Saturday, January 10

Watt ready for a great atmosphere: You could feel the energy in the locker room on Saturday after the Steelers wrapped up their week of practice for Monday night's Wild Card game against the Houston Texans.

And linebacker T.J. Watt was a shining example of that.

Watt, who returned to the lineup last week against the Ravens after missing three straight games due to his lung issue, is feeling strong and pumped for playoff football.

"I feel great," said Watt. "Really confident with how last week went. Body feels really good. The extra day is really helpful, obviously for a lot of guys in this locker room.

"Really excited with how I felt after the game. I had a really good work week, and feel good as I stand here.

"I'm just excited to go out and play in front of Steelers Nation again."

And playing in front of Steelers Nation is something the Steelers haven't done in a while in the postseason. The last time the team had a home playoff game was in 2020 when the pandemic severely limited crowd sizes throughout the NFL.

"It's awesome," said Watt. "I think the buildup is even more than ever just because of how exciting the last game was and how incredible the fan base was, how loud the atmosphere was.

"It's hard to believe that they'll be up a notch. It's a challenge for them, but I'm sure looking forward to it.

"I'm just excited to play. Not being able to play the last month sucks. To play last week in front of that atmosphere, to be able to get a win in front of Steelers Nation was incredible.

"I feel like we've got a lot of good things going and just want to keep building on the momentum that we have."

That momentum is something that hasn't just come from the play on the field, but also the attitude and approach off the field.

You can feel the energy from them, a closeness that is impossible to miss.

"I think we're just having fun," said Watt. "Guys in the locker room genuinely like hanging out with each other. It's dating back to Latrobe. I think we've been through a lot, obviously, some tough ups and downs. Obviously, take some young guys under your wing along the way. And it's just been fun.

"It's really a fun group, a confident group. But when it's time to work, we work hard.

"It's not to say that we weren't close in years past, but I think it's important that when the game's on the line and there's big play opportunities, that you're looking at the guy in the eyes who you've gone through a lot with, whether that's just hanging out in the cafeteria for breakfast club or that's shooting basketball hoops or whatever it is, cards.

"We have guys that genuinely hang out inside and outside of the building. We work out together. We do everything together. So, it's been a real treat to see us grow together. When we're in those tough situations, nobody's blinking, nobody's nervous or panicking.

"We just have confidence in each other."

That confidence is all that is needed.

It's win or go home in the postseason, and that's all everyone needs to know. No extra messages. No extra motivation.

Just knowing you have to win is all that is needed.

"I don't think any message needs to be said," said Watt. "I mean, it's win or go home, and if you can't understand that, then you're kind of crazy.

"We all want to keep playing. I don't think there needs to be any extra incentive at all for this football game."

Finally getting his shot: You can't blame cornerback Brandin Echols for being a little extra pumped this week.

He has earned the right.

For the first time in his five-year career, Echols is playing in a postseason game.

Echols spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets, never making the postseason.

This year, it's a whole new ball game.

"I'm excited, not only for just the team, but also for myself," said Echols. "This is my first playoff game since being in the league, going on year five.

"So, it's exciting for me.

"I think it's going to hit me the day of the game. I don't know what to expect. I could just go based off what others are saying that have been to playoffs. Me, I'm just trying to go into it with an open mind and try to keep doing what I've been doing all year."

Echols said when he signed with the Steelers during free agency making the postseason was his hope, but there was a lot more that attracted him to the Steelers.

"I came here for the opportunity to be coached by a great coach like Mike T(omlin) and to play around great guys," said Echols. "Mike T is always going to be Mike T. He's a leader. He's somebody that makes you want to play for him. When I first got here, having a conversation with him made me know this is the type of coach that I need to play under."

While there is excitement, there is also a determination from Echols and his teammates. He said the attention to detail this week is paramount and they won't settle for anything less than their best effort all week.

"It's something we are a little bit more deliberate about because this is a playoff game," said Echols. "You don't get too many chances to go to the playoffs, so we take a little more consideration to it.

"It's just a lot of focus. It's a playoff game so everything's got to be at an all-time high just getting the attention to detail.

"We're just trying to make sure we cross off all the X's and O's."

A positive vibe: The atmosphere in the Steelers locker room this week has been positive and high energy, similar to the way it was leading into the season finale against the Ravens.

And it's an approach and feeling that is sitting well with the players.

"I think if you're uptight, you tend to make mistakes," said running back Kenneth Gainwell. "You don't want to make mistakes. You want to be free. You want to go out there and have fun.

"I'm happy to see everybody around here with high energy. It just shows that we're willing to go out there and get a win and do what we have to do with small things.

"We bond together. We do everything. I think that's what is going to take us to the next level. If we stick together, offense playing for the defense, defense playing for the offense, it can take us a long way."

Gainwell said he noticed a change in the team environment around mid-season.

"Once we had these last six games, we knew we had to go out there and make a change," said Gainwell. "And that really changed a lot. Offense started picking it up, defense started picking it up. We knew what we had to do. Getting into the playoffs makes everybody smile."

Gainwell has seen a resiliency from the team, something that is evident in game when they respond to whatever comes their way.

"I think we have to go out there and respond," said Gainwell. "The defense wants to see the offense win, the offense wants to see the defense win, and we both feed off their energy."

The calm in the storm: Maybe it's the Malibu-effect on him, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been the picture of calmness this season for the Steelers offense.

Even when the game is on the line.

Against the Ravens on Sunday night, Rodgers calmly led the Steelers on two fourth-quarter scoring drives, including one with little time left that proved to be a game-winning drive with a touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III.

"He was cool and calm," said tackle Dylan Cook. "He knew exactly what he wanted to do, he knew exactly how to decipher the defense and was ready to kill.

"He's such a leader and just such a commander. He's always cool. He's always calm. You never see him freaking out, so it's easy to play when your leader is relaxed all the time."

Receiver Adam Thielen, who was claimed by the Steelers off waivers in early December, played against Rodgers multiple times while he was with the Vikings and Rodgers was with the Packers.

Playing with him has been a completely different experience that he is enjoying.

"You have a certain perception of someone from afar," said Thielen. "I never was in the huddle with him, but played against them a lot. I was able to get to know him a little off the field, playing golf together a bunch and things like that in the offseasons.

"But when you're in the huddle, you really start to understand why someone's great. What they do week-in, week-out, the things that people don't see during the week. They think you just show up on Sundays and can have success. But it's the things he does through the week that really impress me and really show me why he's been so good for so long.

"His attention to detail, his communication, just his process is elite and that's why he is who he is."

Thielen said he saw those things and more during the final minutes of Sunday's win over the Ravens. But it was nothing unusual.

"It's the same thing that I've really noticed since the day I got here," said Thielen. "It's just how calm he is in the huddle. He brings this demeanor when he starts calling the play. It's really slow, and thought out, and gives everybody some calmness.

"A lot of times, us as athletes, we get in the moment and we get anxious, we get stressed, and we want to call a play a little faster or get out of the huddle a little faster. But he brings that calmness and demeanor that has been cool to be around."

Keeping the same energy: The smile started to spread across rookie Derrick Harmon's face as he thought about the moment when Ravens kicker Tyler Loop's field goal attempt went wide right and the Steelers held on to win the AFC North and advance to the postseason.

"It was one I will remember forever, for sure," said Harmon. "It was one of those moments that you think what happened, would happen.

"A lot was going through my mind then. It was a lot. Truly, it was a lot."

The focus has now switched to Monday night's Wild Card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium, a game where the energy will remain the same.

"Don't change, nothing different," said Harmon of the approach this week. "We just have to go out there and compete against their offense.

"Same energy. We've got one game ahead, and that's our focus. Just one game at a time."

And once again they face a challenge of stopping a solid running attack. Rookie Woody Marks has 703 yards rushing, while Nick Chubb has 506 yards rushing.

"They've got a good backfield," said Harmon. "Dynamic. And their receiver corps, they like to block and we've just got to stop those guys."

Getting pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud is also going to be a key. Even if it doesn't result in a sack, getting pressure and tipped balls has been effective for the defense.

"If you can't get to the quarterback and get the sack, you're trying to disrupt him in some type of way," said Harmon. "So that's getting the hands up. Get a PBU. Get your hands up so he throws the ball a little higher, and just tips and overthrows."

Follow the leader: If there is one thing rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer has learned this season, it's to listen and learn from all the veterans around him.

He has leaned heavily on guidance from those at his outside linebacker position, including T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig.

Another player on the defensive side who has been a great example for him is defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.

Like Sawyer, Heyward played college football at Ohio State, although there is quite a gap between the rookie and Heyward, who is now in his 15th season in the NFL.

Sawyer takes advantage of Heyward's experience, learning a lot even just by watching what he does on the field.

" I haven't really known Cam that long, but I feel like I've been watching him play since I was about five years old on TV," said Sawyer. "So, I like to mess with him about that.

"So, seeing him do it at this level still it's unreal.

"When you see him come in here every day, and the way he carries himself, he's always in a good mood, he's happy, he's smiling, and he is having fun. Like he's a rookie again, and he's 36-years old, Year 15 or whatever.

"It's exceptional. He's a rare guy, especially playing inside in the NFL is not an easy job to do and being able to do it for that long at this level is unreal."

While Heyward is right there for Sawyer to learn from, another veteran who has provided a great example for the rookies is quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers brings a confident, calming approach to his leadership role, one that resonates with players on both sides of the ball.

"He's been a phenomenal leader since I first met him back in mandatory OTAs," said Sawyer. "He's always super calm, super direct with his message when he's talking to the team and what he thinks we need to get done.

"Getting that win and punching our ticket and winning the North, the confidence is high right now in here."

Mutual respect: It's a relationship that began during the offseason, when Coach Mike Tomlin talked with quarterback Aaron Rodgers about the potential of joining the Steelers for the 2025 season.

And after Rodgers signed, he shared the impact Tomlin had on him coming to Pittsburgh.

"I think it starts with Mike Tomlin," said Rodgers." I've been a fan of his for a long time."

And Tomlin felt the same way about Rodgers.

"Read his resume," Tomlin said. "We're excited about him being here. He's excited about being here. We'll make no bold predictions. We're just going to roll our sleeves up and go to work and let our efforts do the talking."

That relationship came full circle on Sunday night after the Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North and advance to the Wild Card round.

As the team was on the field enjoying the moment, a camera caught the conversation and embrace between Tomlin and Rodgers.

"Appreciate you, bro," Tomlin said to Rodgers.

To which Rodgers responded, "Love you."

And Tomlin came right back, "Love you, man."

Rodgers then told Tomlin, "Thank you for bringing me here."

And Tomlin's reply, "You kidding me? Thank you for coming."

It was a microcosm of the relationship between the two, built on mutual respect.

"It's very important because they're unique jobs," said Tomlin. "I think we've got to be connected. There is a loneliness with leadership, a responsibility with leadership. So, I just learned over the years to embrace that component of it, that we've got to spend time together, we've got to have an understanding.

"Certainly, that's been a fun process with Aaron. It's been really fun because he has an appetite for it. He loves the process as much as he loves competing. He's got an awesome relationship with football. He's at the point of his career where he's reflective and excited about giving back to the game and the young people in the game.

"So, it's fun to do that with him and help young guys like Will Howard advance in his career. It's been an enjoyable process.

"Certainly, it's work. We respect it in that way. Certainly, we respect the work that's in front of us this week in terms of leading this group."

That respect has allowed Rodgers to be the player he is, and lead the offense the way he has seen fit.

"I think if you're going to get the best out of someone, particularly in a leadership position, they got to do it in a natural way, in their voice," said Tomlin. "You are cutting their leadership legs out from under them when you're asking them to be somebody they're not or not do things in a natural or organic way.

"I think it's negligent to ask him to be anything other than himself."

Tomlin was asked if that was shared in conversation during the offseason, that if Rodgers signed with the Steelers, Tomlin would let him be himself.

"A component of those questions were answered before we even talked," said Tomlin. "I think he wouldn't have been interested in us unless he knew that about us. We don't keep any secrets in that regard.

"It not only applies to him, but it applies to everyone. We value good men that have great relationships with football. When you value those things, why not let guys be themselves."

Ready when called upon: Chuck Clark didn't start for the Steelers in the winner-take-all, regular-season finale but he finished.

When the Ravens took over at the Baltimore 47-yard line with 47 seconds left in regulation trailing 26-24 last Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium, Clark was a part of the defense entrusted to protect the lead and deliver the Steelers to the postseason.

He didn't blink.

"For me, it's just being a football player, being adaptable, ready for any situation," Clark said. "That's what you prepare for in the offseason and train for. I understood when I signed here, I wasn't going to be a penciled-in, Day 1 starter. I knew I had to be able to just run with whatever opportunity that presents itself. If that's getting in at a crucial moment, that's what comes with it."

Clark signed with the Steelers on July 25, shortly after training camp had commenced, after six seasons with the Ravens and two with the Jets. He wound up starting four times over the Steelers' first seven games. But in the wake of the trade for safety Kyle Dugger on Oct. 30, Clark made just one start. That occurred on Dec. 28 at Cleveland, when Brandin Echols (groin) was unavailable and safety Jalen Ramsey filled in at nickel cornerback.

Dugger started against the Ravens and played 29 defensive snaps (57 percent).
Clark played 18 defensive snaps (35 percent), including the final five.

"Coming into the game, you know it's a championship game," Clark said. "Whoever wins this game is going on, whoever loses is going home, you just knew that. Obviously, throughout the week we talk about different things, situational football, 'Hey, this down, this quarter, this means this.'

"When you're in that moment you're just gonna lock in and do what you gotta do to help your team get a win."

|Labor was also divided at cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr. in the Baltimore game. James Pierre started and played 30 defensive snaps (59 percent). Asante Samuel Jr. played 21 defensive snaps (41 percent). Clark said he and Dugger will both be ready when called upon in Monday night's Wild Card game against Houston.

"We just handle whatever is presented, whatever our coach gives us," Clark said. "We're just both being professionals and running with it."

The Steelers' victory over the Ravens included a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives engineered by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was also a teammate of Clark's for two seasons with the Jets.

"Going against him the past two summers in training camp, well, three summers in training camp, you can't put words to that," Clark said. "Hall-of-Famer right there, for sure. I've seen him do it plenty of times in practice, that's when it's the hardest. Out there in the game, that's when it's easy, honestly.

"We knew what to expect, what he's gonna deliver for us all the time."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

A challenge ahead: The Steelers secondary will have a challenge this week against Texans receiver Nico Collins, who caught seven passes for 168 yards and scored two touchdowns when the two teams faced each other in 2023.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was a rookie then, playing just 10 snaps.

Two games later, Porter became a starter and has grown into the Steelers' lockdown cornerback against elite receivers such as Collins.

Collins and Porter are similar in length and speed and could be the key matchup Monday night when the Steelers and Texans play in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.

"Everybody knows that since coming into the league, I live for those matchups," said Porter. "I get to have it in this playoff game, so I'm excited for it."

Collins is now a two-time Pro Bowler. Where does Collins rank on Porter's list of NFL receivers?

"I don't really rank them too much," Porter said. "There are a lot elite guys in the league, and he's definitely elite in my opinion. So, I'm excited for that. It's going to bring noise, and it's going to put my name on the map."

Collins is 33rd in the NFL with 71 receptions this season, ninth in yardage (1,117), and fourth in average yards per catch (15.7).

Porter, meanwhile, has allowed only a 57.1 passer rating when targeted this season and he hasn't allowed a touchdown. In fact, Porter hasn't allowed a touchdown since Week 8 of the 2023 season

The Steelers, as a defense, have allowed 244 passing yards per game this season.

Jalen Ramsey has been a part of a secondary that has made its mark on the defense this season. He was asked for the key to improving those numbers against the Texans.

"Get the calls in, be able to get our feet settled, and be able to communicate before the offense breaks the huddle," Ramsey said. "That's probably half the battle right there, being locked in after getting the play calls. We can get our feet settled and get our communication right before the play snap."

-- Blog entry by Jim Wexell

Cast your vote: Steelers fans can lend their support to Steelers DeShon Elliott and Jonnu Smith who are both candidates for the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award.

Elliott and Smith were both honored this year as weekly NFLPA Community MVPs, making them eligible for the yearly award.

Five finalists will be selected, with each finalist earning a $10K donation from the NFLPA for the charity of his choice. And fans can vote for the finalists here: Vote for Elliott and Smith.

The winner will be selected from the five finalists and revealed on Feb. 3 during Super Bowl Week. The winner will receive a $100,000 to use for their charity of choice.

-->> Vote Now for Elliott and Smith

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.

**Sign up today**.

Friday, January 9

A tight-knit group: There is something special in the Steelers locker room this season. You can see it. You can sense it. You can feel it.

It's a brotherhood, one that doesn't have lines drawn between offense, defense and special teams.

It's a full roster that can step into the fold, the conversation, the crazy game playing at any time and just fit in.

"We have a really tight-knit group," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, the senior member on the defensive side of the ball in his 15th season. "There are a lot of things guys do to incorporate everybody. I'm really appreciative of that.

"That speaks to the leadership around this group. That speaks to the buy-in from everybody. I am just thankful for that.

"There's one or two ways this thing could go at different moments in the year, each step of the way. Guys have always chosen to be a part of it."

That tight-knit mentality can come from it being a group of players who have come from so many different areas this year, players quarterback Aaron Rodgers fondly referred to as 'cast-offs' earlier this year, whether they were not re-signed by their former team, didn't get a lot of playing time previously, or whatever the case might be.

"We have a lot of outcasts, a lot of people that trigger people for the right or wrong reasons," said Heyward. "We're a group that has our backs against the wall.

"We like our chances because we're all together. We thrive off of people either counting us out, people not believing in us, and us trying to play our best ball."

A player who really brought the 'cast-offs' together as one has been Rodgers. His leadership in his 21st season in the NFL is exemplary, providing guidance, friendship, advice and everything else along the way to everyone on the roster.

"The first day he came in, he talked about he wants to serve the group," said Heyward. "I think that spoke a lot to his mindset approaching us. And it's one thing to say with words, it's another thing to take part in everything we do. To get to know players, offensively, defensively, special teams.

"There's a competition that breeds togetherness amongst everybody in our group. I think offensively and defensively, this is probably the closest we've been in a really long time. O-line and D-line asking each other questions. Just trying to better everybody in this group. And it's great.

"Guys really stepping up, guys getting better.

"One thing I love is Aaron's game for competition in every part of this. And we've been going at it since training camp. Everybody's trying to get better."

Rodgers has made it easy for teammates to like him with his genuine approach on a daily basis.

It even had Heyward and Coach Mike Tomlin loop him into their postgame 'fraternity.' In the past, Tomlin and Heyward were always the last two to walk off the field after a game.

Now Rodgers is part of that elite group.

"Bringing Rodgers into the fold after we got that first win in New York, me and Mike T talked about it," said Heyward. "He was like, 'let's bring this old man along with us.'

"We wanted to give him an experience of what it's like to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and welcome him into that and show him that we're with you along this ride, this journey. You don't have to walk alone.

"I think that's our leadership. We have a bunch of leaders. But it's not one guy doing it by himself. It's a group of guys. It's a team that really gets the job done.

"And me and Mike T have been doing it for a while. It's what we ask of each other, but also, we get to stay in the face of it."

Welcome back: The postseason is a time you want every weapon available to your team, and the Steelers are getting one of their biggest offensive weapons back this week with the return of receiver DK Metcalf.

Metcalf is back with the team after serving a two-game suspension, ready to go on Monday night against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium.

Metcalf, who had 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season, is someone who can change the flow of the game for the offense and change how defenses approach the Steelers.

"He's a great player," said quarterback Mason Rudolph. "I think teams play us differently when he's not out there. He is such a deep threat. They played more man coverage the last few weeks because we didn't have him down the field.

"We've still got some great playmakers that did some great things for us, but DK just brings a different element that makes you plan harder as a defensive coordinator."

Metcalf, who is 6-4, 229, brings a physical presence to the offense that is hard to replicate, having the ability to make combat catches, block and everything else asked of a big-bodied receiver.

"And then he's great with the ball in his hand after the catch," said Rudolph. "He's hard to bring down. Blocks well in the run game. He's selfless in that regard."

Having Metcalf back especially helps with tight end Darnell Washington on the Reserve/Injured List.

"Darnell had a great season and did a lot of great things for us," said Rudolph. "Caught the ball well. He's just a mismatch wherever you put him.

"It's definitely good to have DK back. He's got a pretty special skill set. I'm sure he'll come in motivated, and a little extra chip on his shoulder to play his best. I am sure he's excited that he gets a chance to come back to us.

"I know we're excited to get him back into the mix."

Having Metcalf back is the perfect scenario for the Steelers quarterback room.

"He's the number one receiver, so you start there," said Rudolph. "He's been a great teammate.

"He does the grimy, gritty work of blocking. And I've seen a lot of other receivers who aren't as excited to do anything but catch the ball.

"He's great after the catch. He's a good route runner. He gets you separation. He's really hard to bring down as you saw in the Miami game there in the middle.

"We're excited to have him back."

Knowing how it feels: Kicker Chris Boswell knows what it can be like after missing a kick.

Not that he does it often, but when it happens, it's not a good feeling.

That is why he went over to Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop after his 44-yard field goal attempt that would have won the AFC North for Baltimore on Sunday night went wide right.

"I've been in every situation in this league possible, good, bad," said Boswell on Friday. "We fail, and when we fail it's in the public eye for everybody to see.

"So, I just wanted to run over to him and let him know. A kick is a kick. You've got to move past it, and this is going to better him for the future."

Boswell said the two didn't have a prior relationship, simply talking pregame before the first meeting between the two teams in Baltimore in Week 14.

But he knew he wanted to do something to uplift him.

"I don't know too much about him," said Boswell. "I talked to him quite a bit when we were in Baltimore a month or two prior. Talked to him quite a bit pregame.

"He's a good dude Very faith driven dude. So, I have no reservations about him moving past this and becoming a better kicker for it.

"I wanted to give him that from someone who's been there. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. He knows this, but it's up to him and he's just got to move on and it's about the next kick."

It's an attitude that Boswell himself always takes.

It's not about the last kick, rather it's about the next kick.

Boswell himself was coming off a tough moment when his extra point attempt, which would have given the Steelers a three-point lead instead of a 26-24 lead, was blocked with 55 seconds remaining in the game following a touchdown by Calvin Austin III.

It was the first missed extra point this season for Boswell, who had hit 42 straight prior, and hadn't missed one since 2023.

"Honestly, in the moment, I don't know (what happened)," said Boswell. "I don't watch film anyway, and everybody cracks jokes about that. But how I hit it felt really good. Obviously, it took the path that it did and they're calling it a tip, but I have no idea.

"You can't tell on film whether it's tipped or whether it is just a shank kick, but at the end of the day whether it's a block or not, it's on me and I've got to put it in.

"We'll move past it."

Moving past it is the key.

Boswell has connected on 27 of 32 field goal attempts this season, but also missed one in each of the two games prior to the Ravens game.

For a player who is automatic, he knows he can't dwell on those.

"I feel like I'm hitting the ball really well," said Boswell. "Some of them are going in, some of them aren't. There are definitely some weird kicks that are happening this year, but I mean it's just part of the game.

"Everybody goes through it and just keep going.

"I'm always confident in everything. I'm on the bad end of some kicks right now, and that's just 11 years into. I'm going to be on the back end of some kicks. But that never wavers my confidence in myself or the snap or the hold or anything. Some go in, some don't. Obviously, you feel down about the ones that don't, but you've got to move on to the next one."

Boswell is looking forward to the next one, and if it comes on Monday night against the Texans in the Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium, he will be ready.

"There's definitely excitement for a home playoff game," said Boswell. "That's very big for this city. But it's just another game, another kick to me."

Bringing their best: The Steelers offensive line knows what is ahead of them on Monday night against the Houston Texans with their pair of defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.

And what they have to do to pass the test against them is simple.

"We're going to do what we've been doing and block them," said offensive tackle Troy Fautanu.

Fautanu knows it's not going to be easy.

And he knows they are going to have to bring their 'A' game and then some.

"We've got to do our best," said Fautanu. "Obviously execute the game plan. Coaches are putting together a good game plan, we've just got to go out there and execute. We've got to play our best when our best is needed, and this week is a really big one."

Fautanu knows what both players, who have a combined 27 sacks, bring to the table.

And he broke down what they are capable of.

"Hunter is very technically sound," said Fautanu. "He has a lot of moves, got a deep bag. He's kind of unorthodox, but in a good way. You don't really know what could come. But just watching him, just going about my process the same way.

"Will is just very, very powerful. He's trying to run through your face and then set up his moves off of that. So just trying to figure that out. Just play my game really.

"Sometimes you can watch too much film. There's so much film out there, there's 17 games. For me, I just try and see what a guy does, what his play style is like. And then I just go out there and just let the bullets fly, so I'm excited."

The offensive line has done a good job of keeping quarterback Aaron Rodgers clean this year, even against some of the league's top pass rushers.

Offensive tackle Dylan Cook said a lot of that has to do with Rodgers getting the ball out fast. Fautanu agrees with that but said it takes everyone being on point when he does get the ball out fast.

"He for sure plays a big part of it," said Fautanu. "The receivers, everyone does when it comes down to that type of stuff. In order for him to get the ball out someone's got to be open.

"So, everyone's got a job in that, and we've got to go out there and play our best game."

Arrow pointed up: It takes a village to stop a top-flight running back like the Ravens Derrick Henry, as well as others the Steelers have faced this year, but they have done just that.

And a lot of that is thanks to the play of the men up front on the Steelers defensive line.

On Sunday, Henry had 126 yards on 20 carries, the majority of it came in the first half when he had 112 yards.

He was held to just 14 yards in the second half.

"I thought largely down in and down out we did what we needed to do to minimize the impact of Derrick Henry," said Tomlin. "Certainly, it didn't start that way. He broke that big run early. That's a credit to him, a credit to them strategically in terms of identifying a schematic they wanted to assault us with.

"I just thought down in, and down out, we did what we needed to do schematically in terms of allocating our guys and playing in an appropriate front structure. I think in turn our guys did what was required of them.

"We put a lot on our men up front. We create one-on-ones with our bigs up front. We require our bigs to win those battles. I just thought guys like (Keeanu) Benton and (Cameron) Heyward and (Derrick) Harmon did a real nice job of winning those one-on-ones, shedding blocks, and getting in on tackles, not giving him clean access to the second and third level, which oftentimes is a recipe for disaster when facing a big runner."

One player Tomlin called out was Benton, the third-year defensive tackle who has five and a half sacks this season, after having just one sack each of his first two seasons.

"I think he's whopping blocks and making tackles," said Tomlin. "There is a difference between being active and being productive. Certainly, he's athletic and active.

"There is a lot about his profile that was really attractive, even dating back to draft evals (evaluations). I love the heavyweight wrestler, for example. He certainly was a formidable heavyweight wrestler in high school. Those guys generally are better conditioned than most men their size. They have an appetite for working through fatigue that's a little bit different than others. So certainly, he brings some of those things.

"But I just think there has been an increase in productivity. Certainly, we love activity, but productivity trumps activity, and I think he's taken a big step this year in productivity.

"Five and a half sacks, coming off blocks in the run game and winning, shedding, and tackling are a major component of run productivity.

"I think his arrow is pointed up for him in just about all areas of his game, which leads to more productivity."

The winning edge: Texans defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter comprise "a "top-flight edge tandem," in Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin's estimation, among others, an assessment confirmed by the pair's 27 combined sacks.

But they won't be the only edge rushers who show up on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium intent on wrecking the game.

"It's just been emphasized that we gotta be the best edge group in the stadium this weekend," Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith confirmed.

Highsmith (9.5) and fellow outside linebackers T.J. Watt (7.0) and Nick Herbig (7.5) have a combined 24 sacks. But they'll also have the home-field advantage in this matchup.

"It's gonna be awesome," Highsmith said.

As it was throughout the Steelers' 26-24 victory over the Ravens last Sunday in the regular-season finale.

"I think that was loudest I've heard Steeler Nation at home since I've been here," Highsmith continued. "The atmosphere was crazy so I know it's gonna be crazy again come Monday night, and we're gonna need it. It's a big game, so I know Steeler Nation is going to show up."

The louder it gets, the more challenging it will be, potentially, for the Texans to operate using a silent count. When visiting teams are forced to do that, it's an significant advantage for the home team's pass rush.

"Just as an edge rusher, you're able to get better jumps off the ball," Highsmith said. "We know with them going silent we can get a jump on that ball. As loud as the crowd was (last Sunday), I know they're going to be even louder on Monday and I know that's just going to cause them troubles. As edge guys, I definitely feel it gives an advantage to be able to get off the rock fast.

"We study those things (silent-count tendencies). Ultimately, to get to the quarterback, to affect the quarterback you gotta have a good get-off. The key for us is studying that and making sure we can lock in on that."

The Steelers will also be locked in on shutting down the Texans' ground game, a component of their defense that's always perceived as Job One.

"It comes to stopping the run first," Highsmith said. "Ultimately, we gotta take their running game away and just make them one-dimensional. We've been stopping the run recently. We know that whenever we're a good defense, we stop the run, so ultimately we just gotta continue to do that. That's kind of our path to victory over these past few weeks."
A Steelers' defense that has struggled at times this season has also been gaining trust individually, which is starting to pay off collectively.

"I feel like everyone on our defense trusts each other," Highsmith said. "To be a great defense you have to trust the guy beside you. Whenever you have that trust guys are able to play free and be themselves and you're able to play together as a team.

"I just feel like that trust has only continued to rise throughout the year for each guy. We've been playing some good ball recently. Obviously, not perfect, there's a lot of areas we can be better in. But we're taking steps forward."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Queen, defense turning up: In the three games since the first Baltimore meeting and before the second Baltimore meeting, the Steelers gave up an average of 52 rushing yards per game.

It had come to be expected of the improving and physical Steelers defense.

And then Derrick Henry nearly hit that average with his 41-yard run on the first play of last week's divisional showdown against the Ravens. But the Ravens managed only 96 more rushing yards. The defense proved that it is stout against the run.

"The first run of the game kind of shocked everybody, opened everybody's eyes, like we got to be on our stuff, everybody gotta do their job," said inside linebacker Patrick Queen. "From that point on, everybody was just locked in. They made plays, obviously, but I think everybody was just so in tune to just doing their job, play after play just knowing that it's going to be one play at a time."

The Steelers were perhaps overly focused on the Ravens' run game in the fourth quarter as Lamar Jackson threw touchdown passes of 50 and 64 yards to Zay Flowers.

"We kind of put ourselves in a difficult situation trying to contain the run," Queen said. "And sometimes it's gonna be like that. Sometimes you're going to give up a pass, which is unfortunate, because it's the same as a run getting out for a good bit of yardage. So it definitely sucks. You definitely don't want that to happen. But it is how that offense operates with Lamar and Derrick back there."

So, it's correctable?

"It definitely is," Queen said.

The Houston Texans come to town for the Monday night playoff game with a running game led by rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks. He topped the Texans this season with 703 rushing yards.

Marks isn't the only threat in the backfield. As with the Ravens, the Texans have an elusive quarterback in C.J. Stroud.

"They've got a good boot game, if they get the run game going," Queen said. "It's an extremely difficult offense to face when they start running the boots and all that stuff, especially with (tight end) Dalton Schultz being able to manipulate defenses, being able to read everything. C.J. doesn't turn the ball over. The offense doesn't turn the ball over. They've got playmakers, so it's a difficult offense to face. We just have to stick to our keys, do what we do."

Queen is just getting comfortable late in his second season as the Steelers' playcalling inside linebacker, a position the great James Farrior once said took him almost three years to master.

"I may have been more comfortable this year. Still a lot of getting used to," Queen said. "There are always new calls that we're putting in here, so it's just a point of me still getting comfortable. But I'm in Year 6. I just gotta go play football. I just gotta go be myself. I think I've been putting too much stress on myself to be able to go out there and try to do too much. I think I just gotta go do, do what I do, do it at a high level, get to the ball, make those plays, and make big plays. Just be me."

Queen finished the regular season with 120 tackles, 8 tackles-for-loss, 5 QB hits, and 1 sack. Like the rest of the defense, he's been getting better down the stretch.

"I don't think we're stressed, like we were," Queen said. "Or pressing, like we were earlier in the season. I think everyone understands this is what we do, just going out there playing free, playing our type of football, trusting the man next to you and just doing your job. It's that simple."

-- Blog entry by Jim Wexell

Cast your vote: Steelers fans can lend their support to Steelers DeShon Elliott and Jonnu Smith who are both candidates for the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award.

Elliott and Smith were both honored this year as weekly NFLPA Community MVPs, making them eligible for the yearly award.

Five finalists will be selected, with each finalist earning a $10K donation from the NFLPA for the charity of his choice. And fans can vote for the finalists here: Vote for Elliott and Smith.

The winner will be selected from the five finalists and revealed on Feb. 3 during Super Bowl Week. The winner will receive a $100,000 to use for their charity of choice.

-->> Vote Now for Elliott and Smith

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.

**Sign up today**.

Thursday, January 8

No surprises: Adam Thielen is a been-there, done-that, player.

The veteran receiver has seen it all, been through the ups and downs.

So, when he saw how things played out in the closing minutes of the win over the Ravens on Sunday Night Football to clinch the AFC North and send the Steelers into the postseason, it didn't surprise him.

It was simply a microcosm of the ups and downs an NFL season is.

"It definitely has been that," said Thielen, who was claimed off waivers by the Steelers on Dec. 2 after asking for his release from the Vikings. "But that's also the NFL.

"I think the longer you play in this league, you understand that it's a week-to-week league. Every week is so different. Every series is so different. There are so many ups and downs through a game, through a season, through a week. So, you just kind of get numb to that. You just focus on the next play, and the next week, and the next day, and go from there.

"In 13 years I've seen a lot. So, nothing is surprising in this league. You just show up the next day and give the most effort you can and figure it out from there."

Thielen feels like he has landed in a great situation, one where Coach Mike Tomlin allows his players to be who they are on the field, not fit a pre-determined mold. He feels that it takes pressure off players, allowing them to play their game, which eventually leads to team success.

"I think it's just a little less stress," said Thielen. "This business is stressful enough, but when you have to be a different version of yourself, sometimes that can just create more stress.

"So, I think letting guys truly be themselves and be who they are on the field can be a benefit. I think it's been a good thing as far as just guys showing up and having confidence in what they do."

That confidence will be needed up and down the roster on Monday night when the Steelers take on the Houston Texans in a Wild Card game.

Thielen said it's special to play in primetime, but even more special to be in the postseason.

"I think all night games, obviously all playoff games in general are special," said Thielen. "Night games are something that when you're a little kid, you're thinking about those primetime games, Monday night, playoff game.

"So, obviously a little special and always a great atmosphere, especially at home. I've been able to experience a couple of night games here now. And it's a pretty special place, especially at night."

Staying grounded: Dylan Cook knows exactly what lies ahead for the Steelers offensive line.

And quite simply, it's a tough test.

When the Steelers face the Houston Texans on Monday night, they will be going against one of the best rush tandems in the NFL in defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.

"Physical group," said Cook, who will be making his first postseason start. "It's going to be a good test.

"Got to get after them."

Anderson and Hunter have combined for 27 sacks in the regular season and can make life tough on opposing offensive lines.

Cook knows their job is to combat that head on, and they are aware of what the duo brings to the table.

"It's more so their change-up," said Cook. "We all know they're power guys, but they both have really good spin moves. They both have good motors and good hand usage. Their fastballs are obviously dynamic and powerful, but their change-ups are really good for them."

Cook said the offensive line is lucky to have the luxury of practicing against players like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, who also have those types of moves.

"We've been working all year," said Cook. "We have a pretty dynamic rush group ourselves. So just going up against guys like Herbig, T.J., and Alex ever since Latrobe, we got a good feel because they all have good change-up, too.

"So, we've just got to be grounded and have to stay out of third and long and just expect it."

It doesn't hurt that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the ability to get the ball out fast, with only 29 sacks allowed this year because he doesn't hold onto the ball.

"It starts with No. 8 (Rodgers)," said Cook. "He gets the ball out. He understands the assignment, and he gets rid of the ball. Doesn't really demand us to hold up, even though that's obviously what we want to do.

"But he just gets the ball out so fast, and he just processes the defenses so fast."

Cook likes the direction the offense has been going over the last month or so of the season and wants to see more of the same.

"The details are being locked in on and there's obviously stuff we can still work on," said Cook. "We're clicking right now and we're just going to keep going.

"We are locked in at the end of the day. Sunday was cool and all, but it's another week.

"It's win or go home at this point.

"We obviously want to win, but we just got to go out and execute our job and take it one play at a time."

Brotherly shove: It was supposed to be a 'brotherly shove,' but it didn't quite turn out that way.

On the Steelers first attempt of the 'tush push' on Sunday night against the Ravens, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward stepped in to the role that tight end Darnell Washington, who is now on the Reserve/Injured List, previously held.

His job was to help his younger brother, tight end Connor Heyward, get one yard on a fourth-and-one from the Steelers 45-yard line.

The play yielded no gain.

"The first one he tackled me," said Connor Heyward of his big brother's effort. "But that was the practice for the second and third one.

"But it was a special moment for sure with both of us out there. Obviously, you saw the first one, but for us to get the second and third one. It meant that much more in the critical moment as well. So just glad that we got to win and then obviously for us to have that moment was cool as well."

Connor Heyward said he was frustrated on the first attempt when his brother tackled him, but then they straightened it all out.

"I was hot after the first one," said Connor Heyward. "But he came up to me and he was like, we're good. That was my bad.

"But shout out at (offensive coordinator) Art (Smith), calling it the second or third time. Believing in the guys up front as well."

It was Smith who came up with the idea to add Cameron Heyward take over Washington's role on Sunday, and he didn't mind it.

"It was Arthur's for sure," said Connor Heyward. "Cam was walking around the locker room telling guys he was playing offense all week, but little did they know he was just the push guy on the tush."

The play is one that they didn't practice a lot with both Heywards on the field leading into the Ravens game, but having it work two out of three times was a positive.

"We only ran it on the walkthrough day," said Connor Heyward. "So, we didn't really get a live snap of it. You really can't do that. You just get that with live reps in the game.

"(Cam) was supposed to let me just get out in front a little bit. You push, but it's more just leaning on the guy. I kind of got hit from the side.

"He was trying to put all his strength into it and not even thinking about maybe the technique. Just trying his way, and that's a part of it, but that's more when you're caught in the air, and you're on top of guys, and then somebody might come and push you."

Connor Heyward has seen the play work for other teams in past years, but wasn't always a fan of it that.

His opinion has changed.

"I hated it," admitted Connor Heyward. "I'm not going to lie. But now, I love it.

"Not even because I'm a part of it, but all the plays off of it. There is creativity and Art's getting in his bag with it. And it's on us just to get those fourth-and-ones, third-and-ones, whatever he's calling me."

While Heyward enjoys it now, he can also see Steelers Nation feeling the same way about it. And doing it in front of the home crowd is also a lot easier without the crowd noise.

"At home, everybody can hear the cadence," said Connor Heyward. "So, that's a plus for us. The guys, the surge. I think there's so much chemistry and time spent on this. So, we have a lot of confidence calling it.

"And then obviously running the ball with Jaylen (Warren) and Kenneth Gainwell. And then when Jonnu (Smith) gets back there. They can all get back there and take it the distance.

"And even if it's a short yardage, it's just running the guy over, making the guy miss. We have a lot of capable backs."

A tough tandem: The Steelers offense, and the offensive line in particular, are going to face one of their toughest tests of the season this week against a Houston Texans defense that is relentless.

The Texans finished the 2025 regular season as the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL.

"They've just got a kick-butt unit," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "They do. They've got a top-flight edge tandem in (Danielle) Hunter and (Will) Anderson. They've got a top-flight corner tandem on the outside, and so they rush very well. They cover very well. They're not trying to split the atom schematically. They don't have to when you have corners and edge rushers like that."

The tandem of Anderson and Hunter on the edge have combined for 27 sacks, something that will have the offensive line on alert.

"Will Anderson and Hunter are simply the most dynamic edge rush tandem in the National Football League in 2025," said Tomlin. "They've got 27 sacks between them. I think it's 12 for Anderson, 15 for Hunter. They're a formidable group.

"You can talk about the things that you need to do schematically to minimize them and all that. It's nothing that they haven't seen. We better stay out of a bunch of one-dimensional passing circumstances, because if we're in those circumstances we're going to be in trouble. That's just the reality of it."

Lights, camera, action: Center Zach Frazier has become something of a social media sensation in the wake of the Steelers' last-play victory over the Ravens, not that Frazier is aware.

"I twitter-deleted right now," he said.

Brian Baldinger has not. And the former 11-year NFL offensive lineman and current media analyst featured Frazier the day after the Steelers' heart-stopping, 26-24 victory over the Ravens in the regular-season finale last Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

"There are few things in life that I enjoy more than watching Zach Frazier play football," Baldinger posted.

That voice-over was accompanied by end zone video of Frazier's effort on a screen pass to running back Kenneth Gainwell on second-and-2 from the Baltimore 41-yard line with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter and the Steelers trailing, 24-20.

Frazier delayed momentarily on the play, then engaged Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith inside the numbers and drove him all the way to the sideline and into cornerback Chidobe Awuziwe, who was being blocked by wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Gainwell gained 15 yards to the Baltimore 26.

Three snaps later quarterback Aaron Rodgers hit Austin for 26 yards and what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown.

"Family members texted me, said they liked that block," Frazier said. "That was definitely a good one. In that situation, I kinda knew I'd be 1-on-1 with (Smith) so I tried to sell like I was pass-blocking. He knew instantly, he started yelling 'screen,' so I had to sprint out of there, try to get on him, because he's a smart player.

"I just covered him up and then just kept driving him."

The Steelers will be looking for more of the same from Frazier and of what they've been getting from their offensive line of late when they host the Houston Texans on Monday night at Acrisure, the final game of the NFL's Wild Card Weekend.

"The key for us is going to be to start how we stated that second half," against the Ravens, Frazier assessed. "There's been a couple games this year where we not necessarily started out great but we got it rolling. If we can get it rolling from the jump, I think that's the next step from us.

"Everyone's gotta be on top of everything. Stay committed, keep wearing on the defense and eventually they give in, I think. Keep running the ball, keep pushing the pile, keep being physical with the guys you're going against. The runs start to get longer and longer when you do that."

The degree of difficulty will ratchet upon appropriately for the postseason opener.

The Texans will come town with the NFL's No. 1 total defense (277.2 yards per game) and No. 2 scoring defense (17.4 points per game).

"I don't think we're gonna change up our stuff," Frazier said. "I mean, obviously, it is a good defense. We just have to keep doing our stuff. And as an offensive lineman, you know, if (running back) Jaylen (Warren) squeaks by, you gotta chase him because if you don't someone might come and hit him as he's falling down.

"You don't want that."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Cast your vote: Steelers fans can lend their support to Steelers DeShon Elliott and Jonnu Smith who are both candidates for the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award.

Elliott and Smith were both honored this year as weekly NFLPA Community MVPs, making them eligible for the yearly award.

Five finalists will be selected, with each finalist earning a $10K donation from the NFLPA for the charity of his choice. And fans can vote for the finalists here: Vote for Elliott and Smith.

The winner will be selected from the five finalists and revealed on Feb. 3 during Super Bowl Week. The winner will receive a $100,000 to use for their charity of choice.

-->> Vote Now for Elliott and Smith

Twirl your Towels: Fans can share their Steelers pride and wave their Terrible Towels on X, Instagram, TikTok, and/or Facebook.

Fans are encouraged to post their Terrible Towel Twirl videos on X, Instagram, TikTok, and/or Facebook. Fans are also encouraged to tag the Steelers and Steelers Nation Unite social media accounts and say what city they are showing their Steelers support from in the post's caption. The Steelers and Steelers Nation Unite social media accounts will share posts made by fans throughout the week.

To submit via Steelers.com, visit Towel Twirls Around the World and fill out your information, under 'Category' dropdown select 'Towels Twirls Around the World,' then upload your content, and submit.

Steelers Playoff Party: Fans will be able to gather as one at the Steelers Playoff Party presented by Neighborhood Ford Store. The party will be held at Tequila Cowboy on the North Shore on Saturday, January 10 from 5-7 p.m. Prizes, game ticket giveaways and appearances by Steelers Legends will be featured.

No tickets are required but fans are encouraged to RSVP by visiting the Steelers Playoff Party.

Gear up for the playoffs: Fans can gear up for the Steelers 2025 Playoff run at the official Steelers Pro Shop. Fans can purchase apparel, jerseys, and fan gear directly from the team at the Steelers Pro Shop online or by visiting one of the Steelers Pro Shop locations at Acrisure Stadium, Grove City Outlets or Tanger Outlets. -->> SHOP NOW

--> More details on the Steelers Wild Card Activities

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.

**Sign up today**.

Monday, January 5

Happy to be back: Receiver DK Metcalf was all smiles on Monday walking through the Steelers locker room, greeted by teammates after he served a two-game suspension, missing the last two games of the regular season.

"They were very supportive," said Metcalf of his teammates. "It's going to take a lot to call everybody out, but a lot of people reached out to me on more than just one occasion.

"So, it just really showed the type of people that we have in this locker room number one, and how they view me as a player and a teammate."

Metcalf couldn't be happier to be back for the postseason, and is ready to hit the ground running as the team is getting ready to prepare for the Houston Texans on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium.

"It feels great, especially, we get to play another game," said Metcalf. "My teammates gave me another opportunity to come back, so just a big shout out to them."

Metcalf is a guy who can't wait to get back on the field on Monday night, as he loves the game and missed being out there.

"I'm excited as (heck) to be back in the building, around my teammates, being in meetings, going to practice," said Metcalf. "All the things that encompass a week of preparation."

Metcalf said he watched the Steelers-Ravens game at home on Sunday night by himself, riding the same emotions that many fans rode as well.

"Roller coaster," said Metcalf. "I couldn't watch some moments because of my anxiety. I get too high.

"But just happy my teammates got the dub."

Metcalf said he watched the game alone for a simple reason.

"I don't like talking to people during the game," said Metcalf. "I don't like talking."

Metcalf said when fellow receiver Calvin Austin III caught what would be the winning touchdown reception, he was pumped.

"I jumped up, put on my clothes," said Metcalf. "And I was headed to the stadium."

For Metcalf, it hasn't been easy not being able to practice and play, but he was able to workout and stay in shape.

"It was very difficult," said Metcalf. "But thanks to the NFL for allowing me just to come up here and still work out and get some training in.

"I was here all last week. I went home and spent time with my family for Christmas."

Metcalf didn't discuss the issue that led to his suspension, but also took responsibility for his actions.

"I feel full responsibility for my actions and that's it," said Metcalf. "I've got the most respect and confidence in my teammates still going out there and performing to the best of their abilities."

Metcalf's return will do nothing but add to the offense that was hitting their stride before his suspension and continues to do the same.

"We were definitely starting to hit our stride as an offense," said Metcalf. "I think we found our groove and hoping we can pick that back up.

"It's just about executing as a whole. So, I think last night in the second half showed a lot of execution on everybody's part."

Punching their ticket: The Steelers defense had a luxury on Sunday night in the regular-season finale against the Ravens.

They were fully healthy for the first time in a long time.

And it paid off.

"It felt great," said linebacker Jack Sawyer. "It was a back-and-forth battle, just like it always is when we play them. And it's always great to come out on top against those guys and punch our ticket to the playoffs.

"And now it's a completely new season, so we're looking forward to it."

Sawyer acknowledged that it's been a wild 12 plus hours since the game ended on kicker Tyler Loop's missed field goal with the clock running out.

"That kicker, he's had a great year too," said Sawyer. "I think that might be his first miss all year inside of 40 or whatever it is.

"When he's going out there, just praying, please give us a shot. The kick was wide right, and we're moving on. So now the focus goes to Houston."

With that focus on Houston, it means facing Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, a former teammate of Sawyer's at Ohio State.

"I love C.J.," said Sawyer. "He was a phenomenal leader, great guy, good teammate, obviously a really good player.

"And he's a competitor. I think that's the one thing that's always stuck out to me about C.J. is he wants to win. And so, when you're going up against a guy like that, you've got to throw everything at him and kind of make him second guess and not be on time. Because when he's on time and on rhythm, he's one of the best to do it.

"So, I'm looking forward to it."

And it looks like once again it will be a healthy defense facing the Texans.

Which includes linebacker T.J. Watt back in the fold after he returned from a three-week absence due to his lung issue against the Ravens.

Watt came up with the only turnover of the game when he intercepted a deflected Lamar Jackson pass.

"He has been one of the best to do it for a very long time," said Sawyer of Watt. "And it seems like he's always there around the ball to make a play. I saw that again yesterday with Alex (Highsmith) and Cam (Heyward) tipped it. He's Johnny on the spot right there to make the play and get the turnover for our offense to get the short field.

"So, I just feel like great players somehow always seem to fall in a good play. I know he definitely is one of best ever to play. That's kind of the name of his game."

This week's game is going to pit two strong defense against each other, with the Texans among the league leaders in yards and points allowed.

It will be a challenge for the offense, but also an opportunity for the defense to stand out as well.

"They've got a great defense," said Sawyer. "They've got a lot of good playmakers, they've been playing well all year. And I think that we've got a great defense too.

"It's one of those battles, and obviously we want to come out on top of that. Every time we hit the field, we're trying to be the best unit in football. And as of late, we were playing better, making steps. We'll have a little step back, and then we'll keep going forward.

"Now in the playoffs, it's a good time for us to put our best stuff out there every play. And what an opportunity we've got against a good defense like Houston to stack ourselves against the best."

On tap for 2026: While the dates and times won't be announced for a few months, the Steelers know who they will play during the 2026 season, which includes the traditional AFC North opponents.

This year the AFC North teams will face the AFC South and the NFC South in games at home and on the road. In addition, there will be three games based on how teams finished within their divisions, with the AFC North teams facing teams from the AFC West at home and the AFC East and NFC East on the road.

With 17 games on the schedule, the Steelers will have an additional away game this year, with the NFL rotating the 17th game on a home/away basis each year.

At home the Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in the North, in addition to the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.

On the road the team will face Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans.

Making moves: The Steelers waived cornerback Tre Flowers.

Flowers was signed on Christmas Day to the 53-man roster.

In eight seasons in the NFL, Flowers appeared in 97 games, starting 44 of them. He has four career interceptions, five forced fumbles and 22 passes defensed.

Flowers most recently played for the Detroit Lions, appearing in two games in 2025.

Flowers was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 146th overall selection, out of Oklahoma.

Flowers spent four seasons with the Seahawks, appearing in 47 games, with 40 starts. He spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts.

Wanting it for Cam: On the first play of the latest Ravens-Steelers showdown, Derrick Henry took a handoff right 41 yards down the sideline before he was tackled.

Hot on Henry's trail was 36-year-old defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who didn't make the tackle but did take a blast in the hip from teammate James Pierre, who was blocked into Heyward drawing a penalty.

Heyward was helped off the field, and after the game joked about the insanity of chasing a play that far downfield. Heyward returned a few plays later.

"He scared me with that," Heyward's young linemate Keeanu Benton said. "I was thinking, 'Oh, man, get up, we need you.' That just shows his resiliency and his want-to and will to come out here and work at his age. I think he's still got some more in the tank. He's a heck of a player."

Heyward played the rest of the game and helped the Steelers hold Henry to only 85 more yards. Afterward, Heyward credited gap control and cited the entire front by name, including, of course, Benton, who tied Heyward for the team lead with 7 tackles against the Ravens.

"We talked all week about, 'If we're going to win this game, it's because of everybody, not just one guy,'" said Heyward.

Benton of course listened. He always does when Heyward speaks.

"That's why you see me doing it now," Benton said of chasing plays downfield. "Seeing him, even in practice, it starts in practice with him turning and running. You see it on film. The young guys see it on film. You just see people start to change. I learned from him, see him turn and run. I would do it in college, but it's like a five-yard burst. Actually, getting all the way to the ball in practice, that kind of waterfalls down to everybody."

The defense has shown great improvement over the last month of the season. In their last four games, the Steelers allowed an average of 19 points (24 rest of season) and 317 yards (369) per game, and 3.7 (4.4) yards per carry.

"Go back to the resilience," Benton said of the defensive mindset. "You aren't gonna make all the plays, but the ones that you can, go out there and make. And there are going to be more to make."

The wild fourth quarter again tested the Steelers' resiliency. The Ravens broke loose for two deep touchdown passes. On the first, Benton, and then Alex Highsmith, missed on sack opportunities. Lamar Jackson broke away to loft a 50-yard touchdown pass.

"Missing that sack with me and Alex, it's easy to get frustrated and lose track," Benton said. "We still got to go out there and make plays, so you get back to level-headed."

How?

"You're bred to do this," Benton said. "Since you're young, you're bred to – when things don't go right – always get back up and do it again. We wouldn't be in this position if we didn't do so."

Benton's best season rolls into the playoffs. His career-high 5.5 sacks and 12 QB hits lead all Steelers defensive linemen. He's second to Heyward among the defensive line with 51 tackles.
The two lions up front will be stalking hardware when the playoffs begin Monday night against the Houston Texans. Benton would love nothing better for his mentor.

"There's one thing to want to do it for yourself," Benton said. "But when you get that connection, that brotherhood that we've developed throughout the years, it's way better when you fight for somebody else. And that guy deserves a lot, so I'm gonna give all I got. I feel like our defense and offense and our team feel the same way."

-- Blog entry by Jim Wexell

Taking the next step: The Steelers will play the Houston Texans in a Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12 at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN/ABC.

The Steelers own a 5-3 all-time record against the Texans, including 3-1 at home.

-->> Tickets on sale now

The Steelers have won three of the last four regular season meetings, dating back to 2014. This is the first time the two teams will meet in the postseason.

The Steelers secured their playoff spot when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens to take the AFC North title on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium.

The Steelers have won 25 division championships, including 15 AFC Central Championships and 10 AFC North Championships after the conference was realigned in 2002 to include the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Ravens.

This is the eighth time the Steelers have won the AFC North under Coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season since he was hired in 2007. It is also the 12th time under Tomlin the Steelers have earned a playoff berth.

The win over the Ravens was Tomlin's 193rd regular season win, tying Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll for the most regular season wins in Steelers history. Tomlin also tied Noll for ninth place in all-time regular season wins in NFL history.

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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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