Friday, September 19

Trying to make an impact: Linebacker T.J. Watt knows after looking back at the tape of the Seahawks game, it's not the type of performance he or anyone expects from the defense.

And he wants to make sure they correct it.

And fast.

"Obviously, not being able to stop the run, getting as many hats to the ball as possible, creating more splash," said Watt. "We had two picks, but just long drives. Not being able get off the field on third down has been killing us.

"A lot of things that aren't representative of what we stand for here at the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially our defensive side of the ball.

"I feel good about the week we had this week, but I said that last week, so it really doesn't matter unless we perform."

Watt said he wants to make more of an impact on the defense, not having any sacks through the first two games.

"I'm not affecting the game like I want to," said Watt. "Trying to find each and every way to do so. Trying to turn over every stone. Trying to flip sides, trying stunts. Trying to do everything.

"Trying to get better each and every day.

"I'm just trying to make an impact any way I possibly can."

Stats aren't the only measure: It's not a stat many are accustomed to seeing, with linebacker T.J. Watt not having any sacks through the first two games of the season.

But it's not because of what he is doing.

It's what opponents are doing.

Watt is known as a game-wrecker, and opposing offensive coordinators are doing everything in their power to come up with a plan to minimize Watt's impact, and that often means double or triple teaming the All-Pro edge rusher.

When they do that, though, it opens up other players to make plays, including rookie Jack Sawyer, who recorded his first career sack on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

"He might not have a sack yet, but he's getting triple and quadrupled teamed," said Sawyer. "My sack, he had three guys on him, so I told him, thank you.

"He affects the game in so many ways, even when it might not show up on a stat sheet because he's the best in the world.

"So, obviously the team that we're playing is going to have a game plan for him or else he's going to destroy it. For him, he's been affecting the game in so many more ways than the average eye might see.

"His numbers are going to come, we know that. He's the best in the world."

Linebacker Nick Herbig said it's like the Steph Curry effect, referring to the Golden State Warriors All-Star who continually draws attention from opponents to try and neutralize his impact.

"That the impact right there. The attention get gets," said Herbig. "It's like Steph Curry. Teams picking him up with two guys. T.J.'s taking away from their game plan, which gives us opportunities to have one-on-ones.

"So, we need to do a better job as a collective to win our reps. We know that T.J. is going to get triple team on almost every play, so we have to take advantage."

Feeling confident: The process for linebacker Cole Holcomb to get back on the field, after missing the better part of two seasons with a knee injury, is one that has been slow, but steady.

In Week 1 against the Jets, he played eight snaps on special teams, with that number increasing to 13 snaps on defense and 19 snaps on special teams in Week 2 against the Seahawks.

Those numbers could increase this week against the New England Patriots.

"There's a chance," said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. "I thought Cole went in last week and he did a good job. The big thing is Cole's been out almost two years. He's been really working hard.

"He gives you a different physical presence. I like where he's going. I think he's trending in the right direction. Guys that deserve to be out there will be out there. I would expect to see maybe a little bit more of him as we move along in this campaign."

Holcomb said he feels a difference every time he is in.

"I feel good with each rep," said Holcomb. "Every rep I'm getting, I'm getting more confidence. Seeing things a little bit faster, a little clearer.

"So, feeling good, ready to go."

Holcomb isn't lacking any confidence that he has rebounded from the injury, but it's a different feel taking the field after being on the sideline for so long.

"I played a lot of snaps, but then having taken X amount of time off, it's seeing the plays and being like, 'Oh, I have seen that before,'" said Holcomb. "Trust what you see. It was really easy to see the plays when I was standing 30 yards back. Now, I've got the helmet on, seeing it much closer. It's being able to take what I learned in standing so far back and being able to apply it when I'm playing."

That process has progressed tremendously for Holcomb from his first game back until now, landing him where he wants to be.

"I feel really good," said Holcomb. "I'm feeling confident.

"I'm just ready to help the team out any way I can."

Playing sound defense: The Steelers defense has allowed 30 plus points in each of their first two games this season, giving up 32 in a win over the New York Jets and 31 in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

They have also allowed over 100 yards rushing in both games, stats they know they have to improve.

And they have to do it fast.

"We've just got to play sound defense," said linebacker Nick Herbig. "We've got to stay disciplined, and it starts up front. So that's on our room. We got to be better up front."

When asked if it was the scheme that needed to be corrected, Herbig was quick to say it was the players who need to step up.

"I think it comes down to the players making plays," said Herbig. "We've got to win our one-on-ones. We've got to get off blocks and make plays."

The key, though, is not trying to do too much.

Yes, make their plays. But don't lose focus and not be gap sound in doing so.

"It's about staying sound, playing your techniques," said Herbig. "At the end of the day, it's football.

"And we've got to play Steelers football the way we know how to do it."

They will have to play that football this week without linebacker Alex Highsmith, who has already been ruled out with an ankle injury.

With Highsmith out, players such as Jack Sawyer could be asked to step up.

"The standard is the standard, like Mike T(omlin) always says," said Herbig. "It's just keeping that standard of play up. Keeping that elite level of play that Alex brings to our team, our defense.

"That's on us."

Familiar foe: Safety Jabrill Peppers went to training camp with the Patriots in advance of what would have been his fourth season in New England.

He's returning this weekend with the Steelers, and with a keen appreciation of what his new team will be up against on Sunday.
"It's gonna be a high-energy, high-effort group," Peppers maintained. "It's gonna be a hard-hitting affair. We're gonna have to bring our big boy pads with us, play 60 minutes of football in all phases of the game.

"That's not anything you don't preach every week. But just me sitting in those meetings, I know how those guys are gonna come out and play. We definitely gotta go in there and match that."

The Patriots (1-1) are in their first season under head coach Mike Vrabel.

The characteristics Peppers recognizes in what Vrabel is trying to establish in New England are many of the same ones often associated with Vrabel during his playing days with the Patriots.

"Effort and finish, the fundamentals, the details and the techniques, competing at a high level, making great choices on the field," Peppers said.

"We have the guys in here to go in there and combat that, play our brand of football."

Quarterback Drake Made, the third-overall pick in 2024, has completed 71 percent of his passes (49 of 69) with three touchdowns and one interception through two games. He's the headliner but not the only aspect of the Patriots' operation that has Peppers' attention.

"I think he's gonna be a hell of a player in this league," Peppers assessed. "It's still early in the year but he's finding his rhythm, finding his groove with his guys. They got a three-headed running attack, the O-line is starting to jell together and the defense is playing real well right now.

"They definitely have it going on right now, We gotta go in there, execute at a high level in all phases, I think it should bode well for us."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Thursday, September 18

Time to execute: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward knows the defense is capable of more.

He knows they have the ability to shut opposing offenses down.

It's just a matter of doing it.

"We've got to be better at our technique," said Heyward. "Teams game plan too, and it's about execution, play in and play out.

"I thought early on in the (Seattle) game we stopped it, stopped a bunch of the runs. But it's a full-time job. It can't just be one play, two plays. It's got to be an entire day."

For the second straight week an opponent had explosive runs against the Steelers, including a 19-yard touchdown run by Kenneth Walker on third-and-19.

"I think it's about being aware," said Heyward. "I think that third and 19 was just unforgivable. You look at that situation, you've got to know they're playing a lot of safe football there. And if you give up any yards, it can't be for a touchdown.

"You've got to take good angles. You can't go behind blocks. You've got to get off blocks. So, all those are included in the run game. But understanding what an offense is trying to do in those situations."

Injuries have been mounting for the Steelers on defense, something Heyward said he won't 'use as a crutch.' But they will be without defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, who was placed on the Reserve/Injured List this week with an ankle injury and that doesn't help matters.

"Loud's (Loudermilk) been around here for many years and has gotten better at his craft," said Heyward. "He has long arms. He's the prototypical five technique, 3-4 (lineman).

"We're definitely going to miss him. It's one of those things where I've always relied on him to be my eyes and ears. Other guys are going to have to step up and we've got to make sure we're up to speed."

One such player is veteran Daniel Ekuale. He spent the last four seasons with this week's opponent, the New England Patriots, and his experience will play a factor.

"Dan brings a veteran presence that has done it for a long time," said Heyward. "He understands schemes and understands what a team is trying to do. Sometimes when you have younger guys, they don't understand the blocks you're always getting.

"So, this is another opportunity where if you feel comfortable in what you're doing, you're going to have a lot more success."

Youth could also benefit the team if No. 1 draft pick Derrick Harmon is able to play. Harmon missed the first two games of the season with a knee injury.

"Another capable body that is similar to a Loudermilk build," said Heyward. "One of those 3-4 ends that can set the line of scrimmage, plays with good hands. I love the way he is just heavy handed in the run game.

"And I think he brings a youthfulness to the group. But when he gets back, he gets back."

Ready for his shot: Defensive lineman/outside linebacker DeMarvin Leal was activated from the practice squad on Wednesday and is looking forward to the opportunity to get on the field this week against the Patriots.

Leal was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

In three seasons, he appeared in 28 games, starting five of them. He has recorded 31 tackles, 18 of them solo stops, four passes defensed, three tackles for a loss and one sack. Leal appeared in five games in 2024, but missed the majority of the season dealing with injuries.

Leal said it was difficult the last few weeks being on the practice squad after spending his first three seasons on the 53-man roster.

"It was definitely a new situation that was going on for sure," said Leal. "Mike T (Coach Mike Tomlin) said every week be prepared, so I was just being prepared for the opportunity.

"I see what I can do. I see what the defense needs, and I know who I am and what I can do, and I want to apply actions behind those words."

And what does Leal see that the defense needs.

"We need somebody to be able to stop the run, hold their edge and get after it on the edge with pass rushing as well.

"It's definitely a lot easier said than done, but when you put in the work like I've been putting in the work and you're hungry, you've got nothing left."

And how hungry is Leal?

"I'm very hungry," he said.

We meet again: Linebacker Payton Wilson faced Patriots quarterback Drake Maye twice when they were at North Carolina State and North Carolina respectively.

Wilson knows what Maye brings to the table, and understands what the defense needs to do to prepare for him.

"He runs well, he's a good athlete," said Wilson. "If he needs to, he can get out of the pocket and make plays with his feet.

"He's a well-balanced quarterback, throws well, runs well. I played against him quite a bit, so excited to get back to that."

Shaq attack: Tight end Darnell Washington has been dubbed with different nicknames for his size at 6-7, 264.

And on Thursday, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith called him 'Shaq,' referring to former NBA big man Shaquille O'Neil, when talking about the two-point play against the Seahawks on Sunday.

"Throw it to Shaq in the post," said Smith. "You see Darnell out there. He's not small. He did it in Denver last year. I think we got a DPI against Cincinnati. You've got to answer in other spots, but you get those one-on-ones, and it's tough to take advantage. Throw it to Shaq in the post. That's what he does.

"I try it all the time. We've got guys that can play above the rim. You're looking at Darnell. You're looking at DK (Metcalf). You're look at Jonnu (Smith)."

If Washington is Shaq, what does that make Smith.

"If he's Shaq, I'm Lebron," said a smiling Smith, referring to Lebron James.

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Wednesday, September 17

It's about the details: Receiver DK Metcalf knows the Steelers offense has more in it than they showed on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, putting up 17 points a week after they put 34 on the board against the New York Jets.

It's just about the small details that they are attacking this week as they prepare to play the New England Patriots on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

"Just being better with our details, smaller things," said Metcalf. "It was one play here and there, one person not getting their assignment down to the best of their ability, and it turned into a negative play. Or something didn't work out in our favor, so just making sure we're dialed in on the details."

While they want more this week against the Patriots, there was nobody hanging their head when the team began practice preparation on Wednesday.

"It was a normal workday," said Metcalf. "It feels good just to be back to football, getting to a new opponent and just putting the game behind us.

"We faced adversity during the first Jets game. Nobody hung their head, and nobody blinked. So just keeping that steady attitude, steady persona about ourselves. Bad things are going to happen, or everything's not going to go our way. So, just making sure that we're keeping our head high, just leaning on each other.

"I think everybody in this locker room wants to win every game. So, like I said, adversity is going to hit. This is not the end of our season. I'm glad that we got this loss out of the way early, so we can build on it. Just start putting wins on film, one play at a time, so we don't have this feeling anymore."

One player who put a play on film that opened a lot of eyes was running back Jaylen Warren. Warren caught a short pass that he turned into a 65-yard reception to the five-yard line, dodging tackle after tackle along the way. The drive however ended in an interception instead of putting points on the board.

"It sparks the whole team, gives the defense an extra jolt of energy that our offense is going to score once we get in the red zone," said Metcalf. "But we have to put the ball in the end zone when we get down there and not either turn the ball over or settle for a field goal."

Metcalf is hoping that there is more of that to come from Warren, with points on the board, and loves the attitude he brings.

"Quiet killer," said Metcalf. "He's going to go out there and play his heart out, but he's not going to say much.

"I can appreciate a guy like that."

Ready and waiting: Coach Mike Tomlin referred to rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon as questionable for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots with a knee injury that sidelined him the first two games of the season.

Harmon, though, is hoping he answers any lingering questions about his health this week.

Before practice, Harmon indicated he felt ready to go this week.

"I'm ready to go," said Harmon. "If my number's called, I'm ready to go."

Harmon said he is anxious to get back on the field, but he also wants to make sure he does things the right way.

"I'm very anxious," said Harmon. "I just want to get out there and help the team any way I can right now. Right now, my focus is trying to be prepared and make sure I'm healthy enough to get out there.

"It's been tough. First year, you want to be out there. First game, first few games, not being out there to help the team, it hurts.

"But I've just got to stay on course."

Harmon has taken advantage of his time on the sidelines after injuring the knee in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, learning the ins and outs of what to expect when he is on the field.

"Really just different schemes, how offenses attack the defense," said Harmon. "Things we work on, parts of the unit. And how we can compete at a higher level.

"I've been in every meeting, every walkthrough, every practice, even though I'm not out there participating. But just learning the schemes and learning the type of defense. We're putting in new defenses. It's staying the course and staying on top of my game."

Communication a key: It's a topic Steelers defensive players have hit on multiple times in the past, and one that can't be stressed enough.

Communication.

While players have seen communication work for them in the first two games of the season, there also have been incidents where it hasn't, and that is something they are focused on.
"Just all of us being on the same page, communicating better in all aspects," said cornerback Darius Slay. "That's the main thing, communication, so we all can just play together."

While there has been some solid communication, there also have been times it's broken down.

And that is what they are aiming to stop.

"Just in parts of the game, we'll have a great time, we're doing it at the right time, and sometimes we don't," said Slay. "So, it's just coming in at a critical time, that's all of it."

Slay said the responsibility for communication doesn't fall on one person's shoulders, but on everyone to be together.

"Everybody's got a part of it because if one person knows something, then everybody's got to know it," said Slay. "So, everybody's got to be on the same page."

The defense isn't making any excuses, but there is no doubt injuries are playing a part in the communication issues. With Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott both missing the Seahawks game last week, it causes a disruption in a secondary that is still getting to know each other.

"Right now it's just different pieces everywhere," said Slay. "We're still professionals, so we've got to communicate better. We have some guys, Joey goes down, Elliot goes down, and we have some guys that came in the middle of training camp.

"It's a whole new secondary in the back end working together. I've been communicating with (Jalen) Ramsey at the safety position. He had to switch the corner this past week. As a group, we've just got to get better at communicating definitely on the back."

While some outside of the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex might be panicking about the defense, those in the locker room aren't.

And they shouldn't. There is plenty of time to work the kinks out, something Slay explained the Philadelphia Eagles did last year when he was there. The Eagles defense was ranked 29th after four games in 2024. They finished the season as the No. 1 defense in the NFL, and went on to win the Super Bowl.
"I've been in this position before," said Slay. "I just came from that in Philly. Same kind of schedule. The first four weeks we didn't play as well as we needed to. Then we had a bye week. Same thing as the schedule here.

"We're not playing to our full potential yet either. So, thankfully it's early and we've got to learn from our mistakes and keep getting better, keep building off each week to go out here prepared to be great."

Slay said the turnaround came after the defense had a talk.

"We just had a good talk with each other as men, and we sat down and knew what our main goal was," said Slay. "And our main goal is to win games. However they come, we've got to win.

"We know for sure that defense wins championships, so we wanted to make sure that's what it was (in Philadelphia) and that's where we stand. I know in this world here (in Pittsburgh) it's the same way. They believe in defense, so we've got to continue to keep playing great defense.

"We've got a lot of guys in this building that are veterans, we've got Hall of Fame guys. Everybody knows what it takes to get to the next level. Everybody just has a different way of getting there, so all of us have to probably put our minds together and try to find a way to help this team get better."

On the mend: The oblique injury that cost inside linebacker Patrick Queen five defensive snaps in the Steelers' 31-17 loss to the Seahawks last Sunday, the first defensive snaps Queen has missed in his Steelers' tenure, isn't something Queen anticipates affecting him this Sunday at New England.

"Kinda not limited but limited a little bit," he assessed. "I think I'll be fine. It is what it is. It's something to deal with but I'll be alright."

Queen left the Seattle game briefly in the second quarter and said the injury affected him on "just a few plays here and there" upon his return.

Queen's near miss on an attempt to sack Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold on third-and-9 from the Seattle 28-yard line with 6:33 left in the fourth quarter and the Steelers trailing 24-17 wasn't one of those. Queen blitzed on the play and had a clear path to the pocket but Darnold spun away and hit tight end AJ Barner for 19 yards. Seattle scored another touchdown four plays later.

"I can't even make an excuse for that, I gotta make that play," Queen acknowledged. "He was right there in my face and I should have just made the play. I should have just broke down, made the play instead of trying to run full speed and just kill him.

"I don't even think that's the biggest play that I want back. I think I want that touchdown back where they threw it to the tight end."

That was a 7-yard Darnold-to-Barner connection that tied the game at 14-14 with 6:10 left in the third quarter.

"That was probably the biggest one, we wouldn't have been in that situation at the end of the game," Queen said. "You could always play the 'what if' game. From now, looking back on it, it just makes me want to focus and emphasize more the small details."

Details such as "be right there from the jump," Queen added. "(Darnold) took his eyes to the right so I followed his eyes instead of just following my work, something simple."

Such plays over the first two games have frustrated the defense at times but not altered expectations of what the defense is capable of, Queen maintained.

"We're still the same guys," he said. "We all have confidence in each other. We all know what it takes. Every single one of us wants to be great. If it was a different vibe right now, if nobody really gave a damn about anything, that's when you should be worried.

"Everybody's still high hopes, we all have each other's back. We're just ready to go out there and prove it."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Monday, September 15

Ready if number is called: On Sunday, linebacker Alex Highsmith left the game early with what Coach Mike Tomlin referred to as a 'high ankle.'

While Highsmith's status won't be updated until Tomlin's weekly press conference on Tuesday, rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer is preparing for whatever is asked of him.

"I think for me it's just going about my business as I do every week and being ready for anything," said Sawyer. "And whenever my number is called to go out there, play the best I can, help this team win and be successful.

"So, I'm praying Alex gets back healthy. I'm just trying to be ready. So, whenever my numbers is called, I can step in there and there's no drop off because he's an exceptional player."

Sawyer was in on 26 defensive snaps against Seattle on Sunday and if more is asked of him against the Patriots this Sunday, he will be prepared.

"Alex is one of the best players in the league," reiterated Sawyer. "And it doesn't change my approach. I'm just going about every way I can to help this team win. Whenever my number is called, just try to be out there and do my job to the best of my ability."

Highsmith was injured in the first quarter against Seattle, requiring some in-game adjustments. Sawyer said you just have to rely on your preparation when that does happen.

"It just falls back to your training, what you've done leading up to the week preparing," said Sawyer. "It's always having that mindset of stay ready so when your number is called you are able to get in there and help the team.

"There is no drop-off. For me, that's how I try to go about it, and that's how I'm going to continue to go at it."

Sawyer had that approach when he recorded his first career sack, when he got to Sam Darnold in the fourth quarter for a nine-yard loss.

"I would have rather had the win, to be honest with you," said Sawyer. "I like to win football games, and I think anyone that plays this sport would agree with that. But it was fun. It was cool to be able to get the first one off your back. It was kind of a sigh of relief when you get your first one. It was exciting.

"But obviously, it doesn't mean much when you don't get the W."

Ready for the next one: Looking at receiver Roman Wilson's stat sheet from Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, it's not a number that might immediately jump out.

But it was a number that had meaning for Wilson.

Wilson's one catch against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, which was a seven-yard reception from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was his first career reception.

"It was cool," said Wilson. "Just trying to keep working on what I can do to help the team. But it was cool."

Wilson was injured for the majority of his rookie season in 2024, so finally pulling in that reception was something he waited some time for.

But he isn't thinking too much about it.

"I'm really focused on going into next week and things like that," said Wilson. "Like I said, it is cool, but it's just football to me. I've had plenty of catches before, so I'm just really looking forward to the next one."

Wilson spent the vast majority of the 2024 season on the sidelines, appearing in just one game, but he didn't let that deter him from learning.

"It's been cool just working in with my reps," said Wilson. "Just working with what I get. It's been good, feeling better. So, it's been fun."

Wilson is hoping for more, but he will be happy with whoever the ball is thrown to in the receiving corps, a group he really likes.

"We've got a great room, me, DK (Metcalf), Calvin (Austin), Scotty (Miller) and Ben (Skowronek)," said Wilson. "Just a lot of great talent in there. Just keep working on it."

And with Rodgers at quarterback, he knows they can explode at any moment.

"It's really nice to hear him talking on the sideline, hear him talk in the huddle," said Wilson. "Hearing him talk about football. It's been a really cool experience to be around."

Play of the day: It wasn't just the longest play of the home opener, it was the most spectacular.

Just don't ask running back Jaylen Warren about any of the specifics of his 65-yard, catch-and-run jaunt from the Steelers' 30-yard line to the Seahawks' 5 in the third quarter of Sunday's 31-17 loss to the Seahawks.

"I don't know, whatever I see, my body reacts," Warren offered. "It's really instinctive."

The play began with Warren 5 yards off the ball and to the left of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was lined up in shotgun formation.

With wide receivers Calvin Austin, DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson lined up to the right of the formation and tight end Pat Freiermuth deployed on the left side of the offensive line, Warren initially looped into the left flat at the 29.

When he noticed Rodgers being flushed left out of the pocket, Warren turned upfield away from linebacker Tyrice Knight and eventually hauled in a sidearm toss from Rodgers at the 39.

From there Warren broke linebacker Ernest Jones IV's attempted tackle at the 43, made safety Julian Love miss at the 49, ran through Knight's attempted tackle at the Seattle 48, juked cornerback Josh Jobe at the 41, cut back in front of cornerback Deion Kendrick at the 21 and kept rumbling until finally being caught from behind by cornerback Riq Woolen.

"Sometimes I realize I'm still up, just keep chopping my feet trying to make something out of nothing," Warren added.

The play was part of a four-catch, 86-yard day for Warren in the passing game.

It also eclipsed his rushing total for the afternoon (48 yards on 14 carries) and came close to matching the 72 yards the Steelers managed on the ground on 21 attempts.

"Whatever the answer is, I know we're gonna find it," Warren said of a ground game that has yet to find much traction for the Steelers through two games.

Once that's established and opposing defenses are forced to react, the Steelers can, in theory, begin exploiting more favorable matchups.

"They stack the box, we get 1-on-1s on the edge," Warren maintained. "We got DK, Calvin, a bunch of star wide receivers.

"Once they start stacking the box, that's the ripple effect."

- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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