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Articles by CJ Lester
Steelers 2022 Rookie Class Is Excited About The Future After Major Contributions In Their 1st Season
There’s no telling what the future holds, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 draft class had a major impact on the turnaround that took place this past season. From every spectacular catch from WR George Pickens, to every dime thrown by QB1 Kenny Pickett, the Steelers rookie class has a bright future ahead of them. It’s not all about the top selections of the team’s 2022 draft class, though.
Week 18 Inactives Released as Steelers Fight to Claim the AFC's Final Playoff Spot at Home Against the Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to close out the 2022 regular season by capturing another winning season under Head Coach Mike Tomlin as well as attempting to secure the AFC’s final playoff spot. The Steelers have had a major turnaround after the halfway point in the season after starting 2-6. The team is now 8-8 and will take on the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium at 1 pm on Sunday with a possible 7th seed on the line for the Steelers.
Steelers LB's TJ Watt And Robert Spillane Reveal How The Team Is Still Playing Meaningful Football in Week 18
The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season 2-6 and somehow rallied their way back into playoff contention and are just a couple of dominoes from falling from sneaking into the NFL postseason. The Steelers field a team of a very young core, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The team has fought hard to stay alive in games and made the necessary stops and plays to get back to 8-8 going into Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns with a chance to snag the AFC’s 7th seed.
For the Steelers in Week 17, Being More Physical and Stopping the Run are Absolutely Key
The Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 season is holding on by the skin of its teeth currently! They have to have a lot of dominoes fall before possibly sneaking into the playoffs as a Wild Card team. First and foremost, the black and gold have to take care of their own business. It’s a 5-star AFC North matchup on Sunday Night Football as the Steelers are on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers Leaned on an Old-Fashioned Approach to Get the Win in Week 16 to Keep Their Slim Playoff Hopes Alive
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally finished off a drive with a touchdown to take their only lead with :46 seconds remaining against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night. The Steelers young play-makers on offense just couldn’t get in the endzone until the most crucial part of the game. With the win, the team keeps their very slim playoff chances alive.
Week 15 Inactives Released as Steelers Attempt to Bounce Back to Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive
The Pittsburgh Steelers are back on the road this week to take on the Carolina Panthers. The Steelers are technically still “in the hunt” and most likely need to win out in order to keep their slim playoff chances alive. The uncertainty of the team’s QB situation was settled Saturday afternoon as the black and gold officially announced QB Mitch Trubisky will get the start against the Panthers.
No Matter Who Starts at QB in Week 15, The Steelers Offensive Game Plan Should Remain the Same
The Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15 QB1 announcement is expected sometime Saturday with QB Kenny Pickett listed as DOUBTFUL after sustaining a concussion last week. The Steelers QB decision is up in the air due to backup quarterback, Mitch Trubisky struggling to protect the football in crucial situations in last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Lets his Leadership Shine Through Once Again in Advice to George Pickens after Week 13
The Pittsburgh Steelers rattled off their second straight win for the first time in the 2022 season. The Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons on the road, 19-16 in Week 13. In the win, WR George Pickens showed some emotion most likely about the lack of targets or just the lack of playing time in general. Fans have varying thoughts towards the “outburst” or however you want to refer to it. It doesn’t seem to be too big of an issue inside the Steelers’ locker room.
Week 13 Inactives Released as Steelers Try to Stack Second Straight Win for the First Time This Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the road this Sunday afternoon in Atlanta, Georgia to take on the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers are attempting to win two in a row for the first time in the 2022 season, after defeating the Indianapolis Colts last week 24-17 on Monday Night Football. Even though the Falcons are sitting at 5-7, currently, the black and gold will have their hands full with one of the league’s top rushing attacks.
Steelers Unlikely 2022 Defensive Leader, Relentless Slot CB Arthur Maulet's Angry Play Has Been Key to his Improvement
The Pittsburgh Steelers seemingly have had a member of the secondary missing time each week of the 2022 season. One of the constants for the Steelers’ secondary has been slot CB Arthur Maulet. Maulet, in his 7th NFL season, and his second with the black and gold, has stepped up in a major way this season. Both on the field and off. In my opinion, he’s been one of the Steelers’ unlikely leaders on the defensive side of the ball this season.
Steelers’ Great Hines Ward Is Again A Semi-Finalist For The HOF — But Insists This Is The 1 Reason He’s Still Not In
The Pittsburgh Steelers have an incredible amount of legends currently with a bronze bust residing in Canton, Ohio in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There’s still a few Steelers that arguably should be in by now, but aren’t for whatever reason. There’s always one name that seems to come up when this topic arises, and that’s former Steelers’ great WR Hines Ward.
Even After A Couple Week 10 Misses, Steelers Still Believe Replacement K Matthew Wright Can Hit A Game-Winner
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally put together a solid overall performance in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints. The Steelers defeated the Saints 20-10 to capture their third win of a rough 2022 season. The black and gold still have quite a bit to work on, obviously, but we would all love to see a repeat performance with the offensive play-calling on Sunday afternoon against AFC North rival, Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers FB Derek Watt is Absolutely Disgusted by Fans Thinking He's Just in the NFL Because of his 2 Brothers
The Pittsburgh Steelers last touchdown scorer, FB Derek Watt is doing what he can when provided with offensive opportunities. Don’t let the Steelers’ forgetfulness of having a good NFL fullback on the roster let you forget the impact he has made and can make! Fans become so frustrated with Watt’s contract when they see the team just not utilizing him on offense. However, Watt wasn’t just signed as the team’s fullback prior to the 2020 season, he was also signed due to his impact on special teams.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren Wouldn't Flourish In Starting Role Over Najee Harris
The Pittsburgh Steelers running game is coming together slowly, but surely it seems. The Steelers questioned 2021 1st round selection RB Najee Harris has averaged 3.3 yard per attempt average, while his backup RB Jaylen Warren is averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. While that statistic is alarming; it doesn’t tell the entire story of the Steelers running game.
Steelers Week 8 Inactives for Difficult Matchup Against Undefeated and Explosive Eagles
The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to take on their in-state rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon. The Steelers (2-5) have a true “David and Goliath” type of matchup today as the Eagles come into the game with an undefeated (6-0) record on the season. Already a tough matchup for the Steelers, the team will be without a few key starters on Sunday. The black and gold ruled OUT DL Larry Ogunjobi and CB Levi Wallace for the matchup when the injury report was released on Friday.
Will the Steelers Offense Finally Create Some "Splash" Against the Absolute Stingy Philadelphia Eagles 1st Ranked Pass Defense? Original
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is starving for points and one of the biggest reasons is the lack of “splash plays” on that side of the ball. The Steelers failed to score more than 10 points against the Miami Dolphins in last week’s loss. The team’s offensive coordinator, Matt Canada seems to be skating on thin ice at the moment due to his performance as OC the past two seasons and the lack of production the offense has had in that time frame.
With Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth OUT on Sunday, 6th Round Pick Connor Heyward is Excited to Get an Extended Opportunity
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a laundry list of injuries as they enter their Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They’ve already ruled out superstar free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, the team’s top three options at cornerback, sensational rookie defensive lineman, DeMarvin Leal, and second-year tight end, Pat Freiermuth, for Week 6. The team enters the weekend at 1-4 and they’re looking for ways to turn this 2022 season around.
Steelers Inactives for Exciting Starting Debut of QB1 Kenny Pickett; Week 5 Matchup Against the Buffalo Bills Original
The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to the state of New York to take on the Buffalo Bills in their 1pm matchup today. The Steelers are now 1-3 after suffering a horrible loss to the New York Jets last week. Last week’s loss was as tough as it gets, but not all was completely negative. Last week’s continued offensive struggles brought us the NFL debut of beloved rookie QB Kenny Pickett. Pickett gets his first career start today against the highly favored Bills.
Buffalo Bills' Von Miller Dumb Comments On Steelers Kenny Pickett Will Be Felt During Week 5
The Pittsburgh Steelers long-awaited rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett‘s starting debut is right around the corner. The Steelers go into New York to take on the Buffalo Bills at 1pm as two-touchdown underdogs for the first time since the post 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Pickett knows the spread and he doesn’t care. To him, it’s Pittsburgh vs. the world at this point.
Steelers Fearless Leader Cam Heyward Shoulders Responsibility for 2022 Struggles Without Star TJ Watt: "I Have to Step Up"
The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled winning games without their superstar outside linebacker, TJ Watt. The Steelers are 0-6 in games in which Watt doesn’t play since the NFL’s reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) came into the league in 2017. In order for the Steelers to kick things into gear, they must learn to win without their game-wrecker on the edge. The Steelers take on the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers Atrocious Run Defense is Giving Up the 9th Most Yards Per Game; Communication is the Key to Changing That
The Pittsburgh Steelers run defense is giving up an average of 142.7 yards per game on the ground thus far in the 2022 season. A season ago, the Steelers finished dead last in the entire league allowing 2,483 yards for an opponent’s 5 yards per carry average. It seems like the defense that felt they could be a top unit in the NFL is having similar issues as it did just a season ago. Yes, it’s still early in the season and they are just 1-2 after Thursday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers Captain Cam Heyward Calls for Defense to "Step Up" to Overcome the Absence of 2021 Reigning AP DPOY, TJ Watt
One Pittsburgh Steelers narrative that was consistently talked about this off-season was the defense’s goal of being a top unit in the NFL. The Steelers showed flashes of absolute brilliance by collecting five turnovers from the defending AFC Champs, the Cincinnati Bengals, last week in their 23-20 overtime victory. However, a moment occurred that had Steeler Nation holding their breath for a couple days.
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Demands Greatness From his Defense; Expects "Similar Things" from the Offense As Team Prepares for "Absolute Fight" to Reach Super Bowl 57 - SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers have historically had huge success when they’re able to field a dominant defense. This 2022 Steelers team should have high expectations as they will field a championship-caliber defense with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, TJ Watt, along with a couple more superstars in DL Cam Heyward and FS Minkah Fitzpatrick leading what should be a strong defensive showing.
Steelers Playing the Long Game with the Offensive Line Could Lead to Another Abysmal Season Up Front in 2022
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t add any fresh faces to the offensive line via the 2022 NFL Draft, but they did go out and add two new veterans to the room via the free agency period. Many thought the Steelers would draft additional offensive linemen in the early rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft, but they refrained from doing so.
NFL Insider Believes Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Has Enough Definitive Evidence to Name QB Kenny Pickett Week 1 Starter
The quarterback situation for the Pittsburgh Steelers has controlled media outlets’ headlines for most of the off-season, training camp, and into the now third preseason game for the franchise in the 2022 season. The Steelers have a tough decision on their hands to name the guy who starts under center when the team travels to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on NFL Kickoff Weekend in just three weeks.
Steelers Crunch Time Success Attributed to "7 Shots" Drill in Training Camp Practices
The Pittsburgh Steelers rallied when it mattered the most on Saturday night’s 16-15 preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers played well enough to get the win, but it’s back to the drawing board on Monday. There’s quite a few areas the Steelers need to improve in before the regular season gets underway, but one part of the game that they have excelled in during both preseason games are two-minute drill situations.
Steelers Extraordinary FS Minkah Fitzpatrick is Gunning for the DPOY Hardware in the Upcoming 2022 Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is absolutely loaded with talent on all three levels! Of course, you have to mention Steelers savvy veteran All-Pro leader, DL Cam Heyward, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), TJ Watt, and superstar FS Minkah Fitzpatrick when you talk about this defensive unit that has the potential to be one of the best in all of football! The three look to lead the team to the promised land in the upcoming 2022 season as they chase the franchise’s seventh...
With Worrisome Offensive Line Play; Steelers Should Absolutely Sign Guard Ereck Flowers Before Week 1
The Pittsburgh Steelers “new era” has officially started with some incredibly talented pieces on offense flashing potential during training camp in Latrobe and the first two preseason games of the year. However, it looks as if an old worry may bleed into the 2022 season for the Steelers. The Steelers offensive line play from a season ago was less than sub-par and that’s referring to it lightly.
Steelers Under-Discussed Rookie DL DeMarvin Leal Has Impressed HC Mike Tomlin During Training Camp; Will it Translate in the Team's 2nd Preseason Game? - SteelerNation.com
We’re all aware of the Pittsburgh Steelers top two draft picks of the 2022 NFL Draft for a variety of reasons. QB Kenny Pickett was taken in the first round and has shown flashes of potentially being the future of the Steelers organization at the quarterback position. Second round pick, WR George Pickens has been raved about since training camp started. The rookie wide receiver has taken the league by storm, as the Steelers may have another budding superstar in the WR room.
Former Steelers LB Joey Porter's Wife Threatens Jay Glazer with Serious Lawsuit for Recent Deceptive Mike Tomlin Story of Kids "Fighting" at 2022 Training Camp - SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers just finished up their training camp practices in Latrobe on Thursday. It was a solid several weeks for the Steelers as they enter into their second preseason action on Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That being said, a non-football related story broke just a couple of days ago and it’s since been disputed by people closer to the situation.
Steelers Rookie TE Connor Heyward is Pushing Himself to Continue Improvement as the Team Inches Closer to 2nd Preseason Action
The Pittsburgh Steelers added to their tight end room via the 2022 NFL Draft. The Steelers selected TE/FB/H-Back Connor Heyward in the sixth round during this past draft cycle. Heyward has shown that he’s just a pure football player during training camp in Latrobe thus far. He’s taken snaps mostly at the TE position and has impressed in the Steelers training camp practices.
Steelers Star 2nd-Year RB Najee Harris Shares a Comical Story of How He and Nick Saban Became Best Friends
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected RB Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Harris had a phenomenal rookie campaign last season as he eclipsed 1,200 rushing yards on 307 carries and 7 touchdowns. Harris showed that he is a more than capable receiver as well; as he caught 74 receptions (second on the team) for 467 yards and 3 touchdowns. The most beautiful part about it is that, he’s just getting started! Harris is just the epitome of what Steelers football is all about.
Steelers 1st-Round Rookie QB Kenny Pickett Will Get a Chance to Flourish in "Varsity-Like Action" Saturday Against the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pittsburgh Steelers hope was that when they selected rookie QB Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, they were getting their next franchise QB1. The Steelers have shown during the process of this three-way competition that Pickett wasn’t going to be handed anything. He has been tasked with earning every single rep during training camp in Latrobe and the preseason.
Steelers 2nd-Year RB Najee Harris Hopes Defenses Load the Box Against Him; Wants to Create More Opportunities for Others
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a phenomenal choice to select RB Najee Harris with their first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. The pick was initially questioned by many fans and analysts because the Steelers’ highest priority entering the draft was offensive linemen. Harris has done a fantastic job of quieting those who criticized the team for their selection of the bruising 2nd-year running back out of Alabama.
Steelers 7th-Round Rookie QB Chris Oladokun Finally Given First Training Camp "Team" Reps
Not only did the Pittsburgh Steelers draft rookie QB Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, they also took a late seventh round flyer on QB Chris Oladokun. A lot of Steelers fans and NFL analysts questioned the draft choice when it was made. Some fans felt there was no use to double-dip at the quarterback position. Especially, when the team probably could’ve signed Oladokun as an undrafted free agent.
Steelers Phenomenal 2nd-Year RB Najee Harris Shares Personal Details about His Upbringing that Made Him the Man He is Today
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is seeing a new person taking on the leadership role for this “new era” going into the 2022 season. Steelers RB Najee Harris was selected with the team’s first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. There were many doubters when the team made their decision, because many thought the team had other needs that needed to be addressed prior to the Steelers addressing the running back position.
After Impressive Professional Debut Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Has an Almost Perfect Practice; Getting an Influx of 2nd Team Reps in Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers were back at practice in Latrobe on Monday after an exciting win against the Seattle Seahawks. Their preseason opener landed them on top, 32-25 with a Kenny Pickett game-winning touchdown pass to WR Tyler Vaughns. The Steelers were back in full pads just two days after their preseason victory. Head Coach Mike Tomlin isn’t playing around in this year’s training camp.
Latest Steelers Trade Speculation Has the Detroit Lions Targeting 4th-Year Veteran Competent QB Mason Rudolph
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a good problem on their hands after Saturday’s preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. All three quarterbacks played well and moved the ball down the field for the offense as the Steelers defeated the Seahawks 32-25. The team’s QB room even impressed the future 1st-ballot Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger, who they’re trying to succeed as the next starting quarterback of the black and gold.
Did Steelers RB Anthony McFarland Jr. Do Enough in the Preseason Opener to Secure the RB2 Role?
The Pittsburgh Steelers battle at the coveted QB1 spot has been the biggest topic of discussion all off-season and into the preseason, especially after the race got a lot tighter after the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. However, another important position battle is taking place on the offensive side of the ball and it just might have gotten a lot more interesting after an impressive Saturday night performance.
All 3 Steelers QB's Shined Bright in 1st Preseason Action; Legendary QB Ben Roethlisberger Approves
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks are battling it out to determine who follows up future first-ballot Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger in the Steel City. The Steelers quarterbacks got their first taste of preseason action on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. All three guys played well in their 2022 debuts and moved the ball down the field. It may be the preseason, but it’s a positive note to be made.
After a Challenging First 2 Seasons, Steelers Potential RB2 Anthony McFarland Jr. has been Explosive in Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the league’s best running backs in Najee Harris manning the team’s rushing attack. However, the Steelers are in search for a RB2 to spell Harris in the upcoming season to keep their budding superstar running back as fresh as they can. It’s vital to the longevity of Harris’ career for the Steelers to find a competent backup, so they don’t run him into the ground.
Steelers 1st-Round Pick QB Kenny Pickett Showcasing Very Impressive Maturity Level in Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers have transitioned into a “new era” with an emersion of young talent on the offensive side of the ball. With Steelers QB Kenny Pickett being the only quarterback selected in the first round, he’s been under an NFL-wide microscope during training camp. He’s had his ups and downs thus far, but what rookie doesn’t? The NFL is just a different world compared to collegiate football, the transition doesn’t just magically happen.
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Emphasizes the Quality of Play in Preseason Action will Ultimately Determine the Coveted QB1 Spot
There’s no hidden secret to what the Pittsburgh Steelers are doing to determine the QB1 spot for the upcoming 2022 season. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has stated time and time again that this is an open competition, the Steelers started the current quarterback rotation based on each quarterback’s professional resume. So, there’s no surprise that veteran free agent-signee QB Mitch Trubisky started training camp in Latrobe as the de facto QB1.
Steelers Intriguing and Hopefully Improved 2022 Offensive Line is a Must-Watch vs Seahawks on Saturday
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback competition has seemingly controlled headlines throughout the duration of training camp in Latrobe. The Steelers are in search for their guy at the quarterback spot for 2022 and the position is one of the most coveted positions in all of sports; it’s very rare to be a successful NFL team without essentially having a franchise guy under center.
Steelers Impressive Rookie WR George Pickens is Definitely a Top 5 Player to Watch on Saturday in Preseason Action
The Pittsburgh Steelers have their first taste of preseason action in 2022 coming their way on Saturday as they take on the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. With Pittsburgh entering the “new era” of a young, but potentially explosive offense, there’s a few players that fans and analysts are excited to see take their first professional snaps. The Steelers 2022 NFL Draft second-round pick WR George Pickens has flashed superstar potential so far during training camp in Latrobe.
Steelers Formidable Free Agent Signee LB Myles Jack has Showcased He's the "Real Deal" During 2022 Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers made an absolute splash of a free agent signing this off-season when they signed veteran inside linebacker, Myles Jack. The Steelers needed someone to come in and command the middle of the defense and Jack has shown he can in his six years prior to joining the team. Jack has been excited to join this franchise since the moment it happened. He just can’t wait to play behind the dominant front of the black and gold.
Steelers Playmakers and HC Mike Tomlin Expect Nothing Short of Greatness from the Defense in 2022
The Pittsburgh Steelers historically have been known for a solid rushing attack and stifling defense. The “Steel Curtain” might have originated in the 1970s, but the Steelers still represent that style of play the best. In 2022, this should be no different.
With his Upbringing and Intelligence, Steelers 6th-Year Savvy Veteran CB Cam Sutton has Become "Mr. Versatility"
The Pittsburgh Steelers elected not to re-sign veteran cornerback and team leader Joe Haden this past off-season. That leaves the door open for a new leader to emerge in the Steelers cornerback room. That player could very well be sixth-year veteran CB Cam Sutton.
Steelers Insider Reveals Impressive Training Camp RB Jaylen Warren as the Team's Most Likely Dark-horse Player to Make the 53-Man Roster
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in search for a viable running back to spell impressive second-year budding superstar, Najee Harris for the upcoming 2022 season. Harris finished out his rookie campaign last year with 1,200 rushing yards on 307 carries and 7 touchdowns and added 74 receptions (second on the team) for 467 yards and 3 more house calls. However, the Steelers rushing attack behind Harris seemed to be less than sub-par a season ago.
Steelers Delontae Scott is Mirroring DPOY TJ Watt; Fighting to Make the Final 53
The Pittsburgh Steelers obviously have their starters in place at outside linebacker with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, TJ Watt on one side and third-year veteran, Alex Highsmith, who took a big leap a season ago, on the other side. The Steelers are looking for viable rotation pieces to spell Watt and Highsmith during games this upcoming season.
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