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Week 3 Blog: Being on their best

Friday, September 25

Being on their best: Linebacker T.J. Watt is no stranger to what the Cincinnati Bengals bring to the table, but it still surprises him what quarterback Joe Burrow is capable of.

Burrow, who is in his seventh season, is what makes the Bengals offense tick, and right now that is exactly what they are doing at 2-0.

"It's crazy to say now how much of a vet, guys that have been in the league for this long, to be able to use his legs still but also use his arm talent," said Watt. "But it's more the mentals now than anything. Just continuing to grow and get better each and every year.

"I think it's something that we just need to be on our best game come Sunday."

When it comes to the Bengals, Watt normally does play his best.

In his 17 games against the Bengals the Steelers are 12-5. Watt had 55 total tackles, including 41 solo stops. He has 14.5 sacks against Cincinnati, 16 tackles for a loss, nine passes defensed, six forced fumbles and two interceptions.

What has led to that success?

"Divisional relationships," said Watt. "Obviously, I've had multiple games against them for years, so that adds to it. But also, just knowing that your best playmakers have to make plays in divisional matchups like this.

"AFC North football. Just trying to make as big an impact as possible.

"I welcome any challenge, but obviously any time you're able to rush the passer multiple times a game as opposed to just playing the run all day, it tends to bring more splash."

While Burrow, and his pass catching threats in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are on the minds of the defense, there is someone else they know they have to zone in on as well. Running back Chase Brown.

Stopping Brown will be a key to keep the Bengals from having too many options.

"Making them one dimensional," said Watt. "Each and every week you talk about stopping the run, but I think this week more important than any, because if you take for granted the run game that they have and you worry about the pass and seven-on-seven stuff all week long, they can run it.

"They have guys that can move up front, they have Brown that can make the cuts that he needs to, and you have to make them as one dimensional as possible."

Staying on top of things: Being fresh matters.

Especially in the waning moments of games, when there is a lot on the line.

And that is one thing Coach Mike McCarthy has focused on with the defensive front.

For second-year linebacker Jack Sawyer, that has resulted in more snaps in an effort to keep veterans T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith fresh for the final push.

"I think it helps," said Sawyer. "Obviously, the way you get better, truly get better in this game is getting those reps on the field. And I feel like with the rotation we have, having such a talent in the room, it's working. Obviously, with T.J. and Alex leading it off, and with Herb (Nick Herbig), one of the best young players in the league as well, and then myself. I just feel like it gives us all a chance to impact the game and throw different looks at the tackles and keep us fresh.

"Whenever you can rotate and you have depth, especially at the D-line or outside linebacker position, it's always an advantage for your team. You're going to have to worry about scheming up looks to maybe get pressure on a quarterback because guys are dead in the fourth quarter.

"So, having T.J. and Alex and those guys fresh late in the games will definitely pay off for us."

The defense credits outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You for being the gatekeeper on tracking snaps, making sure nobody is overdoing it.

"C.J. has been great," said Sawyer. "He's been great since he first got here. He's really big on that too. He shows a chart of all the plays and production and stuff across the league with groups that are rotating, groups that don't.

"He's big on keeping us fresh and trusting all of us to get in there and impact the game whenever we can."

While it's only been two games in the rotation, and in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's system, Sawyer is feeling good about things and can't wait for what is still in store for the unit.

"P.G.'s been awesome," said Sawyer. "He's a really good coach, first and foremost. He's a good teacher of the game. We learned that pretty quickly in the spring. And I think we still have some things to work on.

"Obviously, things can be sharper and cleaner on us, myself included. I want a couple plays back. But I think that's just the beauty of growing in new defenses, even when we're having success. We still have a lot of things to learn from and teach and clean up and keep getting better and improving throughout the year."

Taking advantage: The focus will remain the same this week for the Steelers.

It's all about trying to get the win.

But it hits a little differently when it's the AFC North.

The Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, the first of two straight AFC North games for the black and gold.

"It's a great atmosphere when you have division opponents," said defensive tackle Yahya Black.

One player the defense will be focused on this week is Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

As Patrick Queen said earlier this week, it's about limiting him, and Black knows that has to be a focus on Sunday.

"He's a good quarterback," said Black. "Really just have to get him off his spot and off his rhythm."

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has his unit primed to get quarterbacks off their rhythm, creating multiple turnovers in each of the first two games.

"P.G.'s a really smart coordinator and he puts some stuff together to really give us opportunities," said Black. "You just have to take advantage of it."

Black has been working as part of the rotation on the defensive line, seeing action on 36% of the defensive snaps against the Patriots on Sunday.

"It helps a lot," said Black of the rotation. "When you get tired, sometimes fundamentals go out the window. So, to have another guy that can get in there and do the same thing and keep the same energy, it's great."

Welcome to the North: Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has coached against AFC North opponents in the past, but this week will be his first AFC North matchup when the Steelers face the Cincinnati Bengals, and he knows exactly what these type of games bring with them.

"Any time you had to go against an AFC North team, you knew what time it is in terms of the run game, the combination of that, and the quarterback play in this division has been really strong," said Graham. "And then the rivalries.

"Every time I've been to AFC North stadiums, it always feels like football when you walk in there. I'm excited about that. Sunday afternoon. Playing Cincinnati at Pittsburgh. I assume I'm going to feel that. Our fans will be excited and rowdy.

"Then we happen to be going against a team that's 2-0 right now, and it's our first division game. We know those count just a little bit more.

"So, everything about this place, Pittsburgh plus the division, I'm embracing that. The pressure of it, the joy the city has about the game. I'm embracing all that.  
"You can tell. I'm excited."

And that excitement isn't dampened by the fact that the defense has to prepare for a Bengals offense with a lot of firepower in quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

"It's a big challenge," said Graham. "In terms of Chase, I believe, he's arguably the best in the league in terms of down the field, intermediate. Also, the other thing is when he catches the ball low, his short space quickness and just trying to tackle this guy. I mean, just being up close and personal to him one time you see how his lower body is built. He's a pretty strong player. It's a challenge.

"Then Tee, he's just the ball skills and his ability to catch the ball down the field. Not to mention they've got a quarterback who can throw to any spot, who has access to the entire field. So, you are talking about that combination there.

"They got a seam route runner with (Mike) Gesicki and tight ends that block, and then they have a back (Chase Brown) that's showing that his one cut bursts into the second level, and his toughness. They present a lot of issues.

"That's our job to figure it out."

Bringing you the action: 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 mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

Thursday, September 24

Continue to work: Through the first two games, receiver DK Metcalf has eight receptions for 67 yards and no touchdowns.

They aren't likely numbers he had hoped for, but his teammates and coaches have plenty of confidence that will turn around fast.

"The biggest thing, number one, from everybody that's around, just know he has our support," said Coach Mike McCarthy. "We're going to throw the ball to DK. I can promise you that.

"Just continue to work. He's a true professional. He does all the extra things you look for in your players, particularly in the perimeter with the extra skill work here. You can hear the JUGS (machine) as we're talking.

"He does everything that he needs to keep sharp in his field. He'll have some opportunities come Sunday."

In addition to the support from McCarthy, his teammates have also had his back.

"My teammates have been doing a great job of keeping my head up and making sure I don't get too low on myself," said Metcalf.

Coming off the loss to the Patriots, McCarthy said yesterday's practice was the best Wednesday practice of the young season.

Metcalf said he sees the positives this week.

"We are regaining our focus, not having too many mental errors or mistakes at practice," said Metcalf. "Making sure we learn the game plan through and through.

"It's been a great two days. Just overly focused. Everybody's on the same page. We know the game plan. We know each block, each run. Aaron's (Rodgers) been quizzing us with the passes in our individual meetings. Making sure we're all on the same page basically.

"Just repetition. Make sure we go through the plays. The main thing is just making sure we're on the same page for the unscouted looks because we get to see a couple of the same looks in practice and then get in the game and it's something we've never seen before. So, just make sure we are on the page and just communicate."

Metcalf plans on using the rest of week of practice to prepare for Sunday's game in the same fashion he always has.

Which means going full tilt.

"I just look to practice because I know that's how I sharpen my sword and get ready for game time," said Metcalf. "I've had a good two days of practice. Looking forward to tomorrow's walk through and then Sunday. I'll be ready."

Familiar foe: AFC North football.

It's the time when, as players and coaches have said in the past, you better bring 'your big boy pants.'

Linebacker Jack Sawyer knows all about that.

Sawyer grew up in Ohio, seeing plenty of AFC North football as a kid with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns the hometown teams.

So, he knows what to expect this week when the Steelers host the Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.

"I love that. That's what you live for," said Sawyer. "Growing up, that was all I watched, was AFC North football and the NFL.

"Having a chance to play in and for this organization, you get fired up for it a little bit more."

This week his role will be to help the defense contain the Bengals explosive offense, namely putting pressure on quarterback Joe Burrow so he can't reach his dangerous targets in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

"I feel like the only thing that's been holding that team back the last couple of years has been injuries," said Sawyer. "Joe being healthy and him having all the weapons available, you see how well they're playing. They are very talented. They're good up front as well.

"It's always a good matchup. We're playing the Bengals, and being able to contain them and having us fresh is big for us in coming out victorious."

Take it to the limit: Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow went through practice last week on the team's injury report and was limited the first two days with a back injury, but a full participant on Friday.

On Sunday, he looked no worse for the wear, leading the Bengals to a 20-6 win over the Texans.

Linebacker Patrick Queen knows what a healthy Burrow means to the Bengals offense, especially with receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as his main weapons.

"That's the guy," said Queen. "Incredibly smart, good playmaker. Everybody knows Joe, and understands that Joe loves to be a playmaker, loves to be a baller.

"That's his mindset going into every game and knowing that he's got Ja'Marr, he's got Tee. He's got all those guys on offense. He's going to dish the ball out as much as he can.

"That offense drives behind him, drives behind Ja'Marr. Drives behind Tee. The best we can do is limit them."

Bringing pressure on Burrow is a key for the defense, but it's not a given and Queen knows that.

"It's going to be big," said Queen. "I think certain times you can pressure him. If he knows the pressure is coming, good luck. Because he's going to know where to go with the ball and it's probably a big play.

"You've just got to be smart when you're doing that. But for the most part, we've got to all be on the same page and just be sound and play good."

Talking through it: Coach Mike McCarthy has a long history with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which has led to a lot of success over the years during their time with the Green Bay Packers, including winning a Super Bowl.

The relationship allows the two to discuss play calls, what Rodgers likes, etc., and the quarterback said it can be 'very candid.'

They even have a weekly Thursday night meeting, going over the week and discussing the plan ahead.

"It's talking about the two days of practice, what looked good, what we need to look at, what didn't look good, take it out," said Rodgers. "That's what happens."

McCarthy said the conversations are valuable for the two of them, even though they know each other well.

"They are longer in some areas and obviously shorter in most," said Rodgers. "I mean longer, just because it's been a minute since we worked together. He's had experiences in other schemes, other concepts, and it's important for us to continue to, not only just the specific concept, but the variations of the concept. At the end of the day, we want to make sure it fits our perimeter players. And I'm talking particularly in the passing game.

"At the end of the day, it's about playing to his reps and to his experiences, and because that's frankly something I've always done as far as how you build an offensive system.

"We do it each and every week. Today's our day, and we'll just sit up there tonight and go through the whole call sheet and establish the first 15. It's a process I've done since 2000."

Turning the page: New England wasn't what anyone had in mind but tight end Pat Freiermuth maintained the Steelers are looking ahead, not behind.

"The next two games are big-time for us," Freiermuth assessed. "Two (AFC North) Division games, one home, one away, short week next week, we gotta handle business.

"It'll be a good test for us."

The Steelers host the Bengals this Sunday and then play at Cleveland on Thursday, Oct. 1. Last Sunday's 20-3 loss at New England was potentially disheartening, particularly from an offensive standpoint.

But Freiermuth emphasized the players are responding with perspective rather than panic.

"We're good," he said of the vibe in the locker room at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "It's one loss. It is what it is. We didn't perform to what we wanted (on offense) the last two weeks but we watched the film and really got into some good conversations."

Freiermuth declined to elaborate on the nature or specifics of those conversations but added, "We're excited for the game this week."

Freiermuth could be forgiven for being especially excited about renewing the rivalry with Cincinnati. He's aware he's traditionally had big games against the Bengals.

Those would included five catches on six targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns last Oct. 16 in Cincinnati, a night that was capped off by a 68-yard, catch-and-run touchdown that, coupled with Chris Boswell's extra point, gave the Steelers a 31-30 lead with 2:21 left in regulation (they eventually lost, 33-31).

Freiermuth has 49 receptions for 619 yards and six scores in 12 career games against the Bengals. Freiermuth is also aware Texans tight end Dalton Schultz caught 12 balls on 14 targets for 140 yards in Cincinnati's 20-6 victory last Sunday in Houston.

"That's what the film was showing," Freiermuth confirmed.

The middle of the Bengals' defense at the second level is manned by second-year inside linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight.

Freiermuth is hoping for more of the same but he isn't anticipating statistical success.

"It's just random, honestly, just how schematics end up working out," he said. "Hopefully, it continues to happen that way."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Bringing you the action: 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 mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

Wednesday, September 23

Knowing what to expect: The Steelers know exactly what they are preparing to face this week…a Cincinnati Bengals team that is sitting at 2-0 with plenty of offensive weapons.

And defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who has been in his share of matchups with the Bengals, understands what they bring to the table.

"They're 2-0, got off to a good start," said Heyward. "Played some quality opponents in Tampa Bay and Houston. They're high-flying.

"They have really good receivers, really good running back, (heck) of a quarterback. A lot of respect on their offensive side of the ball.

"And their defense has played really well as of late. Looking forward to the challenge."

The Bengals have a balanced offensive attack, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, with receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The run game is equally explosive with the combo of Chase Brown and Samaje Perine.

"I think with Chase (Brown) and Perine, they do a great job of having that one-two punch," said Heyward. "They play downhill and they're just looking for a crease and they get started.

"It's about guys staying in their gaps, getting off blocks, being physical at the point of attack, not guessing. I think sometimes we get to a point where we try to do too much, and I'm guilty of that as well.

"But looking forward to hitting that challenge for real now."

One of the things Heyward pointed to in finding success against the Bengals has been stopping their run, even with the firepower at receiver.

"We stopped the run," said Heyward of their success. "I know that's not a sexy answer because you've got those wide receivers. But when we take care of that, we're a much better defense."

Brown already has 36 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown through two games, and Heyward knows they have to contain him this week to keep him from doing damage.

"(It's him) just being explosive," said Heyward. "Hitting that gap has really benefited him in the past. Early in the season, really got to stress tackling. I thought we got rid of a lot of missed tackles, but the ones we did have led to big gains. So that can always improve.

"A lot of respect for him going downhill, using his offhand for a stiff arm. It's just a real complementary thing to their passing game because if you have to guard both ways and have to play run and pass, you're in for a long day."

Heyward also knows Burrow will be someone they have to watch closely on Sunday.

"He keeps his eyes downfield, he's able to extend plays," said Heyward. "He's almost like a magician with the ball. He knows how to deliver big plays to his wide receivers. He gives them a chance. Ja'Marr and Tee, they do a great job just asking for the ball and Joe's like, I'm going to get you the ball.

"It's always special to play against Joe because he is going stretch you with his feet. He can run downhill if he wants to, but he's more likely going to extend the play, try to look down at where his receivers are."

A second look: One of the things Coach Mike McCarthy has learned in his years of coaching in the NFL is things aren't always how they appear.

After looking at Sunday's film, he came away with positives where progress is being made with a team still adjusting to a new coaching staff.

"There's always a lot to like on film," said McCarthy the day after the game. "That's been consistent in my time evaluating games, even after losses.

"I think one thing that's pretty consistent in the NFL, things are usually not as bad as you think they are, and they're not as good as you think they are. There's always a lot to correct.

"The things I would make focal points if I was listing them was, number one, we just got to clean up our own house a little bit. The mental challenge of it wasn't as clean this week as our starting point last week, and so definitely we're going to focus on that this week."

While that was a starting point for McCarthy, it wasn't the stopping point.

"I thought we made some improvement in special teams," said McCarthy. "There are some good things there in the return game where we were close. Did a good job in the coverage units for the most part, especially with the number of punts that we had.

"Defensively, I think the first thing that jumps off is the ability to keep the point total down. We had a couple of big plays against us, but other than that, I thought we did a really good job commanding the line of scrimmage. That was a major emphasis going into the game.

"Offensively, we had opportunities. It didn't start fast. That's something when I look at the way we prepare on our weekly schedule, when you put time into the beginning of the game, you definitely want to get some more return on investment there, but we had obviously too many punts.

"Third down for two weeks in a row. I think any time you see common mistakes or challenges that happen two weeks in a row, you have to definitely focus on that. We had manageable third downs pretty much most of the game, and we didn't convert.

"I would point to pass protection, the challenge of man-to-man, which is always going to be a challenge in this league. We'll just continue to work on those things. We've got work to do. There's no question."

The Steelers prepare for the Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals

An added push: The Steelers ran their first 'tush push,' aka quarterback sneak, against the Patriots on Sunday, with tight end Pat Freiermuth handling the duty of lining up under center.

On fourth-and-one from the Steelers 39-yard line, Freiermuth converted on a two-yard 'run' up the middle.

"That's a play that last year they were really successful at," said offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio. "It's a play that the offensive line really believes in, and they do a great job blocking it.

"I haven't been around the success that they have had, so certainly it was good to see us have success Sunday."

Angelichio said Freiermuth was an easy choice for handling the play because of a combination of attributes.

"You're looking for size and body type and who has handled the ball in their past, whether it be in high school or college," said Angelichio. "So, there was some auditioning, and we settled on Pat."

Freiermuth is someone Angelichio knows he can count on not just in that situation, but in others as well.

"I've enjoyed Pat," said Angelichio. "I just love his consistency, his approach, his professionalism. He's the same guy every day. He's got great enthusiasm, great personality. He's a competitor.

"I love the catch he made on our jag concept against (Christian) Gonzalez, who is a really good player. He got physical, flattened it, and Aaron (Rodgers) found him. Just got to continue to build off of Pat and keep pushing the envelope with him, but I'm pleased with where he's at."

Just like he remembers: The Steelers haven't seen monster defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence since he visited Acrisure Stadium with the New York Football Giants back in October of 2024, but for at least one member of the offensive line Sunday will seem like old times.

Lawrence is in his first year with the Bengals this season.

Guard/center Brock Hoffman, a former offensive lineman for the Cowboys, knows firsthand the type of game Lawrence plays and the respect Lawrence commands.
"Twice a year for the last four years, so yeah, I've seen him quite a bit," Hoffman said. "I mean, obviously, he's a great player. Physical, obviously, his size, and he has very good quicks for being that big.

"He's definitely a force that we're going to have to deal with and we're going to have to take care of."

Lawrence, listed at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds, plays the role of run-stuffer and also generates pressure as an interior pass-rushing presence along a Bengals' defensive front that includes three new starters. And the "quicks" Hoffman referenced come in handy when rushing the passer.

"He's definitely the fastest for his size, for sure," Hoffman assessed.

The physicality with which Lawrence plays is another issue for would-be blockers.

"When it comes down to him it's technique and strain," Hoffman said. "You gotta out-strain a guy like that with the power that he has."

Hoffman, who started 16 games for Dallas from 2022 through 2025, may get an up close, personal and extended view of Lawrence on Sunday.

Hoffman, 6-4, 318, worked with the starters at guard during a portion of the individual drills open to the media during today's practice-viewing window.

"We've all worked in different spots throughout training camp," Hoffman said. "I treat it the same every week. I just prepare to play and we'll see what happens as we get toward the end of the week."

In the event he would be called upon to start, Hoffman maintained he's "100 percent" ready for such an assignment.
Hoffman also said Iheanachor is making progress in terms of his "understanding of the offense and knowing the different intricacies of plays, how to use chips to his advantage, how to attack aiming points and what not."
Hoffman would also welcome the opportunity to play next to center Zach Frazier.

"He plays with great leverage, has good play strength," Hoffman said. "He's very smart.

"When we're beside each other we have a lot of fun."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Bringing you the action: 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 mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

Tuesday, September 22

Wishing he was out there: Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. didn't hesitate when he was asked if he was frustrated not being able to play against the Patriots on Sunday after he was ruled out with a foot injury.

"Absolutely, I mean it sucks that I couldn't be out there," said Pittman. "Obviously doing everything to get back and taking it just day by day. We'll see what comes with it."

Pittman didn't go into detail about the injury, saying it is something that comes with playing the game.

"I don't want to say it's old age because I'm not that old," said Pittman, who is only 28-years old and in his seventh season. "In football, things happen and things come up, so you've just got to work through them."

While he was on the sidelines, Pittman made sure he was a voice and a set of eyes for the younger receivers, including Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard.

"I try to give them any knowledge that I may have on the team or the specific situation and things that I think are important," said Pittman. "This is a team sport, so just any way that I can be there and help. I mean it definitely hurts that I couldn't be out there. We're only guaranteed 17 and I missed one, so just trying to get back as fast as possible."

One thing Pittman was happy with was the way Wilson and Bernard were prepared to step up.

"I thought they did well," said Pittman. "Obviously, a couple of plays that we'd all like back, but for the most part, I always look at did they play hard? And I think that both of them did, and that's really the key to it is effort.

"(Germie's) been talking a lot about his blocking. So, we were all excited to see that for sure."

Take a look at the best photos from the Week 2 game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium

Take it away: The Steelers defense has always made takeaways a priority.

It's become a culture among the defense, a culture that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has continued.

And that has been evident through the first two weeks of the season.

Against the Falcons in Week 1, the Steelers intercepted quarterback Cooper Rush twice.

Against the Patriots, the Steelers had an interception and a fumble recovery.

The plan is, there is more where that came from.

"I think guys are just ball aware," said linebacker Patrick Queen, who picked off Patriots quarterback Drake Maye on Sunday. "Guys that were here, it was instilled in them. They are just bringing that with them. Just doing it in the details of the defense.

"I don't think anybody is trying to do anything fancy. Everybody's just trying to do their job. They're making a play when the play needs to be made."

Despite losing to the Patriots, 20-3, on Sunday, the defense limited the Patriots ground game, allowing just one big play when TreVeyon Henderson broke free on a 39-yard touchdown run.

Queen said the defense looked at film on the flight back from New England on Sunday, just seeing what they could have done differently.

"Five plays, I think, that we want back," said Queen. "I know I've got one for sure that I want back. We all literally sat down and talked about it on the plane, watched it on the plane, and just came down to five plays. You gave up 13 to five plays, that's tough to deal with.

"But we know the group of guys that we've got, we know that everybody out there is a superstar, so we've just got to go out there and regroup.

"It's still Week 2, we're going into Week 3. We've got Cincinnati here, that's going to be fun. We all have that mindset, just regroup, refocus, and just be ready for this game."

Queen knows they will have to bring it this week with AFC North ball starting up. The Steelers host the Bengals, who are off to a 2-0 start, on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

"(We have to) just be us, go out there, play together, play fast, play physical," said Queen. "Communicate at a high level and trust the guys outside of you to be able to do their job and be where they're supposed to be.

"Then when it's time to make a play, make the play.

"Just constantly bringing physicality. That's the biggest thing, just being physical the whole game. Just being on top, not giving them big plays. Make them go down the whole field, earning each and every single blade of grass. I think it's the best thing with those guys."

Looking good: Steelers Style, the team's annual fashion show featuring players and their families showing off the latest fashions, will take place on Friday, October 9 at 6 p.m. at Stage AE.

The theme of this year's show is 'Forged for the Gridiron: Runway Ready, Gameday Inspired.'

For more than 50 years, Steelers Style has brought together football, fashion, and philanthropy in one unforgettable evening, presented by Neighborhood Ford Store, PNC, UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.

Steelers Style, which is the team's largest annual fundraiser, benefits UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Cancer Bridges and the Chuck Noll Foundation.

There will also be an online auction, presented by Acrisure, that will benefit the three charities. More details to follow.

Bringing you the action: 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 mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

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