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[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Steelers pass on QB, take WR in latest ESPN Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heavily expected to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft that will reside in the Steel City. Aaron Rodgers is 42 and is expected to wrap up his career once the season comes to an end.

The only other quarterbacks on the roster are Mason Rudolph and sixth-round rookie Will Howard. However, ESPN’s Field Yates foresees the Steelers passing on a quarterback and selecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.

“Besides DK Metcalf, the Steelers do not have a receiver that strikes fear into opposing defenses,” Yates writes. “Pittsburgh is one of two teams with fewer than 100 catches from wide receivers this season (97). Lemon could change that moving forward. The best way I can describe him: certified baller, as his average size (5-11, 195 pounds) hasn’t slowed him down in any way. We are in an era where dominant receivers don’t come exclusively in the form of 6-3, 200-plus pound players with 4.4 speed.”

Wide receiver is easily the second-biggest need on Pittsburgh’s roster outside of quarterback. If they are unable to move up and don’t have a signal-caller fall to them, a receiver like Lemon could be on the table.

Lemon led the Big Ten with 1,156 receiving yards on 79 catches and 11 touchdowns.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

• Steelers bring back gold end zones vs. Dolphins
• Minkah Fitzpatrick downplays return to Pittsburgh
• Mike Tomlin praises James Pierre for incredible season
• Steelers open as slim favorites over Dolphins in Week 15
• Varsity & JV: Winners and losers from Steelers win over Ravens

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...atest-espn-mock-draft-makai-lemon-will-howard

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Steelers shuffle OT depth Wednesday

The Steelers made a flurry of roster moves on Wednesday, reshaping the team’s offensive line depth entering the final four games of the season.

The team announced that it has placed offensive tackle Calvin Anderson on injured reserve and signed practice squad offensive tackle Dylan Cook to the 53-man roster.

The team also signed offensive tackle David Sharpe to the practice squad and released running back Trey Sermon.

Anderson, who signed a two-year deal with the Steelers this offseason, had appeared in 23 offensive snaps before his injury, falling behind Andrus Peat on the depth chart. Anderson now joins fellow tackle Broderick Jones on injured reserve.

Cook, who has been with the Steelers since 2023, made his NFL debut as a practice squad elevation against the Ravens in Week 14, playing 13 offensive snaps and not surrendering a sack after Peat, Jones, and Anderson were all unavailable. Now, he finds himself on the 53-man roster.

Sharpe, who replaced Cook on the practice squad, met with the Steelers on Dec. 5.

You can read what we wrote about the 6’6, 343-pound offensive lineman below:

Sharpe was a fourth-round pick in 2017 by the Oakland Raiders out of the University of Florida. He’s bounced around the league over his career, with stints with the Houston Texans, Washington, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, and most recently, Los Angeles Chargers.

Sharpe has appeared in 46 career NFL games, but he has just six starts with his last one occurring in 2020. Over the last two seasons he’s logged one offensive snap.

The Steelers host the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football in Week 15.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...e-dolphins-week-15-roster-news-practice-squad

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Falcons at Buccaneers: Thursday Night Football open thread

Week 15 starts tonight with an NFC battle with playoff implications: the Falcons are traveling to Raymond James Stadium to take on the Buccaneers. Baker and the Bucs are hoping to cook up a run to stay ahead in the NFC South race. Kirk and the Falcons are hoping to stop the skid of losing 7 of their last 8 against a Bucs team that also went 1-4 in their last 5.

What are your predictions for tonight’s game? Join your fellow Steelers fans in the comments for the first open thread of the week. 8:15 EST on Prime Video and Twitch.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...uccaneers-thursday-night-football-open-thread

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Steelers Read & React Week 15 preview — What to expect against the Dolphins

Early in the season, the Steelers’ Week 15 Monday Night Football matchup versus the Dolphins looked like an easy-to-predict win for Pittsburgh. Miami started the year 1-6, and would be playing in the cold, on the road against a Steelers team that historically does very well on MNF.

But since then, Miami has morphed into a completely different team. After that dismal start, the Dolphins have gone 5-1, turning the beginnings of a tank into a campaign that might just save head coach Mike McDaniel’s job.

Now, it’s a battle between two AFC teams with similar records in Pittsburgh Monday night, with the 7-6 Steelers hosting the 6-7 Miami Dolphins.

What to expect from the Dolphins’ offense​

Rushing YPG: 126.5 (8th)

Passing YPG: 178.2 (28th)

PPG: 21.6 (22nd)

RP: If you haven’t been keeping up with the Dolphins for a while, you might have some outdated assumptions about this offense.

When Mike McDaniel and his brand of Shanahan-influenced offense first arrived in Miami, the Dolphins had a prolific passing attack. In 2022, the arrival of McDaniel and Tyreek Hill revived quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami’s new coach designed an offense built around Tagovailoa’s specific skillset. Tagovailoa is not the most physically imposing, nor does he have the biggest, most powerful arm. But he does have a quick release and he’s been lauded for his ability to make even quicker reads in the short-to-intermediate passing attack. With a new focus on exploting space to create favorable matchups in the intermediate middle of the field, Tagovailoa began to show some of the promise that made him a star at Alabama, and both Hill and Jaylen Waddle eclipsed 1,300 yards receiving yards. But even so, defenses — most notably the 49ers and Chargers — started to find solutions to Miami and Tagovailoa’s quirks by the end of the season.

That offseason, McDaniel began to form some new wrinkles into his offense. On the whole, the offensive concepts remained the same, but the Dolphins would begin to innovate ways to use pre-snap motion to get quick, free releases for their speedy skill players. Miami offense thrived, averaging 265.5 passing yards a game, mostly through feeding the ball to Hill, Waddle, or whichever running back was on the field. The Dolphins ranked second in scoring while Tagovailoa led the league in passing (4,624) and finished top-five in touchdowns (29).

But that’s not what the Dolphins offense is nowadays. Simlarly to previous season, defenses began to slow down Miami’s high-octane offense towards the end of the 2023 season. And the Dolphins have never really recovered from that. With the book out on Tagovailo’s seemingly limited skillset, the Dolphins offense regressed in 2024 and a turbulent offseason did little to improve their situation for 2025. Even before Hill had his season ended by a gruesome leg injury in Week 4, the Dolphins passing attack was struggling. Tagovailoa’s averaged depth of target (7.3) has nearly decreased by nearly a full yard from where it was in 2023 (8.1). That highlights how much the field has shrunk vertically for Miami’s passing attack. Tagovailoa’s 34 attempts of passes 20-plus yards down the field ranks 23rd, behind even Aaron Rodgers. His 35.3% completion percentage ranks 26th, and he’s thrown five interceptions against three touchdowns when attempting these throws.

The Steelers can’t sleep on these throws entirely, however, because the Dolphins’ concepts are still meant to exploit the middle of the field. Here they are creating an explosive downfield throw just last week.

Tua hasn't attempted many deep throws (20+) this season, but when he does, it looks like this. Dolphins stress the defense to create space vertically with Achane in the flat and Waller clearing out. Waddle runs behind the LBs and it's a big play. pic.twitter.com/rnoqt7eK2R

— Ryan Parish (@RyanParishmedia) December 12, 2025

But the quick passing game is primarily where the Dolphins operate. Miami has built their offense around Tua getting the ball out quick to create opportunites for YAC from their pass catchers. When Tua led the league in passing, 50.7% (roughly 2,344 yards) were from yards after the catch. Hill, Waddle, Achane, and 2024 draft pick Malik Washington all have similar builds and speed. Recently unretired tight end Darren Waller also has plus-speed for his postion.

Unfortunately for Miami, the scheme is no longer getting these players the separation it used to and Tua has regressed mightily with his timing and accuracy. His completion percentage (66.9%) on the whole has dropped nearly three points from where it was in 2023. And since Hill has gone down, the Dolphins offense has basically siloed down to Waddle, Achane and Washington. That’s not an exageration, here are Miami’s leading target getters:

• Jaylen Waddle – 86 targets
• De’Von Achane – 73 targets
• Malik Washington – 56 targets
• Tyreek Hill (played 4 games) – 29 targets
• Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – 19 targets
• Greg Dulcich & Darren Waller – 18 targets each

Miami's passing attack still mostly relies on a quick passing game, and a combination of concepts that are designed to stress defenses vertically to open up the horizontal concepts that can exploit the YAC ability of their speedy pass catchers pic.twitter.com/tS4uYSfFvf

— Ryan Parish (@RyanParishmedia) December 12, 2025

On the whole, the Dolphins are asking Tua to throw less in general. In 2023, the Dolphins called a pass on 56.7% of their plays, and Tagovailoa averaged 33 attempts per game. Now, whether it’s because they’re without Hill and almost exclusively feature Waddle and Achane, or because they’re just trying to limit how often Tagovaila can put the ball in harms way, the Dolphins average 27 passing attempts per game. During their current four-game winning streak, they asked him to throw even less, with Tagovailoa has averaing just 21.5 passing attempts per game.

I am a little concerned that Miami will be able to catch a few breaks with explosive plays in the passing game. The Steelers middle of the field has been exploitable for defenses all season. Tackling will be even more paramount against this team if the Steelers can’t keep Miami and Tua out of the middle of the field.

Of course, as Ryland alluded to earlier, there’s also the whole “Tua can’t play in the cold” narrative to consider.

Dolphins, Tua stat: 40 degrees or colder

L 2021 at Buffalo (35F)
L 2022 at Tennessee (36F)
L 2022 at Buffalo (30F)
L 2024 at Kansas City (-4F)
L 2024 at Green Bay (27F)
? 2025 at Pittsburgh (18F*)

*Projected

Also: Miami beat Jets last week, 41F

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 9, 2025

The Dolphins likely know this about their quarterback too. And even though Miami has regressed as a passing unit, McDaniel still knows how to scheme up the run. As a desciple of the Shanahan coaching tree whose rise up the ranks involved designing the rushing attack for Kyle Shanahan, that’s to be expected. In 2023, the Dolphins also nearly had two 1,000 yard runners, with Raheem Mostert (1,012) and a second-half emeregence from Achane (800). And McDaniel still has some creative designs up his sleeve.

So.. your most athletic linemen are your center and both tackles?

PULL ALL OF THEM pic.twitter.com/Jp5OawvbgJ

— eric smith (@OLCoachSmith63) December 8, 2025

Miami still has a top-10 rushing unit, with the offense now featuring Achane as the player who carries the most gravity on the field. Achane has 193 carries and 73 targets on the year, which means he’s either been handed the ball or had it thrown his way on 35.8% of the Dolphins offensive plays. Stopping him, whether that’s setting a strong edge or tackling him in open space, will be crtical. He’s accounted for 1,126 rushing yards at a 5.8-yard per carry clip and has 35 runs of 10-plus yards, and has become increasingly improved at running between the tackles, where he can now just as frequently create explosive runs. Meanwhile, because he’s frequently targeted behind the line of scrimmage, Achane has more YAC (461) than receiving yards (383). Simply put, the guy’s a nightmare who will make you pay for sloppy angles and missed tackles.

I can not get over this run

De’Von Achane is very literally one of the best Miami Dolphins ever

I’ve never seen a Dolphin put together a season like this in my lifetime pic.twitter.com/3yGNQ8i5lK

— Big Will (@BigWillLevenson) December 7, 2025

#Dolphins RB De'von Achane named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November

Achane has been a BEAST for the Fins this season

1,034 Rushing Yards (3rd in NFL)
370 Receiving Yards
10 Total TD'spic.twitter.com/T1mMu7qz11

— Hailmarypass (@Hailmarypass_) December 4, 2025

Rookie Ollie Gordon has primarily served as a short yardage and goalline back this year, but even he has five runs of over 10 yards this season. Second-year running back Jaylen Wright — who is practically a Raheem Mostert clone in size, speed and running style — has recently returned and has four explosive runs as well. Miami’s best shot will be gouging Pittsburgh on the ground.

What to expect from the Dolphins’ defense​

Rushing YPG Allowed: 131.9 (25th)

Passing YPG Allowed: 202.6 (12th)

PPG Allowed: 22.8 (15th)

RB: Over the totality of the season thus far, the Dolphins’ defensive numbers have been fairly middle of the pack. However, they’ve been the average of two extremes.

Miami started off the season allowing three consecutive 30-plus-point games to opposing offenses. Now, over the last four, the most they’ve allowed is 17. While Miami’s run game has received a lot of deserved credit for the team’s turnaround in recent weeks, the defense has also played a massive part.

Of course, some context is needed. Over that four-game winning streak, the Dolphins have faced the Bills, Commanders, Saints, and Jets. Holding Josh Allen and co. to 13 points proved the Miami defense is a real threat, but the other dominant showings came against Marcus Mariota, Tyler Shough, and Brady Cook – not exactly a murder’s row.

Still, the Dolphins defense has looked impressive, and it’s been a good showing for coordinator Anthony Weaver, who I consider to be one of the more underrated defensive minds in the NFL.

Against the Jets offense last week (where the only touchdown the Dolphins allowed was on special teams), Miami dominated at the line of scrimmage. Up front, they’re led by veteran defensive lineman Zach Sieler, who has only logged 3.5 sacks so far this year after back-to-back 10-sack seasons. Still, he’s a quality player who has flown under the radar in recent years.

Dolphins DT Zach Sieler
4 TACKLES
3 QB HTS
1 TFL
2.5 SACKSpic.twitter.com/xCNL8cqt4d

— Rafters (@RaftersHQ) December 8, 2025

Part of why Sieler’s production has dipped this year is because he’s been playing alongside two rookie defensive tackles: first-rounder Kenneth Grant (who was high on a lot of Steelers-related boards this offseason), and fifth-rounder Jordan Phillips (not the Buffalo Bills defensive tackle with the same name).

After a slow start to the season, things have started to click for the immensely-talented (and just immense) Grant.

The Kenneth Grant flashes are so fun. He’s starting to get more comfortable. pic.twitter.com/beKM5LhBrv

— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) November 17, 2025

This is the cleanest pass-rush win I can remember seeing from Kenneth Grant this season. Good stuff. pic.twitter.com/YO5UI5nxlQ

— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) December 8, 2025

On the edge, the Dolphins dealt Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles at the trade deadline, but still possess a strong pass-rushing tandem in Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson.

Chubb, who has 6.5 sacks this season, fits into the Alex Highsmith mold of very good but not necessarily elite outside linebackers, making impact plays against both the run and pass.

#Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb led the NFL with 10 pressures in Week 10, his most for any game since the 2020 season as a member of the Broncos #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/ht1uWaebQr

— Ryan Smith (@PFF_RyanSmith) November 11, 2025

Robinson (3.5 sacks) hasn’t taken a huge step forward from his promising rookie season last year, but still brings a dangerous speed rush and surprising power.

Chop Robinson now has 1.5 sacks today. (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp https://t.co/cXGYxj1w0H pic.twitter.com/935mXSyD3J

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) November 30, 2025

Against New York last week, Miami logged a whopping six sacks. However, the Dolphins rank at a modest 18th in quarterback pressure percentage for the season as a whole (34.4%) along with the eighth-slowest time to pressure (2.76 seconds) despite having the fifth-highest blitz percentage in the league (31.9%).

However, as evidenced by the Jets game, when it works, it works. Weaver can draw up some exotic pressure packages, using a lot of sim pressures to maximally confuse offenses.

Such a well-schemed blitz by Anthony Weaver

Delayed blitz allowed Dodson to get free

And he makes the play

After a tough start, Dolphins defense showing some fight

First 2 turnovers of 2025 on back to back drives pic.twitter.com/t8CcNg8u2J

— Big Will (@BigWillLevenson) September 30, 2025

While the Dolphins’ run defense has tightened up in recent weeks, they can get gashed due to Weaver’s tendencies to crowd the line of scrimmage and use two-high shells in coverage. That can leave the second level of the box a little thin, allowing big gains for runs that find a crease through the line of scrimmage.

Still, linebacker Jordyn Brooks has had a great year for Miami, leading the league with 142 total tackles through 13 games. He’s been flying around, making plays.

Jordyn Brooks has had some dominant games with the Dolphins the past 2 seasons, yesterday was up there for his best one yet.

He’s playing like the best LB in football. pic.twitter.com/9lMyhsamGP

— Jake (@FinsCentral) November 10, 2025

The Miami secondary is where it gets really interesting. After trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers this offseason, the Dolphins entered the season with what looked like the worst cornerback room in football. However, while Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones haven’t magically turned into a no-fly zone, they’ve certainly held their own. Douglas has especially stood out with 11 passes defensed and two interceptions so far this year.

Rasul Douglas is your AFC Defensive Player of the Week pic.twitter.com/jtonA9lcJ7

— King of Phinland (@KingOfPhinland) December 10, 2025

The Dolphins lead the league in cover 2 usage, helping keep a lid on opposing passing games with Weaver using plenty of disguises and inverted coverages. And former Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a weapon defending both the run and the pass, even filling in at nickel when needed.

He still hasn’t reached the heights of his prime with the Steelers, but remains a high-end defender in the Dolphins secondary.

New Dolphins HQ tonight!

We played a game of ‘Where’s Minkah’ and showed you everything he does for a @MiamiDolphins defense that flies to the football on every snap

Tonight at 6, Dolphins YouTube channel pic.twitter.com/lGEswxPDan

— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) December 4, 2025

Minkah Fitzpatrick took it all the way to the house

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/eRSkGLqqDY

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 30, 2025

That’s not to say the Miami pass defense is an unbeatable force, however. Even Jets rookie Brady Cook was able to successfully hit a number of hole shots last Sunday.

Ultimately, the Dolphins – now 6-7 and miraculously still in the playoff hunt – are still trying to prove they’re a real team. The Steelers offense might not be a great test, but a healthy Aaron Rodgers, who tossed four touchdowns against Miami when he played them last season, might prove a greater challenge than the likes of Cook or Mariota.

The keys to victory will lie in whether or not Rodgers can dissect the Dolphins’ coverages and drive throws into open windows, and if the Steelers can get a run game going to stress Miami’s two-high tendencies. After a slow start to the season, this Dolphins defense looks like a real challenge for Pittsburgh.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...5-preview-what-to-expect-against-the-dolphins

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Friday Night Happy Hour: Miami Vice

Welcome back to BTSC’s Friday night open thread.

1. The Steelers take on the Dolphins this week on Monday Night Football. How will you be spending those hours on Sunday that you might normally spend on the Steelers?
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick makes his return to Pittsburgh as well. How do you feel about the Fitzpatrick trade, now that we’ve seen a few months of Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith?
3. The Steelers are once again in first place in the division and control their own destiny. Earlier this week, Ryland Bickley and I powered ranked AFC teams in the playoff hunt, should the Steelers make the playoffs. Which AFC team(s) do you think the Steelers could beat in the first round? What matchup are you hoping for?
4. We’re fully in the holiday season, which means Christmas music everywhere you go. People tend to either really like this type of music or try to avoid it like the plague. Which one are you? If you like it, what are some of your favorites? I mostly try to limit my exposure to the handful of songs I like. Growing up, my folks would play Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby, so I have a soft spot for some of those versions. I also have another Christmas song I’ll share in song of the week. If you’re not the biggest fan of involuntary Christmas music, may I introduce you to a fun little game called Whamaggedon? The concept is you try to avoid hearing the song “Last Christmas” by Wham! from the start of December until Christmas Day. I’ve made it so far! How about you?

5. Song of the Week: “Father Christmas” – The Kinks

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/general/163584/friday-night-happy-hour-miami-vice

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Steelers QB target returning to school

It’s felt all but guaranteed that the Pittsburgh Steelers are aiming to take a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Aaron Rodgers is 42, and publicly said he expects 2025 to be his final season. The only other two quarterbacks on the roster are Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. If and when the Steelers do take a quarterback, though, they will have one less option come April.

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is set to return to South Carolina in 2026.

“South Carolina star quarterback LaNorris Sellers is nearing a deal to return to the school for his redshirt junior year in 2026,” Thamel reports. “He’s indicated to the staff he’ll be returning. The sides are expected to finalize a deal soon.”

Sources: South Carolina star quarterback LaNorris Sellers is nearing a deal to return to the school for his redshirt junior year in 2026. He’s indicated to the staff he’ll be returning. The sides are the expected to finalize a deal soon. pic.twitter.com/mIOodckfMe

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 13, 2025

Sellers and the Gamecocks had a 2025 to forget, going 4-8. Sellers threw 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions in those 12 games. He added 270 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Should the Steelers still be in the quarterback market, the targets are dwindling. They would have to move up considerably in the first round if they were hoping to land Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore. Ty Simpson is a name to monitor, as well. After those three, though, the field gets slim.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

• T.J. Watt OUT vs. Dolphins
• T.J. Watt revealed to have partially collapsed lung
• Steelers get positive update on T.J. Watt
• Former Steelers CB announces retirement
• T.J. Watt lung injury occurred during treatment

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ing-to-school-lanorris-sellers-south-carolina

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Saturday Night Open Thread: Something fishy

Live from Delaware, it’s Saturday Night! I, NAS204PSU, am here at BTSC to bring you this Saturday Night Open Thread (aka SNOT).

Our Steelers got a much needed win vs the Ravens last week, putting us in pole position in the AFCN.The Steelers offense had a nice showing this past Sunday, including Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf having good games. That was all overshadowed by questionable officiating calls surrounding what is a catch.

Two more wins might be enough to seal the AFCN deal, and Miami has shown to be a flawed team. It’s not a must win mathematically, but it sure would be nice to fillet the fish. This 6 pack of questions is here to get the conversation going, so let us know what you’re eating/drinking!

1: Do you think Aaron Rodgers caught his own deflected pass or was it really an INT?

2: Did Isaiah Likely actually make a TD catch that was wrongly taken away (Jesse James caught that ball!) or do you agree officials overturning it was technically correct (the best kind of correct)?

3: Follow-up: Did the overturn of the Likely TD hand the game to Steelers in your opinion or would we have cranked the offense back up for Boz to kick a game winner?

4: DK went 7 of 12 for 148 yards vs. the Ravens. How many of these games do you need to see to think he’ll live up to the 5-year, $150-million contract?

5: Our MNF game against Miami will pit Mike Tomlin’s winning home-MNF streak of 20 wins vs. the sans-Watt record of 1-10. How much stock (0-100%) do you put in these types of stats when predicting game outcomes?

6: Old man (Philip) Rivers is back in the NFL and gearing up to potentially start Sunday for the Indy Colts. If AR went down with a season ending injury, what do you think Big Ben would do with this Steelers team?

BONUS: Song Of The Night dedicated to the many RE-enfranchised Steelers fans who were expecting the Ratbirds to blow us out (including myself): One Week – Barenaked Ladies.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...39/saturday-night-open-thread-something-fishy

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

NFL Week 15 afternoon games open thread

The Steelers will host the Dolphins tomorrow night on MNF. Today, you can enjoy the full NFL slate: Week 15 broadcast map per 506 Sports HERE.

EARLY:

• Buffalo @ New England at 1PM on CBS
• LA Chargers @ Kansas City at 1PM on CBS
• Baltimore @ Cincinnati at 1PM on CBS
• NY Jets @ Jacksonville at 1PM on CBS
• Las Vegas @ Philadelphia at 1PM on Fox
• Cleveland @ Chicago at 1PM on Fox
• Washington @ NY Giants at 1PM on Fox
• Arizona @ Houston at 1PM on Fox

LATE:

• Green Bay @ Denver at 4:25PM on CBS
• Indianapolis @ Seattle at 4:25PM on CBS
• Detriot @ LARams at 4:25PM on Fox
• Tennessee @ San Francisco at 4:25PM on Fox
• Carolina @ New Orleans at 4:25PM on Fox

What other early games are you checking in on? Who ya got in fantasy?

Week 15 here we go!

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...63608/nfl-week-15-afternoon-games-open-thread

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Vikings at Cowboys: Week 15 SNF open thread

Sunday Night Football is an NFC battle this week as the 5-8 Vikings take on the 6-6-1 Cowboys in Dallas. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. EST on NBC.

As always, who are you rooting for? What are you watching for? And who do have in fantasy football?

Let us know in the comments, and enjoy the game.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...12/vikings-at-cowboys-week-15-snf-open-thread

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Steelers-Dolphins inactives: Derrick Harmon OUT for MNF

The Steelers defense will be down a key player for Monday Night Football, with the Steelers announcing that defensive tackle Derrick Harmon will be out against the Dolphins.

Harmon, who hasn’t played since Nov. 23 against the Chicago Bears, was questionable with a knee injury entering the game.

However, Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren, who was a late addition to the injury report with an illness Monday, is not on the inactive list and is set to play.

Offensive tackle Andrus Peat and outside linebacker T.J. Watt are out as previously reported. Wide receiver Roman Wilson will also be a healthy scratch for a second straight week.

On the Miami side of things, the Dolphins received good news as star running back De’Von Achane will suit up as expected.

You can view the full inactive report below per Steelers.com:

Steelers Inactives

WR Roman Wilson
QB Will Howard (3rd QB)
G Andrus Peat
DT Brodric Martin-Rhodes
CB James Pierre
LB T.J. Watt
DT Derrick Harmon

Dolphins Inactives

Quinn Ewers (3rd QB)
DB Elijah Campbell
CB A.J. Green III
OT Larry Borom
WR Tahj Washington
DT Matthew Butler

Monday Night Football will kick off at 8:15 p.m. EST on ESPN.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-jaylen-warren-devon-achane-nfl-today-tj-watt

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

4 takeaways from the Steelers’ 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins

Pittsburgh has now stacked two impactful AFC wins in a row, downing the Miami Dolphins 28-15 on Monday Night Football in a game that felt over in the fourth quarter. As always, there are plenty of takeaways to be had.

1. For over a quarter, the Steelers looked the best they have all season​

From the end of the second quarter through the beginning of the fourth, the Steelers scored four consecutive touchdowns and gave up zero points in a 28-0 run that put Miami out of the picture well before the game ended.

The offense was humming — and for much of the game, uncharacteristic. The team not only went for it on fourth down a whopping three times, but converted all three — including one from their own 30 yard line. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers unlocked a part of the field that has long been absent from both his game and the Steelers’ offense: the middle.

Aaron Rodgers finished 17 for 18 for 173 yards and both of his touchdowns on passes between the numbers in Week 15.

His 94.4% completion percentage on such passes was his highest in a game since Week 14, 2016.

Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/hUzhfQ6d9a

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 16, 2025

Rodgers isn’t the same quarterback downfield he used to be, but he certainly hasn’t lost his velocity in the short and intermediate game — especially now that he’s healthy again. His touchdown pass to D.K. Metcalf, whether he saw the closing safety or not, was a laser that fit through the smallest of windows.

DK METCALF MY GOODNESS

MIAvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/GXEbzt3p4h

— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2025

But when you’re not pushing the ball deep much (Rodgers had a hilariously low average depth of target in the first half), you can stretch the defense by passing all over the width of the field. It’s also where tight end Pat Freiermuth — who has undoubtedly been underused this season — is at his best. He recorded 45 receiving yards on Monday.

Of course, it’s tough to gauge just how quality of an opponent Miami was on Monday. Sure, they had won four straight entering Week 15, but only one was against a team that isn’t currently slated for a top-10 draft pick in 2026. Plus, the “Miami doesn’t play well in the cold” narrative is as much a statistical fact as it is a meme.

Including the playoffs, the Dolphins have lost 13 straight games in sub-40°F temperatures at kickoff with their last such win coming in 2016 in Buffalo.

That's the longest losing streak in such temperatures since the start of 2000. #MNFInsights pic.twitter.com/LzaWHzrbKc

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) December 16, 2025

Again, it’s time for the obligatory “don’t get your hopes too high” addendum following every Steelers win.

However, what stood out the most during that 28-0 run was that Pittsburgh hasn’t looked that good all year. The Steelers collapsed in a brutal way late in the 2024-25 season, and after two ugly losses in Weeks 12 and 13, it looked like they were about to disappoint yet again. But instead, they’re back on the upswing entering the home stretch of the regular season. This team?

The Steelers have four straight drives with a TD, tied for their longest streak over the last 25 years.

It's the first time the Steelers have done this since Week 2 of 2018 against the Chiefs. #MNFInsights

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) December 16, 2025

Entering the playoffs with some momentum is such an important part of actually doing something when you get there. There are still three games left in the regular season, but Monday’s win was a good sign.

2. The Steelers’ running back room has surprised​

Kenneth Gainwell has turned into a real weapon for the Steelers.

The 2025 free agent addition managed 6.2 yards per carry and 80 yards on Monday, adding seven catches for 46 yards. He’s up to 783 yards from scrimmage this year with three games yet to go.

Early in the year, the Steelers’ obsession with giving Gainwell significant carries was hard to understand. Jaylen Warren was hitting the holes harder, and Pittsburgh had a shiny new toy in third-round running back Kaleb Johnson sitting on the bench.

However, the Pittsburgh coaching staff clearly saw something that would become more apparent as the season went on. Gainwell has now recorded four games with over 100 scrimmage yards, scored six total touchdowns, and sits second on the team in both rushing yards and receptions.

Against Miami, Gainwell’s full skill set was on display, starting with an early third-down conversion where he made a catch away from his body on a play where he lined up as a wide receiver. In the run game his vision has improved in a big way since Week 1; Gainwell continues to be slippery behind the line of scrimmage, constantly preventing losses or even gaining yards on runs that don’t look promising at the start.

Kenneth Gainwell picked up 33 rush yards over expected on this 38-yard gain, per @NextGenStats

MIAvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN Apppic.twitter.com/wWesN1Dsb8

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) December 16, 2025

With Jaylen Warren’s playing time limited on Monday, likely due to an illness that landed him on the injury report the day of the game, Gainwell proved that he was more than capable of handling lead running back duties (and the Dolphins defense hasn’t been a slouch in the second half of the season).

It’s a common pitfall of NFL discussions to frame all player-related takes as either-or issues (see: Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig) but Jaylen Warren, when healthy, has also been one of the most dynamic players on the Pittsburgh offense. And paired with Gainwell’s traditional “third-down back” style of play, Warren’s efficient short-yardage numbers and more hard-nosed running style has created a duo that could be something to watch not just this season but in future ones as well.

Where it gets interesting is Kaleb Johnson, who, much like the team’s 2024 third-rounder Roman Wilson, remains an afterthought in the offensive gameplan. Obviously, it’s far too early to stick a fork in his still very young career, but it’s hard to see him earning opportunities in this running back room given the play of Warren and Gainwell.

In most ways, it’s a good problem to have. But it also marks the second straight draft the Steelers have had a Day 2 pick on offense get off to a painfully slow start.

3. No Watt, no problem (for the most part)​

A freak lung injury made star outside linebacker T.J. Watt out for the Steelers’ Week 15 matchup, and to make matters worse, impactful first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon also missed the game with injury.

And the Steelers’ opponent on Monday night was the Miami Dolphins, who over the last four weeks were averaging just over 192 rushing yards per game.

But down two of their top run defenders — and players, period — Pittsburgh shut down the Dolphins run game on Monday, allowing just 63 yards on the ground.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith had a great game, continually setting the edge against a multilayered and misdirection-heavy Dolphins attack. Veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward also had an elite showing, with five total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. He was everywhere against Miami.

In the passing game — and I don’t have any stats yet to back it up yet — it felt like the Steeler pass rush was more noticeably missing Watt when it came to getting quick pressures. Still, Pittsburgh managed four sacks on the night, getting a boost from the coverage on a few, especially this rep from Payton Wilson:

Sack 38: Payton Wilson https://t.co/XmA2deYvuF pic.twitter.com/PL9SUGG0EM

— Chris Ferland (@chris_ferland) December 16, 2025

Even if it was a rough performance from Tua Tagovailoa that severely limited the Dolphins all night, it was still something to see a shorthanded Pittsburgh defense shut down what had been the NFL’s most potent run game in recent weeks.

However, with Nick Herbig also dealing with an injury now following the game, Jahmyr Gibbs and Lions will be another massive challenge in Week 16.

4. Odds and ends​

• Early PFF grades didn’t mark left tackle Dylan Cook with a single pressure in his first career start — and second career NFL game. Take early grades with a grain of salt, but they match the eye test. Despite being matched up against Bradley Chubb for much of the game, Cook turned in a quality performance. Offensive line depth was a massive question mark entering the season for Pittsburgh, but the team might have something with Cook (who I’ve been a fan of for a while now, for what it’s worth).

Aaron Rodgers was pressured on just 4 of his 30 dropbacks Monday (13%), the 2nd-lowest pressure rate he has faced in a game this season.

This allowed Rodgers to complete 85% of his passes, his highest in a game since Week 7 of 2014 against the Panthers (86%). #MNFInsights

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) December 16, 2025

• Patrick Queen had a strong game for the most part against the Dolphins. His second-quarter run stop got all the highlight clips, but I was more impressed by another one where his closing speed shut down what should’ve been an easy conversion on a Tagovailoa scramble. Queen has had his ups and downs this season, but his sideline-to-sideline range is something special.
• Connor Heyward had a successful night running the Steelers’ version of the tush push, even scoring a touchdown on a play where vision matters a bit more than it looks on TV. He also made a clutch recovery on a late onside kick from Miami. Even Jonnu Smith added a 14-yard touchdown run. I’ve been one of the many commentators who’ve criticized how the Steelers have built their tight end room, but there are also far too many people comfortable saying Smith and Heyward are flat-out bad football players. Stop.

The Arthur Smith effect: the Steelers are the first team to have multiple tight ends rush for a TD in the same game in at least 50 years via @ESPNInsights

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 16, 2025

• There was some discussion online regarding why the Steelers choose to run their tush push 10-on-11 given Aaron Rodgers’ non-participation behind the pile. It’s a worthwhile discussion point, but I’m willing to bet the Steelers have a wrinkle they’ve yet to reveal that will use the quarterback. Arthur Smith has already run one fake tush push this year.
• Jalen Ramsey’s third-quarter sack was a great blitz design from defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Blitzing two second-level defenders through one gap was a risky move, but Payton Wilson was able to clear out the chip block to give Ramsey an unhindered path to the quarterback.

Jalen Ramsey full steam ahead

MIAvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/vVS7Fng2Nb

— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2025

• After a nice rebound last week, punter Corliss Waitman got off to a shaky start again against Miami, but still managed to finish the game with a 46.2-yard average and two punts inside the 20. One of those was thanks to the otherworldly special teams talents of Ben Skowronek. Pittsburgh’s punt coverage was excellent Monday night.

Ben Skowronek making plays on special teams pic.twitter.com/D9CinMqat5

— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2025

• Aaron Rodgers catching a 12 men on the field penalty that the referees didn’t notice until around a minute later was a great example of what having a future Hall of Fame quarterback can do for an offense.
• Alex Highsmith recorded a pass deflection with a well-timed zone drop in the second half. His rare feel in coverage for a pass rusher remains one of my favorite traits of his game. He’s a fantastic all-around football player.
• Both kickers had landing zone penalties on Monday. I wonder if the weather had something to do with it.
• Seeing Minkah Fitzpatrick have an injury scare was, of course, rough to watch (it doesn’t appear to be anything serious), but it was nice to see so many Pittsburgh players and coaches come out on the field while he was down, and the crowd giving him a loud ovation when he got up.

To recap what happened here:

Mike Tomlin and many of Fitzpatrick's former teammates came onto the field to check on him. As he walked off, the crowd gave Fitzpatrick a nice cheer, too. https://t.co/zaoxLh1VEM

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 16, 2025

• Even though it helped the Steelers, the Jordyn Brooks taunting call was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. I think NFL players and fans can handle someone acting tough after a big hit. I struggle to see why the NFL continually aims to crack down on that part of the game.
• While the Steeler offense certainly had a great day overall against Miami, there’s still plenty to nitpick with how they started and closed the game. Pittsburgh had two three-and-outs in each of the first and fourth quarters. While the game was essentially over in the final 10 minutes, it would’ve been nice to see the Steelers control the ball through the end.
• PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh made a good observation: Pittsburgh was in 11 personnel a lot more than usual against Miami. It’s a trend to watch late in the season. Maybe it was a Miami-only wrinkle. Maybe Rodgers has more trust in his new receiver room with Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (and for what it’s worth, Thielen has shone as a blocker over the last two weeks).

Huge change up for the Steelers personnel wise offensively tonight. They're currently utilizing a season-high in 11 personnel (3 WR, 1 RB, 1 TE).

60 percent of their plays have been out of 11 personnel tonight. Not as much jumbo nor multiple TE sets.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 16, 2025

• Also a nice observation from ESPN’s Ben Solak, who noted Aaron Rodgers’ touchdown to Marquez Valdes-Scantling came on the same passing concept that burned the Pittsburgh defense several times early in the season:

Coverage bust on a classic RZ concept — one that got the Steelers multiple times this season!

CB 23 Jack Jones wants to give his crosser to S 9 Ifeatu Melifonwu and replace him in the MOF (with better leverage on DK's crosser). Melifonwu is looking at the other route.

Can be… https://t.co/CvG19UglQI pic.twitter.com/kTNOzzfl5m

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) December 16, 2025

• Aside from a few too many “6-7” jokes, Monday night confirmed how Troy Aikman and Joe Buck are the best football broadcast duo in the business. Aikman’s dry analysis is refreshingly honest, and the two have the most entertaining banter when filling space in a fourth-quarter blowout. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but there’s more genuine personality and experience there than most broadcasts.
• Asante Samuel Jr. recorded his first interception as a Steeler against the Dolphins. If he can look like his pre-injury self, Pittsburgh might’ve gotten away with a steal in the free agent market. The team’s defensive back room will be interesting to watch next year with Samuel, James Pierre, and Kyle Dugger all set to become free agents.

Pittsburgh has one less day of rest than usual with its next game slated for Sunday: a battle of 8-6 teams in Detroit as the Steelers take on the Lions.

What are your takeaways from Steelers vs. Dolphins? Agree/disagree with the ones above? Join the Behind the Steel Curtain community and let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...is-aaron-rodgers-kenneth-gainwell-mike-tomlin

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

2 key Steelers injured in MNF win over Dolphins

The Steelers snapped the Miami Dolphins’ four-game winning streak with a 28-15 victory in Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football to close out Week 15. However, two of the Steelers’ top players suffered injuries in the win.

Speaking to the media after the game, head coach Mike Tomlin said starting guard Isaac Seumalo has a tricep injury and outside linebacker Nick Herbig has a hamstring injury, and both are “being evaluated.” Tomlin chalked up any other injuries as “bumps and bruises associated with play.”

Coach Tomlin spoke to the media following our win over the Dolphins. @Acrisure pic.twitter.com/xBgGtPTD3W

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 16, 2025

Seumalo left the game and did not return in the second half after being ruled out. Jack Sawyer also started to see snaps in relief of Herbig late.

As always, more information on the timelines and severity of the Steelers’ injuries will be made available during in-week practice reports. After playing on Monday, Pittsburgh has one less day of preparation and recovery ahead of a Sunday matchup against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 21.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-isaac-seumalo-roster-news-report-mike-tomlin

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Wednesday links: Will the Steelers reunite Allen Lazard with Aaron Rodgers?

It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a weekly Steelers links roundup at BTSC. But first, let’s take a look around the AFC North:

• Browns DE Myles Garrett extends sack streak, moves closer to single-season sack record in Week 15 vs Bears (Dawgs by Nature)
• Ravens rookie LB Teddye Buchanan out for season with torn ACL (Baltimore Beatdown)
• Ravens rookie LB Teddye Buchanan out for season with torn ACL (Cincy Jungle)

What’s the latest on the Steelers’ upcoming opponent?

• Detroit Lions film review: Why run game has been inconsistent (Pride of Detroit)
• Can the Detroit Lions’ season be saved? (Pride of Detroit)

Now, onto some Steelers news and discussion:

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers beat Dolphins with help of ‘castoffs’​

(From ESPN’s Brooke Pryor): “There’s some castoffs if you look at our roster, which makes it really special,” Rodgers said with a grin, adding that he doesn’t consider himself a castoff. “Kenny Gainwell signed a next-to-nothing contract. Connor Heyward, an afterthought, had a touchdown run. Marquez has been on a couple teams. Adam Thielen got cut. Samuel was on the street for a long time. So says a lot about the character of the guys we brought in.”

Rodgers has started to push an “island of misfit toys” narrative regarding the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers — while excluding himself from the label, funnily enough. He’s not entirely wrong, though. Some of the biggest players in the Steelers’ recent winning streak have been under-the-radar or midseason free agent signings.

The Steelers can lose the next two and still play for the AFC North title in Week 18​

(From Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio): The Steelers face the Lions in Detroit and the Browns in Cleveland. If Pittsburgh loses both (and even if the Ravens beat both the Patriots and the Packers), it will all come down to Week 18.

Under that scenario, the Steelers would be 8-8 and the Ravens would be 9-7 entering the season finale: Ravens at Steelers. A Pittsburgh win would result in a 9-8 tie. With a sweep of the Ravens, the Steelers would win the division on the first tiebreaker.

The Steelers can lock up the AFC North before Week 18, but it’s also likely the division title — and a playoff spot — comes down to the regular season finale against the Ravens. The good news for the Steelers is that their win over Miami means they’re guaranteed to stay in the playoff hunt through the end of the season, even if they drop their next two games.

You can play with ESPN’s playoff machine to determine the different possible outcomes of a competitive AFC playoff picture this year. There’s a chance Week 17 is meaningless to both Pittsburgh and Baltimore, but I don’t buy the possibility of either team sitting its starters.

Dolphins-Steelers on ‘Monday Night Football’: What We Learned from Pittsburgh’s 28-15 win​

(From NFL.com’s Nick Shook): Rodgers happy to have some veterans along for the ride. It’s been known for some time that Rodgers prefers familiar faces in his receiving corps (remember how much he disliked throwing to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs at the end of his Packers tenure?), so it was no surprise to see him break out a wide grin after he connected with his old pal, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, for a 19-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Adam Thielen is also in the mix now, and while Thielen only finished with one catch for 7 yards — and Thielen and Valdes-Scantling combined for just two catches — their presence seems to have eased Rodgers’ generally testy nature.

Shook brings up a good point that Rodgers hasn’t meshed well with young receivers late in his career. It’s no coincidence he’s playing better with two new veterans in the fold.

A night to honor three Steelers legends​

(From Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley): Linebacker Joey Porter Sr., center Maurkice Pouncey and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger all made a huge impact on the organization and completed a class that brought plenty of glory to the black and gold.

The Class of 2025 was officially enshrined during a dinner on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium, and will be honored during Monday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Pittsburgh’s big win over Miami was the headliner Monday night, but don’t forget that some Steelers royalty received well-earned inductions into the team’s Hall of Honor as well. Varley’s piece captures some great quotes and pictures from the event.

Another former Aaron Rodgers wide receiver hits the open market for Steelers​

(From PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh): The New York Jets have released former Aaron Rodgers target Allen Lazard, according to multiple reports. Lazard requested his release and now will find a new home, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely on that short list.

The Jets have moved on from a veteran receiver and longtime target of Aaron Rodgers. Lazard has 10 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown this year on the

Will the Steelers sign Allen Lazard?​

With Lazard requesting a release and Pittsburgh on a streak of signing veteran pass catchers, the writing seems on the wall. The Steelers do have two open spots on their practice squad (and they can no longer bring back Ke’Shawn Williams) and it would make sense for Lazard to fill one.

With three games left in the regular season, Pittsburgh would be able to elevate Lazard whenever it wants from the practice squad, and as evidenced earlier, Rodgers loves to reunite with his favorite receivers.

Lazard has had a down 2025, but in 2024 with the Jets he had the second-best year of his career with 530 receiving yards. The 30-year-old has a big frame at 6’5 and makes some sense for Pittsburgh from a roster-building standpoint. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Lazard rejoins his longtime quarterback in the Steel City to close out the season.

Do you think the Steelers will want to sign Allen Lazard? Should they? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!

https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/2...ceiver-hits-the-open-market-for-steelers.html

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ks-dolphins-afc-north-standings-hall-of-honor

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Report: Steelers poaching Panthers OLB

The Steelers wanted to add an outside linebacker, as evidenced by the team working out four on Wednesday. However, the team will be adding a different name, per a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, with Pittsburgh set to sign outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon from the Panthers’ practice squad.

The #Steelers are set to sign linebacker Jeremiah Moon off of the #Panthers practice squad, sources tell @CBSSports.

Before making the move to Carolina, Moon spent time with both Pittsburgh and the Ravens. Played in 13 games for the Steelers last year. pic.twitter.com/YG6MeOanFW

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 18, 2025

By poaching Moon from a practice squad, the Steelers will have to sign him to their 53-man roster.

Moon should be a familiar name for Steelers fans. He played in 13 games for Pittsburgh in 2024, even starting one, logging nine total tackles and 222 special teams snaps. He spent the summer of 2025 with the Steelers, being released on cutdown day and picked up by Carolina.

With the Panthers this season, Moon has appeared in one game, playing six snaps on special teams.

With T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig DNPs on the injury report, the Steelers are boosting their depth at outside linebacker. The team hasn’t made the Moon signing official yet, but they’ll have to announce a corresponding release when they do.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

• Steelers work out 4 edge rushers Wednesday
• Steelers injury report: T.J. Watt still recovering from lung surgery
• Steelers Read & React: The new faces of PIT’s playoff push
• Report: Steelers bring back John Rhys Plumlee
• Secret Superstars 2025: How Kenneth Gainwell became Aaron Rodgers’ new best friend

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-squad-roster-news-tj-watt-nick-herbig-injury

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Steelers work out 4 edge rushers Wednesday

After meeting with 10 players on Tuesday, the Steelers worked out for more on Wednesday, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.

Pittsburgh worked out edge rushers Ronnie Perkins, Isaiah Thomas, Casey Toohill, and Oshane Ximines.

#Steelers worked out Ronnie Perkins, Isaiah Thomas, Casey Too Hill, Oshane Ximines

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 17, 2025

Perkins has one of the best pedigrees of the bunch, a former third-round pick by the Patriots in 2021. He’s bounced around the league since, most recently spending time on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. He’s appeared in seven career NFL games, all with the Broncos in 2023, where he recorded 13 total tackles and two tackles for loss. The 6’3, 253-pound outside linebacker scored a 4.73 RAS coming out of college.

Thomas was a seventh-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2022. He was most recently on the Bengals’ practice squad. He’s played in 12 career NFL games, with 12 total tackles and one sack. The 6’5, 272-pound defensive end recorded a 9.1 RAS the year he was drafted.

Toohill was also a seventh-round pick, in 2020 by the Eagles. He was most recently on the Houston Texans. He has the most experience of the group Pittsburgh worked out, with 71 career games played and 15 starts. In 2023 with the Washington Commanders, where he recorded eight of those starts, he had 26 combined tackles and five sacks. The 6’5, 250-pound defender logged a 9.69 RAS coming out of college.

Ximines is also a former third-round pick, selected by the New York Giants in 2019. He’s spent most of his career with New York, but spent 2024 with the Patriots. He has played in 50 career games with nine starts. After recording 4.5 sacks his rookie season, he’s logged just two more over the following five years. The 6’4, 254-pound defensive end recorded a 7.02 RAS in 2019.

With Pittsburgh exploring additions in its outside linebacker room, it’s an ominous sign for the availability of T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig in Week 16 against the Lions.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...31/steelers-work-out-4-edge-rushers-wednesday

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Rams at Seahawks: Week 16 TNF open thread

Week 16 of the NFL season kicks off with what should be a good one as the Rams travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. EST on Prime Video and Twitch.

The game will feature two 11-3 teams, an NFC West rivalry, and a guaranteed playoff berth for the Seahawks if they win (LA has already clinched a spot).

As always, who are you rooting for? What are you watching for? Have anyone in fantasy during the semifinals? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...3867/rams-at-seahawks-week-16-tnf-open-thread

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Steelers Read & React Week 16 preview — What to expect against the Lions

Not many expected the Steelers and Lions to have identical records entering their Week 16 matchup in Detroit. Still, Sunday’s upcoming battle between 8-6 teams has the Lions as a consensus seven-point favorite, despite sitting one spot shy of the playoffs in a competitive NFC.

In this week’s preview, Read & React will be taking a look at why the Lions are still in the conversation of the NFL’s elite – and why they’re also at risk of missing the postseason altogether.

What to expect from the Lions’ offense​

Rushing YPG: 131.1 (5th)

Passing YPG: 248.8 (3rd)

PPG: 30.6 (1st)

RB: The Lions’ record is worse than most expected it would be in Week 16, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this offense is any less dangerous than it was last year when the Lions made it to the NFC Championship.

Detroit has the best scoring offense in the league. They’re top five in both rushing and passing. This is still absolutely an elite unit.

After losing star offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears over the offseason, Detroit did have some hiccups under their new OC, John Morton, but head coach Dan Campbell took over play calling in early November, and the team never looked back.

Lions offense since Dan Campbell started calling plays:

1st in yards
1st in yards per play
3rd in points scored
4th in touchdowns
24th in punts
32nd in turnovers pic.twitter.com/JKqNEd9hSp

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) December 15, 2025

At quarterback, the Lions are led by Jared Goff, who’s turned into one of the most productive passers in the NFL under Campbell. Is he a dynamic talent on the level of a Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes? No. But he’s still probably a little underrated to the average NFL fan.

In structure, Goff is about as efficient as it gets, with 69.3% completion, 3,672 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, and just five interceptions so far this season. He has an arm that can access just about any area of the field, which the Lions’ multi-tiered passing game certainly accesses.

Detroit’s scheme tends to steal a lot of the credit, but it takes a cerebral quarterback to run it at the level Goff has. He’s been surgical this season.

Jared Goff leads the NFL with 2,860 pass yards and 16 pass TD vs zone coverage this season, per @NextGenStats.@Lions | #OnePride

— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) December 18, 2025

Goff isn’t the smoothest athlete on the run, but his pocket navigation is better than most give him credit for.

Incredible throw by Jared Goff throwing to a deep cross while on the run. Hits him perfectly in stride pic.twitter.com/IwRL2XXMrQ

— The Spread Offense (@Spread_Offense) December 17, 2025

Still, he has historically struggled with accuracy and decision-making when under pressure, and that trait of his game hasn’t disappeared completely.

Jared Verse pressure should've resulted in an INT pic.twitter.com/kkChumqpB7

— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) December 15, 2025

Thanks to a dangerous running game (more on that later), Detroit capitalizes on a lot of play-action concepts, ranking fourth in the NFL with 29.5% usage. That’s opened up the middle of the field and helped out an offensive line that’s been just OK in pass protection this year.

Detroit allows the 14th-highest pressure rate (34.8%) in the NFL, but also the fastest time to pressure (2.49 seconds). On Pittsburgh’s side of things, it’s a rough week to be possibly down both T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig.

Helping out Goff in the passing game is a talented stable of targets. Star tight end Sam La Porta is on injured reserve, but Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are one of the best receiving duos in the league.

St. Brown is an established star – he can line up anywhere, possesses great toughness and hands, and already has 1,140 receiving yards on the season. He’s a workhorse receiver who has excelled in the Lions’ intermediate passing game.

Amon-Ra St. Brown turns the Aidan Hutchinson interception into his 10th touchdown of the season pic.twitter.com/4nnRuaJglK

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) December 14, 2025

While St. Brown is the picture of consistency, Williams is far more volatile. But he’s a fantastic deep threat who’s on the verge of his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. This year is on pace to be his best as a pro – he’s developed excellent chemistry with Goff and has been unlocked with Campbell as the play caller. On deep posts and crossers – look out.

Jameson Williams ranked second in the NFL with 208 receiving yards on throws inside the numbers and 10+ air yards from Weeks 13–15.

It’s an area of his game he’s clearly elevated—and one where he’s built real rapport with Jared Goff. pic.twitter.com/XFgwtv6rZo

— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) December 18, 2025

And then there’s Detroit’s run game. Like the receiving room, it’s led by a two-headed monster at running back with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, even if Gibbs has stepped even further into the lead back role in 2025. Both are dynamic talents who complement each other in Detroit’s run scheme, which uses both power concepts and outside zone.

Gibbs might be the most electric runner in the NFL, with true take-it-to-the-house speed. He’s already amassed 1,100 rushing yards (and nearly 500 more as a receiver) this season.

This Jahmyr Gibbs run reminds me of CJ2K

pic.twitter.com/GHBLvhTeKZ

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 21, 2025

Montgomery’s game is also dangerous. He has 635 rushing yards this season, excelling with sharp cuts, fantastic leg drive, and excellent vision.

This was probably the best run from the Lions last week against the Rams. Very good power and leg drive from RG Tate Ratledge. I’m all for David Montgomery getting more usage in this offense. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/XCjCEJpLBv

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) December 19, 2025

That being said, the run game hasn’t been perfect this year, with the Los Angeles Rams holding the Lions to just 70 yards in Week 15. Gibbs averaged just 2.9 yards per carry in a 41-34 Rams win.

Part of it is that the Lions’ offensive line underwent a personnel shakeup entering 2025, and has suffered some injuries during the season (center Graham Glasgow was a DNP in Thursday’s practice, which is worth keeping an eye on). It’s clearly a worse group than it was in 2024.

Still, right tackle Penei Sewell is a true star at the position.

Penei Sewell putting in work in the run game against the Rams. pic.twitter.com/E0BESAlCuP

— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) December 17, 2025

LA also had a strong showing defending the run against Detroit last week, using the Lions’ signature condensed formations as an excuse to load the box and bring its edge rushers more inside. The Rams used sim pressures to create chaos at the line of scrimmage, and trusted their second-level defenders (linebackers, defensive backs) to aggressively fill their gaps.

Despite the positive gain, I may have found the issue with the Lions run game…

Rams have 8 defenders in the box to the Lions 7 players. Condensed formation allow DBs to stay in the box. If you got some DBs willing to play physical, it causes problems. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/oN842qMWTt

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) December 18, 2025

The Detroit passing game still exploded, but the Rams were able to win the shootout thanks to forcing three-straight three-and-outs in the second half. Against an offense this talented, you can certainly win, but it isn’t always pretty.

What to expect from the Lions’ defense​

Rushing YPG Allowed: 106.7 (13th)

Passing YPG Allowed: 231.1 YPG (24th)

PPG Allowed: 24.6 (23rd)

RP: While Detroit’s offense remains among the league’s most dangerous, the Lions’ defense has once again been ravaged by injury. Things aren’t quite as drastic as they were in 2024 – for starters, they still have a healthy Aidan Hutchinson in the fold this year – but the secondary has been decimated for the second consecutive year.

The Lions drafted corners Terrion Arnold (No. 24 overall) and Ennis Rakestraw (No. 61) in 2024 with their first two picks, and neither will suit up against Pittsburgh. Rakestraw has played just eight games in two years, and Arnold has been shut down for the season after reaggravating a shoulder injury on Thanksgiving. Out too are star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Joseph last played in Week 6 and has still not returned to practicing after being sidelined with a knee injury. Branch ruptured his Achilles tendon on December 4th during Thursday Night Football. Nickel corner Amik Robertson is also banged up with a hand injury, but is reportedly considering wearing a club on his hand and trending towards playing.

The Lions will also be missing some key depth pieces along their defensive line with both Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike out.

The injuries have started to take a toll, and Detroit’s defense has regressed heavily after a strong start to the season. Presently, the Lions have surrender 27 or more points in four straight games, and 30 or more points in three straight.

However, the return last week of defensive end Marcus Davenport, who also missed a few weeks to injury, means the entirety of the Lions front is healthy again. That’s a big deal for a team like Detroit, which plays the most snaps in base defense in the entire league.

The Lions lead the NFL in running base defense, and Arthur Smith says he can't be a 'rigid thinker' when seeing a tendency like that.

They're going to have to play the fine line between attacking the Lions and what they do, but also sticking to what the Steelers do well.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 18, 2025

The reason for that is partially because the Lions’ secondary has been a MASH unit. But beyond that, it’s also because the Lions are a team that prides themselves on stopping the run. It’s part of head coach Dan Campbell’s vision, and it’s ingrained in their culture. And while they’ve regressed closer to the middle of the league after finishing fifth-best against the run in 2024, Detroit still possesses a talented front seven.

The star of that group is former number two overall pick Aidan Hutchinson.

Aiden Hutchinson having a day vs the @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/ziwOgLDo4l

— Irish NFL Show (@irenflshow) September 15, 2024

Hutchinson has shown no worse for wear after a leg injury ended what was shaping up to be a promising campaign for the young defender in 2024. This year, he leads the team in both sacks (9.5) and pressures (77), while showing he can with both speed and power.

Aiden Hutchinson is good at football pic.twitter.com/XbmYQNun4q

— Game Chalk Sports (@gamechalksports) October 13, 2025

And Hutchinson has a little T.J. Watt in his game, in that he’s looking to impact the play in any way he can. That includes occasionally sniffing out screens and creating turnovers.

Aiden Hutchinson pick! Lions capitalize with an St. Brown touchdown! pic.twitter.com/sniq8WpdYq

— SSN – NFL (@SSN_NFL) December 14, 2025

Beyond Hutchinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad has emerged as a pass-rushing specialist. Muhammad isn’t often in on early downs, but even in his limited role, he has generated the second-most sacks (9) and pressures (47) for the Lions defense.

Al-Quadin Muhammad attacks the edge & wins with the cross chop/club/rip. Gets the sack. A great move vs low-setting hands! #PassRush #OnePride pic.twitter.com/pbakj0LS4o

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) December 5, 2025

Al-Quadin Muhammad gets to Patrick Mahomes pic.twitter.com/dDlcfiSHLb

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) October 13, 2025

In the interior, D.J. Reader and Alim McNeil don’t stuff the box score, but both are big space eaters who allow the linebackers behind them to make plays in the running game, while providing some pass rush ability.

The Lions are actually among the league’s best in generating pressure (5th) and sacks (7th), but that is often lost due to the struggles of Detroit’s injury-riddled secondary. The Lions also create pressure with their linebackers, blitzing at the fourth-highest rate (32.5%) in the NFL.

The Lions’ linebacking corps is made up of the trio of Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes.

Campbell is the blue-blood of the group, as a former first-round pick. His 136 tackles are fifth-most in the league, but that doesn’t paint the whole story. Tackle numbers can often be misleading. After all, a tackle on a play that gained 10 yards shows up the same as a tackle on a play that gained only a single yard. What’s more impressive about Campbell is that he leads the league in stops (82), a stat from Next Gen Stats that registers whenever a defender makes a play that causes negative EPA for the opposing offense.

Jack Campbell is a grown man…

3 play sequence that left me thinking he’s the best LB in the NFL pic.twitter.com/VlGCgeMZoJ

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) November 4, 2025

Campbell is stout against the run, and among the best blitzing linebackers in the league. The Steelers will need to protect the football around Campbell.

Jack Campbell is having an All-Pro caliber season. pic.twitter.com/xYYETBokhe

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 5, 2025

And I would expect to see Campbell trailing running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren often in the passing game.

Jack Campbell joining the seatbelt gang was easily a top-five moment for me in that game. pic.twitter.com/EpsTDrBG5u

— Eazy (@SpeakEZsports_) October 21, 2025

https://x.com/SpeakEZsports_/status/1980699642355425438?s=20
But the best coverage linebacker on the Lions is Alex Anzalone.

Alex Anzalone! @Lions have three INTs

DETvsCIN on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/dNf0f7sNZb

— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025

Alex Anzalone has forced 13 tight-window targets this season—more than twice as many as any other LB. He forces a tight window on 26.5% of his 49 targets faced, the highest rate among LB’s per @NextGenStats pic.twitter.com/aa2NoCvdbr

— Eazy (@SpeakEZsports_) December 10, 2025

Anazalone matches up fairly well with tight ends, and overall, quarterbacks have completed just 25-of-49 (51%) of passes targeting the rangy linebacker. He’s allowed a QB passer rating of just 60.7, and targeting him has generated -25.3 Coverage EPA for opposing offenses.

Barnes is the Lions’ third linebacker, and the one most likely to come off the field if they switch into nickel or dime. He’s third on the team in stops (36) behind only Campbell and Anzalone, while also finishing third on the team in pressures (23), and fourth in sacks (4).

Lions LB — and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati legend — Derrick Barnes has developed a knack for closing games when opponents are desperate and backed up in their own territory.

He’s becoming a real problem 1-on-1 pass rushing against opposing guards this season.

Side… pic.twitter.com/b2GzalSXyV

— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) October 6, 2025

Collectively, the Lions are a group of sound tacklers. That could pose a challenge for the Steelers, a team that creates so much of its offense from yards after the catch.

Fewest missed tackles in the NFL:

1. Lions – 89
2. Bears – 91
3. Packers – 92

Average defense has missed 116.

— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) December 16, 2025

The Steelers should come prepared this week to face a ton of single-high safety looks. Even with their mounting injuries in the secondary, the Lions prefer to run Cover 1 roughly a third of the time, and Detroit is in Cover 1 or Cover 3 58% of the time.

Team coverage rates through Week 15

Via @FantasyPtsData pic.twitter.com/YFApfVhlkR

— Football Insights (@fball_insights) December 16, 2025

Fortunately, Detroit’s previous opponents left behind some clues for how the Steelers can take advantage of this defense while still using the heavy, multi-tight-end sets Arthur Smith is so fond of. The Lions generated 12 pressures against the Rams last week. Five of those pressures came against Los Angeles’ 13 personnel, meaning three tight ends were on the field. In those scenarios, Matt Stafford went 5-5 for 61 yards.

DET matched LA 13 personnel with base or heavy on every snap yesterday

-0.16 EPA/play in 11 personnel
+0.46 EPA/play in 13 personnel

Too easy https://t.co/JqPqPxWWUa

— Football Insights (@fball_insights) December 15, 2025

Veterans Rock Ya-Sin (87.6 QB rating when targeted) and D.J. Reed (84.9) should be Detroit’s starting corners in this game, and former cornerback Avonte Maddox (97.6) could see reps at safety. The Steelers don’t have the most lethal attack, but if there is a unit to exploit, this is it.

They’ll have to if they want to keep their lead on Baltimore.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...mon-ra-st-brown-aidan-hutchinson-jahmyr-gibbs

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

Friday Night Happy Hour: Two-point conversion edition

Welcome back to BTSC’s Friday Night open thread:

1. It’s fair to say there’s a lot more confidence in this Steelers team than there was following the loss to the Bills. In your opinion, what are the odds of Pittsburgh not just making the playoffs, but winning a game when they get there?
2. The Seahawks’ accidental two-point conversion took the NFL world by storm last night. What are your thoughts on the play? And can you think of any memorable two-point conversion in Steelers history?
3. The NFL has two games scheduled for this Saturday. Are you fan of having NFL games a day early? Are you glad the Steelers seem to have missed a Saturday kickoff this year?
4. James Pierre, Brandin Echols, and Asante Samuel Jr. weren’t expected by many to be impact players in 2025, but here we are. What do you expect the team’s cornerback room to look like next season?
5. The Steelers are big underdogs against the Lions on Sunday, despite both teams having identical records. If the Steelers do come out on top, how will they get there?
6. It’s the holiday season, which means my cookie consumption has skyrocketed this week. What’s your favorite Christmas cookie?

My song(s) rec for the night: Recently listened to this whole album while watching Steelers tape and had a 10/10 experience. It came out earlier this year but has some Fleetwood Mac vibes.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-discussion/164002/friday-night-happy-hour

 

[Pittsburgh Steelers]

T.J. Watt OUT vs. Lions

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without edge rusher T.J. Watt on Sunday when they take on the Detroit Lions. Watt is still recovering from a surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung. He missed Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins, as well.

Pittsburgh will also be without guard Isaac Seumalo and cornerback James Pierre. Long snapper Christian Kuntz and edge rusher Nick Herbig have been listed as questionable. The full injury report is as follows:

OUT​

• LB T.J. Watt (lung)
• CB James Pierre (calf)
• G Isaac Seumalo (triceps)

Questionable​

• LS Christian Kuntz (knee)
• LB Nick Herbig (hamstring)

No other players have game designations.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

• Steelers weekly mailbag: Week 16 callout
• T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig likely out vs. Lions
• Former Steelers linebacker arrested on gun-related charges
• Steelers re-sign veteran running back
• Steelers expect to have star defender back vs. Lions

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-out-vs-lions-pittsburgh-steelers-nick-herbig