Beat writer Mike DeFabo criticizes the Steelers’ handling of safety DeShon Elliott after his limited Sunday return, noting he played just 19 snaps—only 33% of the defensive crew—while rookie Robert Spears‑Jennings and Jalen Ramsey covered the rest. DeFabo argues the reduced role diminishes Elliott’s unique play‑making abilities and questions the coaching decision, sparking debate among fans about the team’s defensive strategy.
The Utah Mammoth (8-5-0, 2nd in the Central) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (5-6-1, 6th in the Metropolitan) at 7 p.m. ET on Oct. 29, 2026. Both teams are scrambling for points: the Mammoth come off a 3-1 loss to Minnesota and aim to rebound after a shaky power play (34.8% success) and a league‑worst .866 save percentage from goalies Karel Vejmelka and Sebastian Cossa. Pittsburgh, dealing with week‑to‑week defenseman John Marino and a backup‑ready Liam O’Brien, hopes to even the season series after a recent 1-0 defeat. Key players to watch are Mikhail Sergachev, who leads Utah in points and is on a five‑game streak, and Penguins forward Nick Schmaltz, tied for second in league power‑play goals. The game streams on ESPN+ and airs locally on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
The blog post asks which MLB franchise is the most “meh” – offering fans the least to cheer about – and answers with a points‑based analysis of playoff performance since 1998. Using Baseball‑Reference data, the author assigns values to World Series wins (5 points) down to Wild Card losses (1 point). The results rank the New York Yankees at the top (70 points) and place the Pittsburgh Pirates at the bottom with just 4 points, labeling them the most consistently under‑performing team in the modern era. The piece also highlights surprising mid‑range results for teams like the Phillies and Rockies, and notes the Dodgers’ late‑season surge.
The Big Lead’s Week 8 running back power rankings list the NFL’s top 15 backs, highlighting injuries, recent performances and matchups. Notable entries include Arizona’s Jeremiyah Love, who missed two games with an ankle injury but may return against Dallas; Chicago’s D’Andre Swift, fresh off his seventh touchdown; Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving, who rushed for 106 yards and two scores; and Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren, who posted his third 100‑yard game. The top five feature Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Derrick Henry (Ravens), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Kyren Williams (Rams) and Javonte Williams (Cowboys), each with multiple touchdowns and strong week‑7 showings.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranks Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. as the league’s No. 2 trade candidate, giving him a 45% chance of moving before the Nov. 10 deadline. After a 1,200‑yard rookie season in 2024, his production dropped to 707 yards in 2025 and just 105 yards with one TD through six games this year. At 24, Thomas is in the third year of a four‑year, $14.38 M contract, and the Chiefs, Steelers and 49ers are listed as likely destinations. Kansas City needs receiver depth after injuries, Pittsburgh eyes him as a fit, and San Francisco could use a replacement for the injured Mike Evans.
After a week of criticism, Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen delivers a breakout performance, leading Pittsburgh with the most tackles, racking up a sack on the Saints' final drive, and flirting with an interception. The surge boosts his stock value to "up" in the Steelers Depot’s 2026 player watch, though analysts note the scrutiny will likely continue.
Mark Kaboly dismisses reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers are hunting a cornerback via trade, insisting their focus is elsewhere. While he anticipates a trade move within weeks, he says the team will target a wide receiver, not a defensive back or any other position. The insight challenges circulating speculation about the Steelers' draft‑day priorities.
Here is everything you need to know about Penguins vs. Mammoth, including TV and streaming options for the game.
The Pittsburgh Penguins return to action after a four‑day break, facing the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center on October 19, 2026, with a 7 PM Sportsnet Pittsburgh broadcast. The article notes the Penguins’ recent 11‑day loss to the Mammoth, roster moves—including Justin Brazeau’s activation from IR, Elmer Soderblom’s placement there, and the return of prospects—and trade chatter surrounding winger Rickard Rakell. Injuries to Sam Girard and Ben Kindel are addressed, while teammates celebrate Halloween in costume. The piece also highlights Semyon Varlamov’s first win since November 2024 and looming NHL salary growth projected at $113.5 million next season.
The Browns head to Pittsburgh for their Week 8 AFC North showdown, recalling the franchise's infamous 51‑0 victory over the Steelers on Sept. 10, 1989 – the fourth‑largest Week 1 margin in NFL history. That game saw Cleveland surge to a 17‑0 first‑quarter lead with defensive scores from Clay Matthews and David Grayson, eventually cruising to a 51‑0 shutout. Now, after a strong start to the season and a first‑place hold in the division, Cleveland aims for a season sweep, though a win of any size would be notable given the Steelers haven’t lost in Pittsburgh since 2003. Coach Todd Monken stresses focus, while injury updates and trade rumors swirl ahead of the clash.
The Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped a 82-80 season with a solid but youthful rotation—Paul Skenes (10-11, 3.82 ERA), Jared Jones, Braxton Ashcraft (14-6, 3.65 ERA) and Bubba Chandler—sparking calls for veteran depth. Writer Bucs Dugout advocates signing a free‑agent starter like Nick Martinez, who posted a 3.10 ERA and league‑lowest 1.30 BB/9 in the Rays' World Series run, or Michael King, who rebounded to 3.21 ERA over 32 starts for San Diego and may opt out of his $75 M deal. While pricier options such as Freddy Peralta or Tarik Skubal exist, adding experienced arms could stabilize the rotation and protect the team’s young talent.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter says the team added former Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins to their practice squad with the intention of elevating him for Sunday games. Minter highlights Jenkins’ versatility and potential to fill multiple roles on defense, explaining why Baltimore moved quickly after his release from Pittsburgh.
The article debates whether the Steelers should involve tight end Darnell Washington more in the passing attack amid a rash of WR injuries. Washington logged six targets against the Buccaneers, mainly as a safety valve, hauling in four catches for modest yardage. The piece examines his fit as a secondary receiving option, compares his usage to other tight ends, and outlines how expanding his role could offset the depleted receiver corps.
DK's Daily Shot of Steelers: The case for Downs
Aaron Rodgers has played in the NFL for 22 years, but the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said the flight home from Paris after Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints was unlike anything he had experienced before. “That was probably the most fun I’ve had on a plane ride home from a game in my 22 […]
The post Flight back from Paris was unlike any other in Aaron Rodgers’ career appeared first on ClutchPoints .
DK's Daily Shot of Penguins: What did McGroarty and Hayes show?
DK's Daily Shot of Pirates: Importance of young core
The Steelers' red‑zone ground game is collapsing, with just one rushing touchdown in the first seven games—the fewest since 1940. Aside from Jaylen Warren’s 50‑yard sprint, the team has barely run the ball in scoring range, leaving a glaring hole in their offense. The article examines why Pittsburgh isn’t running enough in the red zone and what it means for their playoff hopes.
Zach Frazier isn't the most vocal player on the Steelers' offensive line, but he's growing as a leader, understanding that he's more equipped to lead by example while choosing to speak when necessary.
In the Oct. 28 "Depot After Dark" roundup, Steelers fans get a blend of hot takes: rookie safety Cameron Crosby breaks his silence on Aaron Rodgers' surprise scramble, the Browns unleash an unorthodox blitz dubbed the "Renegade" that challenges Pittsburgh’s offense, and former linebacker Troy Polamalu receives a special honor from the franchise. The segment also notes Rodgers' solid play this season and highlights key moments from the latest Steelers game.
Welcome to Steelers Night Shift! Our LIVE audience interaction broadcast across YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook hosted by Jobe Morrison and Brendan Howe! We discuss Week 8 vs. Cleveland Browns. Check out more from Alan Saunders, Zachary Smith and the rest of the team on the Steelers Now YouTube page.
Aaron Rodgers expresses optimism that former Steelers wideout Marquez Valdes‑Scantling could suit up for Week 8 after the team’s receiver corps, hit by injuries to Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek, added him to the practice squad. Valdes‑Scantling, who was with Pittsburgh last season, is expected to provide a needed boost to the depleted passing attack as the Steelers chase a playoff berth.
Veteran Steelers left tackle Cam Heyward hails former fifth‑round pick Yahya Black as a ‘sustainable’ upgrade on the defensive line, noting the youngster’s increasing energy and impact. Heyward says Black’s growth shows the franchise’s heavy investment in trench talent is finally paying off, as the 2026 rookie begins to earn a starting role and draw attention away from higher‑profile teammates. The article details Black’s recent performances, coaching praise, and what his development means for Pittsburgh’s defense heading into the final stretch of the season.
Strong safety DeShon Elliott returns from injured reserve just in time for the Steelers’ second showdown with the Cleveland Browns. After missing the first meeting, Elliott says the rematch is a classic Pittsburgh‑versus‑Cleveland battle and he’s eager to help preserve the Steelers’ unbeaten home record against Cleveland. The interview hints at his confidence and the stakes for Pittsburgh’s defense as the rivalry reignites on October 28, 2026.
Joey Porter Jr. doesn’t pay much attention to the outside noise. The Dallas Cowboys defensive back believes he can silence them all — in time. Porter missed the first four weeks of the season when he was still with the Pittsburgh Steelers and amid a contract standoff with his former team. He has since been […]
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