Steelers Central

In this episode of Steelers Central, it's officially the rematch vs. the Cleveland Browns. Both teams come in at 5-2, and are both over three games over .500 since 1994. I'll tell you why the Steelers must come out of the game setting the tone and match that Browns ish they've been talking all week. The Steelers must put the Browns and their fan base back in their place and give them a dose of reality.

Next, we'll discuss the keys to victory that include getting after the QB, sound defense, and putting up seven in the redzone.

Lastly, there will be some big matchups that determine this game like how each team plays when the fours go up, stopping one flashy rookie WR, and the Steelers EDGEs having a redemption game. On the other side see why the right-side of the Steelers line must be better, they must win their matchups against this slot corner, and the men in the trenches hold the key to victory along the Steelers offensive line.

Tune into see who I think wins this divisional rematch and takes hold of the AFC North.

0:00-12:37: Opening Monologue/Keys to Victory

12:38-26:00: Matchups to Watch

26:01-29:50: Game Predictions

On this episode of Steelers Central, we'll break down the Steelers victory in France, and why I think the game was more lopsided than the score led to believe. The Steelers have now won three straight with an upcoming battle against the Browns for the lead in the AFC North on the horizon. The Steelers were nothing short of dominant on the ground in this game both offensively and defensively with the interior offensive and defensive line imposing their will.

The Steelers were led by some key contributors in this game including a breakout star at RB, the trenches, an up and down LB room finding their groove, TJ Watt, possession down momentum swings, and bending but not breaking.

While other players had rough days including a third-year tackle, a player coming off a DPOW award, turning TDs into FGS, and getting off the field on third down opportunities.

0:00-14:21: Steelers vs. Saints: Breakdown

14:22-35:37: Steelers vs. Saints: Winners and Losers

On this episode of Steelers Central, we take a trip to Europe as the Steelers look to continue their dominance against the NFC South with their matchup against the 2-4 Saints.

We'll get into what the Steelers need to do to beat the Saints including limiting the self-inflicted wounds, keeping Rodgers clean, and stopping the opposing teams' wideouts.

Then of course there is the matchup to watch like an HC vs DC matchup, a veteran corner in new threads vs a young and upcoming WR, and a backup LT vs. a veteran OLB. On the Steelers side, their run blocking vs. a Saints run defense that has struggled, a star WR vs a struggling defensive backfield, and possession down success for both sides of the ball.

See who I think wins this matchup!

0:00-10:11 Steelers vs. Saints: Keys to the Game

10:12-25:55 Steelers vs. Saints: Matchups to Watch

25:55-29:43 Steelers vs. Saints: Prediction

On this episode of Steelers Central, we have another victory Monday as the Steelers stack wins for the first time this year, rallying to beat the Bucs 26-19 after trailing 13 -0 entering the fourth quarter. A stout defensive performance kept the Steelers in the game throughout, while the offense, as inconsistent as it's been, rallied in the fourth quarter to put together consecutive scoring drives and win it in OT with a 12-play, almost seven-minute gauntlet.

The Steelers should not have won this game, and probably wouldn't have if they were facing a better opponent. Strong performances from Jalen Ramsey and Nick Herbig, who had two sacks, and Keanu Benton, who flashed along the defensive line, helped stop Bucky Irving. Jamel Dean had a nice homecoming with an INT and six PD that should have sealed the deal. Offensively, Germie Bernard and DK Metcalf both had 11 receptions and kept the offense moving, while special teams performance from Chris Boswell and Cameron Johnston kept the team in the game when the offense fluttered.

On the other hand, poor clock management by Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers refusing to push the ball down the field and holding onto the ball too long hindered the Steelers' offense. Special teams remained an issue as the team racked up three first-half penalties, including one on a return into Tampa Bay territory by Kaden Wetjen. Lastly, third-down conversions remain a consistent issue, as the team was one-for-nine on third-down conversions until late in the third quarter.

0:00-17:20 Steelers vs. Bucs recap

17:21-36:22 Steelers vs. Bucs: Winners and Losers

On this episode of Steelers Central, we are onto Tampa Bay as the Steelers travel down south to the state of Florida to face off against a Bucs team that is coming off its first win of the season in Dallas.

See what I think will be the keys for both teams if they want to come away with a win on Sunday as the Steelers look for their first road win and the Bucs look to win at home for the first time this year.

Next we'll get into the big matchups that decide the game including both RBs vs the opposing linebackers, the Steelers veteran captain vs. the Bucs struggling left guard, and Pittsburgh's up and coming interior offensive line duo vs. the what seems to be one of the best run stuffing interior defensive linemen in the NFL.

Lastly, hear why I think the Steelers are able to stack wins, and head into Paris 4-2 against the Saints.

0:00-3:05: Steelers vs. Bucs intro

3:06-12:05: Keys to Victory

12:06-26:16: Matchups to Watch

26:17-28:23: Game Pick

It’s another victory Monday in the Steel City, as the Steelers defeated the Colts 34-22, and the Colts' last win in Pittsburgh dates back to 2008. The Jay-Train continues to look at a career year after another 180 scrimmage yards and a two-TD day, with both TDs coming from 50-plus yards out. Aaron Rodgers was sharp, posting his most efficient outing of the year, while the defense shut down Jonathan Taylor and employed a bend-but-don’t-break approach, allowing just one TD and five FGs. Listen to see my big takeaways from this game as the team now looks to stack wins for the first time this season.

Then it’s time for the annual winners-and-losers segment, where we look at the Steelers' biggest contributors and hindrances in their performance against the Colts. It starts with Jaylen Warren’s most productive afternoon and Aaron Rodgers's efficient outing, while Germie Bernard and Pat Friermuth combined for 11 receptions, 126 yards, and two TDs. Defensively, the run defense stuffed Jonathan Taylor, while the third-down and RZ defenses stalled the Colts' offense. Jalen Ramsey was the glue on the backend while Asante Samuel shook off a rocky start to end the day with four pass breakups.

For the losers, Brock Hoffman had a rough afternoon while the pass rush never got home against Daniel Jones and company. The kickoff and return teams remain suspect as the Colts average over 10 more yards per return in this game against the Steelers.

0:00-18:41: Steelers vs. Colts Breakdown

18:42-37:54: Steelers Winners and Losers

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