Steelers Central

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's time to analyze the NFL's first regular-season game in Ireland as the Steelers take on the Vikings.

I'll give my take on what the Steelers must do to win, which includes winning the turnover battle, getting to Carson Wentz, and finally getting some traction in the ground game.

There will also be some key matchups that the Steelers will need to win. Justin Jefferson will need to be stopped by whoever the team decides to cover him. A defensive coordinator duel will also be at the top of the list as Rodgers prepares to face one of the most unpredictable defenses in the NFL. Also, why the Steelers will need to have success on this down to help control the TOP and limit the Vikings' offense.

Then it's time to give my prediction on the game, and why I think this one has the chance to get ugly for the Steelers.

Lastly, I'll share my thoughts on why it's time for the Steelers to consider an edge rusher who had a 14.5 sack season before he got paid, but has not since combined to get that number over the last three years. If the Steelers are serious about being an all-in team, they would consider moving Alex Highsmith for another WR to improve the explosiveness of this offense.

0:00-15:37 The Steelers will win if...

15:38-34:55 Steelers vs. Vikings Key Matchups

34:56-40:40 Steelers vs. Vikings Prediction

40:41-47:42 Steelers Should Trade Alex Highsmith

On this episode, the Steelers are 2-1; that's about all I could say. The team caused five turnovers and five sacks in a rejuvenating defensive performance. The offense, on the other hand, took several steps back, scoring on their first two drives and then failing to net 20 yards for the next two quarters before a late TD gave them a lead they would not relinquish.

We'll also get into some winners and losers from this game, including Nick Herbig, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and the third and fourth down defense. You could figure out who the big loser is.

0:00-17:20 Steelers vs Patriots Reaction

17:21-37:20 Winners and Losers

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's time to look at what went wrong during the Steelers' home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. There should be some cause for concern on the defensive side of the ball, and adjustments need to be made going forward.

After that, it's time to look ahead to the Steelers heading up to face the New England Patriots, a place that has haunted the Steelers. We'll examine why it is essential for the team on both sides of the ball. Big play hunting should also be near the top of the list against a Patriots team that has struggled to contain big plays in the secondary. Metcalf and Austin need to be put in some situations where they could be difference makers.

Next, the Steelers will need some big players to step up if they want to get back on track, including both offensive tackles and middle linebackers to win their respective matchups. They'll also need one explosive running back, who has arguably been the Steelers' best offensive player, to terrorize the Patriots' weak inside linebacker coverage.

The Steelers will win a sloppy game with improved play on both sides of the ball, and why I'm confident in that prediction.

Lastly, I'll explain why the Ja'Whaun Bentely signing is a great fit for this team, and will provide exactly what this team needs when he is ready to see the field. It also proves that the team should have signed Elandon Roberts to let the duo of Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson roam and track down RBs and TEs all across defenses.

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's time to preview the team's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. We'll get into why the Steelers' first priority needs to be shutting down Jaxson Smith-Njigba, as well as attacking the secondary against a defense with some key injuries on the backend.

Next, we'll get into some of the key matchups that include the Seahawks' interior defensive line and vice versa, as well as both of the top WRs against the team's top corners. We'll get into why those matchups are so crucial later in the episode.

I'll tell you why the Steelers should win this game and provide some predictions for what happens during the game, including why it will be easier to get Sam Darnold to the ground.

Lastly, the addition of Jabrill Peppers at safety instantly makes him the second-best at his position. Why this addition couldn't come at a better time for the Steelers, and how I think he'll be used.

0:00-22:08 Steelers vs Seahawks Preview

22:09-35:21 Steelers vs Seahawks Key Matchups

35:22-41:40 Game Prediction

41:41-47:47 Jabrill Peppers: A Perfect Fit

On this episode of Steelers Central, it is time to look at the Steelers back and fourth victory and analyze what went right (Aaron Rodgers and the passing offense) and wrong (the battle of the trenches) in the team's 34-32 win against the New York Jets.

As always, there are players who standout in good and bad ways in football games, this game was no different. Aaron Rodgers, the battle in the trenches, Chris Boswell, and Broderick Jones were among those discussed.

The trenches are an area that needs to be talked about and addressed for the entirety of the week, and I'll explain what went wrong, the importance of Derrick Harmon, and what they need to do to get better at doing on both sides of the ball.

Lastly, I briefly touch on my frustrations with the Cam Heyward saga, and why this should have been figured out months ago.

0:00-21:14 Jets vs Steelers Breakdown

21:15-39:09 Winners and Losers of Jets game

39:10-52:50 Battered in the Trenches

52:51-59:32 Cam Heyward Saga

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's time for our first Steelers Game Preview as the Steelers take on the New York Jets at Met Life Stadium.

We'll take a look at some keys to victory for the Steelers that include controlling Breece Hall, winning the line of scrimmage, and creating turnovers.

After that, there is always the game withing the game. We'll be analyzing some key match-ups for both sides that includes both sides' tackles against their respective edge rushers as well as the play of the linebackers, and why I think the Steelers could have an advantage with their tight ends.

I also give my reasoning on why I think the Steelers will start the season off on a high note, winning this game.

Lastly, it's time to touch on some other Steelers headline including the Cam Heyward saga, and why I can't see him not playing this Sunday. I also touch on Jaylen Warren's new deal, and why it's a bargain for the Steelers and Arthur Smith hyping up some middle-of the-field play design.

0:00-18:25 Steelers Win if...

18:26-33:50 Matchups to Watch

33:51-39:05 Official Game Prediction

39:06-48:43 Other Steelers Headlines

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's time to discuss what the Steelers' record will be finally. Is this finally the year they go under .500? Do they win the division? What are the ceiling and floor of this team? Are they just the safe team again? All these questions will be answered in this episode!

We will also go over the timeline of the Steelers' lack of movement at WR. From the moment they traded DK Metcalf, and fans were on top of the world, thinking about the Metcalf Pickens duo to when they traded Pickens for a third-round 2026 pick. Is this room actually better than last year, and the reasons why they haven't added a WR yet, and don't seem in any hurry to?

Lastly, I give my two things to worry about on both sides of the ball. I'll tell you why fans should be concerned about the short-yardage situations on offense and the potential veteran fatigue that could plague the defense with a tougher ending slate.

0:00-34:30 2025 Steelers Record Prediction

34:31-48:17 Lack of WR Movement

48:18-60:06 Worries to Start the Year

On this episode of Steelers Central, we break down the Steelers initial 53-man roster. Surprised how many defensive lineman the team kept, a little light in the secondary, and two rookies going on IR, we have it all.

Next, one question that has not been brought up as much has been the uncertainty at the tackle position. The early play of Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu has eased fans concerns a bit. Could their performances mean the offensive line is making the long awaited jump that we've been waiting for?

The WR rumors have continued, the latest being about Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers requesting a trade. How the Steelers approach addressing this position will tell me just how much they care about this season. I'll tell you why I think they should be willing to move some draft capital for this move to gain a WR of Meyers or Pierce's caliber.

Lastly, we go over the Steelers practice squad and highlight their deep secondary along with some other players they brought back like Robert Woods and Demarvin Leal.

0:00-16:58 Steelers 53-man Depth Chart

16:59-27:02 Tackle Stability

27:03-37:48 WR Rumors Continue

37:49-46:53 Steelers Practice Squad

On this episode of Steelers Central, it’s crunch time as rosters need to be cut down to 53 by August 26 at 4:00 p.m., so we look over the last preseason game and see what players helped their case to make the Practice Squad or Active Roster.

I then give my prediction of what the 53-man roster will look like with some tough cuts at RB, WR, ILB, and CB. Some decisions include whether to keep Beanie Bishop or Cory Trice, which punter the team goes with, and whether Trey Sermon or Lew Nichols did enough with their preseason reps. The Steelers will have some tough decisions to make, and it will be interesting to see how they go about them.

Then it is time to see what moves the Steelers will make after the roster cutdown, with some holes remaining across the board. I’ll give some options for the team to look at in the WR and offensive line rooms, two rooms that lack depth and star power.

Lastly, with Derrick Harmon expected to miss one game at least to start the year, where do the Steelers turn up front? Two names should be expected to fill the void as the rookie recovers from an MCL sprain.

0:00-17:26 Steelers Panther takeaways

17:27-42:50 Steelers 53-man Roster

43:25-50:40 Post-53 Roster Needs

50:41-55:51 How to Replace Harmon

On this episode of Steelers Central, it's time to look at the surprising pass-blocking performance on the offensive line. Fautanu has looked like a first-round pick, Jones has had an improved showing despite the inconsistency, and Frazier and McCormick have been able to deal with the interior push. The downside is that the team has struggled to open running lanes for whoever is in the backfield. How will this affect the team's early-season game planning?

Next, Roman Wilson has been the sparkplug of this WR room so far this preseason. He has made three plays of 19 yards or more in his first two games and has firmly established himself as the other boundary receiver alongside DK Metcalf. Now, with that being said, the team should still look to add another outside playmaker, and I'll explain why.

With the preseason being over, it is now time to trim down the roster. I'll give you four names who could be on the bubble, despite WR seemingly being a lock before training camp starts, and one CB with upside, but can't stay healthy.

Lastly, what to watch for ahead of the Steelers' preseason finale against the Panthers. The offensive line needs to open holes, Kaleb Johnson continues to get up to NFL game speed, the front 7 gets after the QB, and lastly, who wins the punter battle?

0:00-12:10 Pass Blocking > Run Blocking?

12:11-21:20 Roman Wilson, Sparkplug

21:21-31:50 Veteran Cut Candidates

31:51-47:15 Steelers vs Panthers: What to Watch for