron Heyward isn't the only one looking to stack wins by a longshot.
Guard James Daniels knows what it can mean to the team to get consecutive Ws in the win column.
"It's important. When you win one, lose one, it's not very good for the season," said Daniels. "You have a chance to go on a run and the first thing you have to do when you go on a run is get two wins, and that is what we are trying to do."
Daniels strongly believes that once they do that, and the goal is to do it this week against Atlanta, then things will keep on rolling.
"In other seasons where I was playing we had periods when we had win streaks," said Daniels. "When that happens, the team plays with more confidence. It really helps the overall team."
There are still six games remaining in the regular season, and the goal now is to finish out strong and never give up hope with what can happen.
"Your record in December really matters. Your record in January really matters," said Daniels. "You talk about end of season goals and your record in December and January really helps you achieve those goals. We just have to keep on fighting through it and do our best."
R & R a key: When teams play on Thursday Night Football, there is always talk leading into the game about getting plenty of rest on a short week.
The same can be said, though, for coming off a Monday night game.
Players normally have Monday and Tuesday for their bodies to recover before practice resumes, but this week that is cut short by a day.
And that is why rest is a key.
"Monday nights are the same as Thursday," said cornerback Levi Wallace. "You don't have that second day to get your body back right. You take one day off and get right back into it. You have to be smart about how you take care of your body. Rest is a key factor. You won't get back to 100 percent, but you will get to a place where you feel mentally prepared. It takes a lot."
The one thing the Steelers have working for them this week, is they are coming off a win, something Wallace said can actually make a difference, even if it is all mental.
"It depends on if you won the game before or you lost it on how your body responds," said Wallace. "It gives you an extra 10 percent when you win. That Tuesday you come in and say you are sore, but not that sore. Getting back into on Wednesday, you are more tired than you are sore.
"I think rest is more important for older guys. When I was younger, I was able to do it. For me rest is the key. It's a short week and you have to get your body ready."
My Cause My Cleats:Steelers players often wear custom cleats during pregame warmups, but starting this week against the Atlanta Falcons, custom cleats will be the norm during the game.
For the seventh year the NFL is allowing players to represent a charity that touches them deeply in a unique manner with the league's player cause initiative, My Cause My Cleats. Week 13 will be the first week players are permitted to wear them, and they will be able to do so again in Week 14 when the Steelers have a home game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The initiative was created for NFL players to showcase a charitable cause in order to bring attention to it, and the players take part in helping with the design of their cleats.
After the players wear the cleats, they have the option to auction them off to raise money for their cause on NFL Auction, with 100% of the funds raised given to the charity. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction.-->> Read all the stories here.
Get out and vote: Voting is now open for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, which will be a completely different format than in the past.
The traditional Pro Bowl game will be replaced by four days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 5.
Leading into the game there will be skill competitions, giving fans a fun look at all of the league's top players.
Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 15. A social aspect of voting is now available.
-->> Cast your votes today.
Tune in: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on your phone or tablet. Start your free trial today here.
Wednesday, November 30
Bouncing back: Several times on Monday night Diontae Johnson went over to fellow receiver George Pickens on the sideline, quietly but intently talking to the rookie.
Johnson knew Pickens might need a few words of encouragement after the rookie had dropped a few passes.
"Just trying to be that teammate, be there for him," said Johnson. "It's just my job as a player, as a leader, to step in and say it's okay, you are going to have moments like that. It's how you respond.
"You can't let one moment define you and take you out of the game. I told him I have been there before, lock in and let it go. Move on and learn from it."
Pickens said he felt bad about the drops, never wanting to let his teammates down.
"I was just getting frustrated," said Pickens. "I never want to be the reason we lost. When I dropped the ball, and stuff like that, I was telling myself let's get back.
"Diontae talking, it was a coping mechanism, trying to get me back in the groove. He was trying to keep me up."
And what Pickens did, was exactly what Johnson suggested. He moved on from the drops and made several key plays to help lead the Steelers to the 24-17 win, including pulling in the two-point conversion when he broke free in the corner of the end zone.
"You see him respond in a big way," said Johnson. "You see him come back and make those three big catches for us. One down the field, one across the middle and the two-point conversion. I feel like me being there for him allowed him to get back to himself and get back in his game.
"He was able to help us out. We needed him. We needed him to be locked into those moments because he is a big component of our offense."
That is a fact. Pickens has been a big downfield threat for the offense, making circus-like catches and opening eyes across the NFL. While he was down a little, it didn't rattle his confidence, something that is strong for the second-round pick.
"He has his little moments," said Johnson. "When he gets back to himself, you see what he can do. Incredible player out there. I love playing alongside him. It's amazing watching him make plays down the field. It gets me pumped up to make my plays. I am just trying to do everything I can and continue to be an elite group and feed off everybody else."
Confidence is something that Pickens said comes from his work ethic, knowing he is prepared because he puts the effort in.
"I would probably say growing up. I have been playing football since I was four," said Pickens. "I have always been, not even like 'that guy,' or trying to be 'that guy.' I just always worked hard. The working hard stuff is my confidence. That is how guys see it. It comes off as, 'Oh, he is that guy,' but in reality, I just be chillin."
Next man up: Next man up has always been a Steelers' mantra, and that was certainly the case on Monday night at the running back spot.
The Steelers went into the game with Jaylen Warren inactive due to a hamstring injury, and then starter Najee Harris suffered an abdomen injury in game, forcing him to miss considerable time.
With both players down, and the only two running backs to carry the ball all season, it was time for someone to step up.
And two people did.
Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. took that next man up role to heart and did their part.
Snell had 12 carries for 62 yards and a two-yard touchdown, as well as a six-yard reception.
"It felt good. Not surprised," said Snell. "I was ready whenever the time was called. I was thankful for the opportunity.
"It was fun having that feeling back again, being engaged and having energy."
McFarland finished with six carries for 30 yards and two receptions for 11 yards after being a game day activation from the practice squad.
"It was fun," said McFarland. "It was fun to go out there and get a good team win, execute and get a good team win.
"It felt good. I am blessed and thankful for any opportunity I have to go in the game, better yet to get the ball. It was an honor, and I am blessed and thankful."
It was McFarland's first game action all season, but he said he is always prepared just in case.
"You never know," said McFarland. "I prepare when I go out to practice just as (Coach) Mike T(omlin) says, sharpen your sword for battle because you never know."
Snell, who has been playing on special teams all season, said it was all about waiting for his turn and being ready when the time came.
"It was tough," admitted Snell of not getting opportunities before. "I had my special teams role. I know what I am capable of. It's a mental game. I am coming in every day and staying on top of everything.
"I was locked in and ready. It shows how ready I was. It's just a mental thing, going over film, a lot of mental reps from watching practice, seeing what cut I would make, what read, a lot of that.
"I enjoy football. It doesn't matter what they ask of me, I am going to do it to the best of my ability."
Practice squad shuffling: The Steelers signed defensive tackle Renell Wren to the practice squad on Tuesday and released receiver Josh Malone from the practice squad.
Wren spent most of the 2022 season on the Steelers practice squad. He was released a week ago when the team signed running back Master Teague III and receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley.
Wren signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason but was released by the team. Wren spent the majority of the 2021 season on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad and was called up for the season finale against the Cleveland Browns. Wren was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Get out and vote: Voting is now open for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, which will be a completely different format than in the past.
The traditional Pro Bowl game will be replaced by four days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 5.
Leading into the game there will be skill competitions, giving fans a fun look at all of the league's top players.
Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 15. A social aspect of voting will be available beginning on Dec. 1, so keep an eye out for that.
-->> Cast your votes today.
Tune in: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on your phone or tablet. Start your free trial today here.
