Former Steelers fullback Merril Hoge warns future foes that Pittsburgh has finally locked in a championship‑style identity. After a dominant win over the Cleveland Browns—200 rushing yards and eight sacks on Deshaun Watson—the Steelers enter the bye week 6‑2 atop the AFC North. Hoge highlights the versatile defensive fronts and relentless front‑seven pressure, while RB Jaylen Warren sits third in the AFC with 704 yards and seven runs of 20+ yards, trailing only Bijan Robinson. The combo of a smothering defense and a bruising ground game makes the Steelers a scary opponent.
DK's Double Shot of Penguins: Singular blame! Gah!
Former Browns defensive lineman Phil Thomas rebukes Jared Verse after the edge rusher accused Steelers offensive lineman Mason McCormick of dirty play on a Week 8 extra‑point. Verse’s post‑game complaints about the hit sparked backlash, and Thomas tells him to stop playing the victim. The article details the altercation, Verse’s comments, and the former player’s response ahead of the Browns‑Steelers rivalry.
The Boston Bruins head to Pittsburgh for Thursday Night Hockey after beating the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week. Facing the struggling yet talented Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena, the Bruins look to build momentum, while the Penguins aim to snap a shaky start to the season. Highlighting the matchup, Pavel Zacha’s first‑period goal on March 8, 2026, underscores the excitement surrounding this intrastate clash. Fans can expect a competitive showdown as both teams vie for early‑season points.
Former Steelers greats laud the franchise’s bold off‑season moves, saying Pittsburgh can still contend for a Super Bowl. After head coach Mike Tomlin’s surprise departure, the team hires veteran Mike McCarthy, re‑signs quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and adds seasoned players instead of rebuilding. Critics questioned the plan, but ex‑players argue the roster’s experience lets the Steelers "stack them up against anyone in the AFC" this season.
The Browns' seventh‑round rookie tight end Carsen Ryan experiences a whirlwind roster shuffle: waived to add QB Dillon Gabriel, re‑signed to the practice squad, elevated for the Week 8 Steelers game, promoted to the 53‑man roster, and then cut again on Thursday. The move, announced without injury language, sparks speculation ahead of the trade deadline. Ryan has appeared in seven games this season, logging 85 special‑teams snaps and two on offense. Fans are left puzzling over the timing and motive behind the latest waiver.
Former NFL wide receiver Damoun Patterson, 31, is arrested in Florida on four felony counts after police link him to an alleged home invasion in Orlando, a stolen vehicle and a machete‑style knife. Charged with armed burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft auto and criminal mischief, Patterson was taken into custody in Daytona Beach early Thursday. The former Steelers, Buccaneers and Patriots player’s legal woes dominate the story, though he remains presumed innocent pending trial.
The 24-year-old started the season late but got better as the season went along.
Browns special teams coach Byron Storer condemns Steelers left guard Mason McCormick for deliberately slamming Browns defensive end Jared Verse on his head during an extra‑point attempt in the 27‑6 loss on Nov. 4. Storer calls the hit a "dirty play" that should be penalized, and McCormick receives a personal‑foul flag and could face a fine. Verse expressed anger, saying the incident threatened his season and criticized teammates for not defending him. McCormick claimed he didn’t know who he hit, insisting he was just following the rule to keep jumpers’ hands down. The controversy highlights concerns over player safety and discipline.
The Steelers enter the 2026 season with DK Metcalf as their top receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson trailing, and rookie Germie Bernard fighting for the third spot. Recent injuries to Wilson and Pittman have forced the team to shift the depth chart, yet beat writer John Beatty argues that the coaching staff still isn’t reducing Bernard’s role despite his improving health. The article examines how the Steelers’ receiver rotations may evolve as the season progresses.
Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, now an advisor for NC State’s head‑coach search, confirms he’s consulting athletic director Boo Corrigan but refuses to comment on rumored candidates. The Wolfpack, fresh off a 31‑28 loss to Stanford that left them 3‑4, have sparked interest from ex‑NFL quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Philip Rivers. Cowher, an NC State linebacker legend and Hall of Famer, stresses the need for resources, NIL support, and a solid staff structure. Rivers met with officials in Fairhope, while Wilson, recently retired and now a CBS analyst, has also interviewed. The search, guided by Cowher and former Wolfpack DB Dewayne Washington, aims to find a coach who can navigate the modern college‑football landscape.
Browns edge rusher Jared Verse is still fuming over a recent extra‑point play, accusing Steelers offensive lineman Mason McCormick of deliberately trying to injure him. Verse claims McCormick slammed him during the kick, labeling the hit as dirty. The controversy resurfaces days after the game, prompting a response from the Browns’ special teams coordinator. The incident highlights growing tension between Cleveland and Pittsburgh as the rivalry heats up.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its five final coach nominees for the 2027 class, and former Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmholm appears again on the shortlist. Holmgren joins Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Dan Reeves and Mike Shanahan, but only one will advance to the full selection committee next year. Holmgren’s résumé includes ten seasons in Seattle, five division titles, six playoff trips, a Super Bowl XL appearance (a 21‑10 loss to the Steelers), and two Super Bowls with Green Bay (wins in SB XXXI, loss in SB XXXII). He retired as Seattle’s winning‑est coach and was honored in the team’s Ring of Honor in 2021.
In Episode 121 of The Depot Dive, Joe Clark and the host break down the Steelers' commanding Week 8 victory over the Browns, highlighting Jaylen Warren's performance, the revitalized rushing attack, and a defense that effectively shut down the run game. The duo then debates strategic moves the Steelers should consider moving forward in the season.
Veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey says the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers have a real shot at a Super Bowl after a strong start that puts them atop the AFC North. He points to the unit’s dominant defense—ranking No. 1 in sacks and No. 3 in points allowed—and a potent rushing attack led by Jaylen Warren, who boasts a league‑best 6.9 yards per touch through eight games. Analysts like Adam Schein note the team could finally break a seven‑game playoff losing streak, while head coach Mike McCarthy stresses continued improvement. With the Steelers now a playoff contender, their odds of a deep run remain an intriguing question.
Mike Wallace warns the Steelers that their recent spree of WR trades—DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Mike Williams—has not solved the team's receiving woes. With the trade deadline looming, Wallace urges Pittsburgh to focus on developing homegrown talent rather than chasing more high‑profile acquisitions, citing lingering chemistry issues and the need for continuity on the field.
In this week’s Steelers Mailbag, the Q&A focuses on the team’s current form. Fans ask if the Steelers are “for real,” and the answer highlights a dominant offensive line and a powerful running game, while the defense, despite surrendering yardage through the air, excels at limiting points. The piece offers insider insight into why Pittsburgh’s balanced attack is clicking and what to expect going forward.
Pittsburgh hasn't had a Silver Slugger in over a decade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers announce the hiring of Liam Warin as their new front‑office football analyst, succeeding Donovan Moore, who left in September. According to the team site and Warin’s LinkedIn, he started the role as the 2026 regular season began, stepping into a key analytical position within the organization’s decision‑making staff.
The Yankees may need another reliable late‑inning reliever this off‑season, and former Pirates arm Luke Weaver could be a fit. Weaver posted a 2.69 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 60 ⅓ innings for the Mets and Pirates in 2026, showing he can handle pressure before the ninth. With New York facing potential bullpen departures—free agents David Bednar and Paul Blackburn—the club could explore a trade, though Pittsburgh still controls Weaver through 2027 and may demand a high price. The article weighs the cost of a Weaver reunion against re‑signing Blackburn or targeting other free‑agent setup men.
Five months after the Browns traded Myles Garrett for Jared Verse, the rookie DE faces a 27-6 loss to the Steelers and a viral body‑slam that has sparked controversy. After calling the Steelers’ line “dirty” in Week 4, Verse was slammed by Pittsburgh guard Mason McCormick on a blocked extra‑point attempt, a clip that quickly spread online. In the rematch, Cleveland’s offense sputters with eight sacks allowed and just 34 rushing yards, while the defense concedes 200 rushing yards and three TDs. Frustrated, Verse publicly blamed his teammates, urging them to “pick it up” ahead of the upcoming Saints game.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to New Orleans, Browns pass rusher Jared Verse opens up about the violent shove he took from Steelers lineman Mason McCormick last week. Verse says the incident could have ended his season and criticizes teammates for not defending him. The confrontation followed trash‑talk that even drew a response from Cam Heyward. Despite the drama, Verse remains productive after his trade from the Rams in the Myles Garrett deal, and Cleveland stays 5‑3 under rookie coach Todd Monken, still in the AFC hunt.
With starter Deshaun Watson sidelined by concussion protocol, rookie Shedeur Sanders steps in for the Cleveland Browns in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Sanders, who has thrown three passes for two yards this season, sparks debate after Skip Bayless claims his fifth‑round slide was the biggest draft injustice, even suggesting he deserved the No. 1 pick. Browns head coach Todd Monken praises Sanders' preparation and leadership, saying he’s ready to compete. The Browns sit 5‑3, third in the AFC North behind the Steelers (6‑2) and Bengals (5‑3), making Sanders’ debut a key storyline.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy praised tight end Darnell Washington as a rare, pure Y‑tight end who’s reshaping the offense. Washington logged a career day in the 27‑6 win over Cleveland, hauling five catches for 94 yards—including a 58‑yard play, his longest ever—that set up a Jaylen Warren TD. Through eight games he’s at 19 receptions, 254 yards and three touchdowns, on pace for his best season yet. The 6‑ft‑7, 300‑lb rookie, drafted in the third round in 2023, recently signed a four‑year, $42 million contract, securing $21 million guaranteed.
With the NFL trade deadline looming, former Steelers guard Willie Colon says Pittsburgh should zero in on a specific position to bolster its 6‑2 record. On the team’s bye week, he outlines the roster gap that could be filled before the deadline, explaining why this upgrade is crucial for a playoff push.