Steelers Central

The Steelers fell to the Browns Thursday night 27-24 in a game that was very reminiscent if past games that have taken place in Cleveland. The Steelers jumped out to an early lead, a turnover swung the momentum, the Steelers fell behind by multiple possessions, they come back, and they lose off a late game drive by the Browns. These games in Cleveland are all the same, and Pittsburgh has some things to be worried about going forward. Rodgers was up and down holding onto the ball, the team didn't utilize Jaylen Warren enough, and their secondary depth is running thing as that group continues to struggle.

The Steelers struggled in this game, and some things stood out in a bad way: the tackling, Michael Pittman's struggles, Daylen Everette getting thrust into the fold, Keeanu Benton' s missed opportunity, Rayshawn Jenkins getting benched, and Chris Boswell's early season struggles.

The Steelers did have some guys that did standout though with Jaylen Warren stacking performances, Roman Wilson being a legit deep threat, DK Metcalf's first strong performance of the year, Darnell Washington continuing to make an impact, Robert Spears Jennings taking advantage of a benching, and TJ Watt making splash plays to try and turn the tide.

Lastly, I give my thought on the Joey Porter Jr. trade, and why this whole saga is a mess on both sides. The Steelers royally mishandled this contract extension by not starting extensions early, and should have traded him before it got to this point as keeping him on the injury report gave him an out. JPJ on the other hand should have realized that sitting out would get him nowhere and ruing his public image. Did it get him out yes, but he did get a contract worth $28 million AAV, but as expected the issued were over fully guaranteed money after the first year. It became clear around the league that teams just didn't value JPJ as a clear top five corner and the offers showed that. He can talk about worth and value all he wants, but in the end, the Cowboys wouldn't muster up the requisite draft capital at first.

0:00-21:15 Steelers vs. Browns Review

21:16-34:20 Steelers vs. Browns: Winners and Losers

34:21-47:20 The end of the JPJ saga

On this episode of Steelers Central, we discuss the Steelers offensive showcase vs. the Bengals, and what Mike McCarthy did to navigate a win vs. an improved divisional opponent in his first AFC North tilt.

Next, we'll break down the winners and losers of this game that include stout performance by the front five, a dominant performance from Jaylen Warren who had over 170 yards, Darnell Washington bully ball, another strong outing from Patrick Queen, and a second-year defensive lineman making a signature play to win the game. There were some losers though like a pass rush featuring TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig that did not show up, Asante Samuel getting benched, TO mismanagement that had some operation issues, and two drops by a third year WR, one of which turned the momentum of the game.

0:00-15:18 Steelers vs. Bengals Recap

15:19-35:59 Steelers vs. Bengals: Winners and Losers

On this episode of Steelers Central, is it time to panic already about this Steelers offense that has one TD through two games and 31st in 3rd down conversions, and scored just three points last week. What should the team do to fix that?

Next, its time to move onto the 2-0 Bengals, see why I think the difference in this game will be who can protect their QB better, and execute on third down.

The matchups to decide this game will be major, and the Steelers needing to shut down Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins. TJ Watt, Alex Highmith, and Nick Herbig needing to beat Amarius Mims and Orlando Brown. Whhile the offense needs their RBS and TEs to expose the Bengals backers while Spencer Anderson having to shut down Dexter Lawrence.

See which team I think takes home the dub!

0:00-10:31: Patriots Recap

10:32-14:01: Bengals Preview

14:02-26:00: Keys to Victory

26:00-42:05: Matchups to Watch

42:06-44:26: Game Picks

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's the first official victory Monday for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they beat the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 in what was a sloppy offensive performance that they would not have won without a resurgent defensive performance from TJ Watt. We'll get into my takeaways from the game, what stood out to me, what disappointed me, and the narrative around that this is the same type of win as a Mike Tomlin team.

Then we'll get into the winners and losers from Sunday's game with great performances from the vets: Watt, Highsmith, and Heyward, a promising performance from a third year linebacker, newcomers Jaquan Brisker and Jamel Dean, and Pat Friermuth. There some struggles as well from DK Metcalf, the right side of the offensive line, special teams, and third down offense.

Lastly, the Joey Porter Jr. has taken a bad turn with him not playing Week One. Mike McCarthy took the heat saying it was his decision that he did not play. Why I buy that for one week, but not this week going forward. Also new contract rumors saying that spat is over guaranteed money with the Steelers reportedly only offering $33 million in total guarantees that is inexcusable if you're the Steelers. Hear what I predict what happens in this situation and how this is a situation that may not end well for either side.

0:00-24:00 Steelers vs. Falcons Breakdown

24:01-41:11 Winners and Losers

41:12-56:34 Boiling Point for JPJ Contract Spat

On this episode of Steelers Central, we begin by looking at the Steelers favorable Week One matchup vs. the Falcons. See why Pittsburgh could not have gotten a better opponent, and may be even facing a team without a starting QB.

Hear what I think the keys to victory are for both of these teams headed into their Week One tilt including winning the LOS, pressuring Rodgers, and who wins the TO battle.

Then we get into some of the key matchups and why the Steelers ILB must play discipline, who guards Drake London, and can Rodgers out with Jeff Ulbrich.

0:00-4:19 Steelers Falcons Preview

4:20-10:38 Keys to Victory

10:39-24:36 Matchups to Watch

24:36-28:26 Final Ruling

On this delayed episode of Steelers Central, I react to the inital 53-man roster, and the questionable decision to keep four QBS. I'll also get into what positions suffered as a result, and the Steelers keeping all 11 rookies.

Next, we'll get into some of the holes that remain on the roster including a playmaker on the outside, some depth at the tackle position, and help on the backend. We'll also get into the two trades that opened up one of these holes along with me sounding off on the surprising release of one Steelers fan favorite.

The Joey Porter Jr. saga continues with Christian Gonzalez getting a new deal, Joey Porter Jr. returning to practice and tip toeing around some questions while providing some insight about who has been giving him advice and counsel behind the scene as he continues his "ramp up" period for Week One.

Then it's time we get into the rookies that I think have the best and worst chance to start over some veterans. Tune into see some key position battles!

The AFC Playoff Chase should be a fun one with no real true contender in my opinion. See if I have the Steelers making the playoffs, and my finals record predictions, along with where I have the defending AFC Champs, if Patrick Mahomes gets the Chiefs back, who wins the AFC South, and who gets the number one seed!

0:00-13:50 53-Man Roster

13:51-20:20 Roster Holes Remaining

20:21-29:57 Two Trades and a Surprise Release

29:58-34:47 JPJ Update

34:48-40:15 Which Rookies Start?

40:16-50:15 AFC Playoff Predictions

50:16-57:52 Final Record Prediction

On this episode of Steelers Central, we break down the Steelers last preseason game, a loss to the Buffalo Bills, who proved themselves, and who left a little bit to be desired. Did Will Howard show enough to stay on the 53 man roster? Should Germie Bernard be WR 3? Is Max Iheanachor the best option at RT? Also did players like Robert Spears Jennings and Lew Nichols do enough to secure a roster spot?

Next, my take on the latest rumors in the Joey Porter Jr. saga, and why I am not surprised Jalen Ramsey took JPJ's side. The Steelers also have a troubling trend when waiting to pay their star players resulting in paying top dollar and putting themselves in bad situations, why that trend needs to change.

The depth at WR still is a concern to me outside the top three. Hear the names the team should be looking at including a recently released Browns WR, a veteran slot WR from Philadelphia, and a bubble guy who toasted the Steelers on the 49ers right now.

Lastly, the Steelers restructured DK Metcalf's contract, what that means, and if it 100% means a JPJ contract is coming.

0:00-16:13 Steelers vs Bills Breakdown

16:14-28:55 JPJ Scenarios

28:56-33:42 WR Depth Concerns

33:43-39:16 DK Metcalf Contract Restructure

On this episode of Steelers Central, we break down the Joey Porter Jr. contract situation, and why the Steelers need to get this figured out given their drafting track record. The winners and losers of Friday's preseason game against the Jets including a second year QB, a third year WR, a disappointing effort from the group up front, two veterans making key impacts on the defensive side of the ball, and one player who didn't even play securing a roster spot.

Then we'll talk about the coordinator's press conference where one emphasized execution, and the other talked about veteran players setting the tone for their side of the ball. I'll give my 53-man roster predictions like will the team keep four QBS? Who is RB4? How many players are kept on the defensive line? How deep is the WR room? What rookies will be kept on the fringe? What are some of the toughest moves they will have to make?

Lastly, which players need this last week of preseason the most? See why Will Howard, Kaleb Johnson, Roman Wilson, Broderick Jones, and one position battle all need to stand out for different reasons.

0:00-14:03 Why Steelers need JPJ

14:04-25:15 Steelers vs Jets Winners and Losers

25:16-38:33 Coordinator Talk

38:34-52:13 Steelers 53-Man Roster Final

52:14-60:38 Prove it Preseason Game

On this episode of Steelers Central, we break down the team's first preseason game and discuss some of the winners and losers from the team's opening victory. The young gun slingers balled out, the rookie wideouts shined, while the defensive line flashed their depth. On the other end, both tackles struggled, the STs and discipline were a mess, and Kaleb Johnson disappeared from the rotation.

Next, we talk about the most impressive group for the Steelers thus far, and that's the men in the trenches on the defensive line. They have been a group that has been hyped up in the last couple of years, but see why this is the year they break out.

The backend is a little different though with major pieces missing time due to injury. See why I am getting a little worried about the cohesiveness going forward, and what pieces have been stepping up with the stars on the sideline.

The linebacker room just got a familiar thumper back in the room with Elandon Roberts. Listen to what makes this such a great addition, and why Roberts is just what this room and defense needed in the middle.

Lastly, Keeanu Benton received a four year $72 million extension keeping him in Pittsburgh. Despite some mixed reactions for the fan bases, I am buying into the upside and thinking that went into a forward thinking move in a defense that will feature his strengths a lot more allowing him to blossom.

0:00-17:10 Preseason Week One: Winners and Losers

17:11-23:21 Steelers Strongest Group

23:22-30:42 Secondary Depth Concerns

30:43-35:39 Elandon Roberts Signing

35:40-42:16 Banking on Upside with Benton

On this episode of Steelers Central, I break down Saturday's festivities from the morning coordinator's press conferences to the now Saturday Night Lights instead of Friday Night Lights. I'll give my thought on what the coordinators said as a whole, and some standouts in a second consecutive sloppy performance from the offense.

Next, I'll give my takeaways from the week as whole including three standouts on the offensive line as rookie Max Iheanachor was breaking out right before his injury as well as the emergence of some young players along the defensive line. See which WR has caught my eyes as well throughout this process.

Then it's time to give a brief update on the QB room including why Mason Rudolph looks to continue to be in pole position for the QB 2 spot. The young guys are still working on consistency to impress the coaching stuff as Drew Allar goes through the ebbs and flows and Will Howards struggles to find his showing despite an impressive performance at Saturday Night Lights.

I'll also tell you what rookies have been impressing including Mad Max, Daylen Everette, and Gabe Rubio?? Some guys have also disappointed me in the process including Gennings Dunker, Kaden Wetjen, and some undefined roles for Eli Heidenreich and Riley Nowakowski.

Lastly, why I think the Steelers need to make a move for a free safety in what has been a revolving door in the backup safety spots from Robert Spears-Jennings to UDFAs Jack Henderson and Sebastian Castro to vets Rayshawn Jenkins and the recently-cut Darnell Savage.

0:00-23:55: Coordinators/SNL Talk

23:56-33:56 : Padded Practice Standouts

33:57-39:52: Rudolph Leading the Way

39:53-55:28: Rookie Report Card

55:29-61:59: Safety Conundrum