As the Steelers head into their bye week, Behind the Steel Curtain breaks down six expert mock drafts to spotlight Pittsburgh’s projected first‑round picks for the 2027 NFL Draft. Analysts from Fox Sports, CBS, USA Today and others suggest a range of targets—from QB Dante Moore (Oregon) and QB Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) to cornerbacks Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia) and Kelley Jones (Mississippi State), running back Jadan Baugh (Florida) and safety Tae Johnson (Notre Dame). The Steelers sit at the late‑20s slot and hold nine total selections, with no compensatory picks. Which prospect could fill the team’s biggest needs?
Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Ham, former Pittsburgh Steeler and current Penn State radio analyst, was hospitalized on Saturday after a reported medical emergency, according to a Penn State Sports Network press release. Details about his condition remain limited, but the release confirms he is receiving treatment. The news, published by Steelers Depot on November 7, 2026, underscores concerns for the NFL legend’s health.
The Steelers' recent surge hinges on a dramatic rise in time‑of‑possession, signaling a shift from a struggling offense to a game‑controlling unit. Pittsburgh now consistently sustains drives, letting its defense stay fresh and dictating tempo. The article breaks down how this key stat has powered the team’s turnaround and what it means for their upcoming games.
The Steelers are eyeing the upcoming primetime clash between No. 1 Miami and No. 7 Notre Dame as a key scouting opportunity for future franchise quarterbacks. Miami’s 21‑year‑old Darian Mensah impresses with football IQ, a 17‑0 TD/INT ratio against blitzes, precise touch throws and improved pocket navigation, though his lack of velocity and reliance on screen plays (524 yards, four TDs so far) raise concerns. Notre Dame’s junior CJ Carr shows poise, strong pre‑snap processing and a knack for avoiding sacks, but his arm strength and athleticism are modest and he rarely attacks the intermediate zone (only 16% of throws). Their performances on Nov. 7 will help gauge readiness for the Steelers’ next QB, making the game a must‑watch barometer for scouts.
The Steelers sit 6-2 heading into the bye, bolstered by a stout defense and a powerful run game, but their aerial attack lags. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown for just 1,684 yards—20th in the league—on 290 attempts, the ninth‑most passes thrown. Wide receiver Andre (Kaboly) expresses urgent concern that without a trade, the WR corps will remain ineffective, warning that "somebody better be coming here in the next four days" if the unit is to improve before the season’s second half.
Former Steelers star‑turned‑analyst Ryan Clark says ESPN is turning former teammate Troy Aikman into the scapegoat of its Monday Night Football turmoil. Clark, who was abruptly let go during a 2026 budget cut, compares his own leak‑filled exit to Aikman’s rumored contract non‑renewal, arguing the network favors Joe Buck with a new deal while subtly marginalizing Aikman. He claims ESPN is crafting a narrative that paints Aikman as the “bad guy,” citing behind‑the‑scenes leaks and a lack of public support. Clark hopes both veterans receive deserved respect despite the drama ahead of ESPN’s upcoming Super Bowl broadcast.
The Kings (5‑7‑2) host the Penguins (5‑9‑2) Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena as the club seeks a bounce‑back win. Alex Panarin leads Los Angeles’ offense, while power‑play improvements are highlighted and forward Noah Turcotte is projected to return from injury. The game also supports Hockey Fights Cancer. Tune in at 6 PM PT on ABTV, DAZN, KLAA or the LA Kings app.
As the Steelers head into their bye week, the latest defensive chart reviews the first eight games of 2026, breaking down sack totals, pressures, third‑down stops, and player grades from a decade‑long weekly analysis. The post previews Tom Mead’s offensive chart for tomorrow and promises a season‑end version, offering fans a data‑driven snapshot of Pittsburgh’s defensive performance to date.
The Steelers, sitting 6-2 despite WR injuries to Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson and a underperforming DK Metcalf, are eyeing a trade before the Tuesday deadline. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler names three potential targets: Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, and backup option Calvin Ridley. Thomas has slipped on the Jaguars’ depth chart, Downs could be the second Colts receiver Pittsburgh acquires this year, and Ridley has seen limited snaps with the Titans. Adding one of these could boost Pittsburgh’s aerial attack and keep their playoff push alive.
Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Browns' 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh last Sunday. He returned to practice Friday but still isn’t cleared to start, meaning backup Shedeur Sanders will take the helm in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Watson, who has thrown for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions in eight games, could be listed as an active backup. The Browns aim to improve to 6‑3 with Sanders under center.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero outlines the wide receivers likely to be on the trade block as the NFL deadline approaches, highlighting potential targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The piece lists names, recent performances, and contract situations that could make a move possible before the Tuesday deadline on November 10, 2026.
Former NFL defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko accuses the Cleveland Browns of fast‑tracking Deshaun Watson back from a concussion after he took a helmet‑to‑helmet hit on Nov. 1, claiming the move was driven by rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders' "unplayable" performance. Watson missed only four plays before returning, while Sanders completed two passes for two yards. The Browns placed Watson in concussion protocol on Monday after delayed symptoms, but reinstated him for practice ahead of Week 9 against the Saints, leaving Sanders to start. The controversy highlights concerns over player safety versus offensive struggles, with the Browns' line still allowing eight sacks against Pittsburgh.
At the season’s midway point, the Steelers Depot breaks down Pittsburgh’s first eight games in five key observations. The author praises rookie tight end Zach Frazier as an immediate All‑Pro impact, evaluates the defense’s consistency, questions the offensive line’s depth, highlights quarterback Jared Wilson’s growing poise, and assesses the team’s playoff outlook with a crucial bye week looming. These insights, anchored by specific player names and game context, give readers a snapshot of the Steelers’ trajectory before the next stretch.
Cameron Johnston is on pace to shatter the Steelers' 80‑year‑old single‑season gross punting average record. The veteran punter has logged a 48.3‑yard average through nine games, edging toward the 48.5‑yard mark set by veteran Gary Anderson in 1946. If he maintains his pace, Johnston could rewrite a stat that has survived the franchise’s “golden age” of dominance. The article breaks down his performance, compares it to league leaders, and explores what this milestone could mean for Pittsburgh’s special‑teams unit.
With a 6-2 record, the Steelers enter their upcoming bye week at a pivotal point in the 2026 season. The article examines how Pittsburgh can leverage the break to sustain momentum, refine strategy, and spark a push toward greatness, outlining key areas for improvement and the implications of the pause on their playoff push.
Kansas City, Pittsburgh and San Francisco are circling three wide receivers ahead of the Nov. 12 trade deadline, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The Chiefs, looking to bolster Patrick Mahomes' arsenal after recent injuries, have shown interest in Jacksonville's breakout Brian Thomas Jr., while both the Chiefs and Steelers monitor Indianapolis slot‑receiver Josh Downs. Veteran Calvin Ridley also emerges as a possible target for any team needing immediate production. No concrete talks have been confirmed, and any move hinges on trade compensation and salary‑cap flexibility.
Week 9 brings a fresh wave of injuries that could reshape fantasy lineups. Key absences include Amon‑Ra St. Brown (LAR), WR George Pickens (PIT), Emeka Egbuka (NYJ), and rookie Hunter ... The report breaks down each player's status, offers start/sit recommendations, and highlights viable pivots such as Justin Jefferson, DK Metcalf, and the emerging Trevor Lawrence. It also flags potential waiver wire adds and matchup insights for the Thursday night slate, giving managers the tools they need to adjust rosters before kickoff on November 7, 2026.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, coming off a surprise second‑place finish and their first playoff berth in four years, now sit 5‑9‑2 and second‑worst in the Eastern Conference. GM Kyle Dubas may act quickly, according to Elliotte Friedman, because many players lack trade protection. Yet veterans like Evgeni Malkin (pending three‑team trade list) and Erik Karlsson (full no‑move clause) have a say, and Crosby appears untouchable. With Rickard Rakell on an eight‑team no‑trade list and Bryan Rust unrestricted, Dubas could reshuffle the roster rapidly if owners approve.
Willie Colon erupts after Browns defensive end Jared Verse complains that his teammates didn’t protect him when Steelers guard Mason McCormick flipped him during a recent matchup. Colon mocks Verse’s outburst, questioning his confidence and calling the rant delusional. The exchange highlights lingering tension between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns following the heated on‑field incident.
Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and rookie defenseman Evan Bouchard each hit the 30‑point mark this season, making the Oilers only the third team in the last 50 years—joining the 1995‑96 Penguins and 1979‑80 Kings—to have three players be the league’s first 30‑point producers. Bouchard also becomes just the sixth defenseman since the 1943‑44 modern era to score 10 goals in his first 17 games. Their combined output fuels Edmonton’s elite offense and a potent power play.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby isn't far from setting another record, and it's one that will only cement his legendary legacy even further in NHL history.
The Cleveland Browns have outperformed low preseason expectations, sitting 5-3 heading into Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Despite a rookie‑heavy roster, a new coaching staff, quarterback uncertainty, and the trade of a star defender, the Browns secured five wins—four on the road—against opponents like the Buccaneers, Panthers, Steelers, Ravens and Titans, often as underdogs. The offense shows clear improvement over last year, while the defense remains among the league’s better units despite a dip from its previous dominance. Analysts label the team as average but youthful, with playoff hopes still alive as they face a tough mid‑season stretch.
Veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger praises Steelers running back Jaylen Warren as a hidden MVP candidate after Warren's 143-yard, one‑touchdown performance in the Steelers' 27‑6 Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns. Roethlisberger highlighted Warren’s league‑leading yards after contact on his Footbahlin podcast, noting his career‑high pace of 704 rushing yards on 119 carries and a projected season total that could eclipse his 2025 total of 958 yards. With a Week 9 bye, Warren eyes the upcoming matchup against the Bengals, hoping to solidify his MVP case.
Welcome back to our WR/CB Matchups for Week 9 of the 2026 fantasy football season. The Titans and Steelers have […]
With the 2026 NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10, the biggest buzz centers on Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who may head to the New York Giants—the only team reportedly offering a serious package, though still below the Colts' asking price of a future first‑rounder or a McCaffrey‑style haul. Wideout Josh Downs is also on the move, likely for a fourth‑round pick, with the Chiefs, Steelers and 49ers showing interest. Meanwhile, the Vikings, struggling under Kyler Murray's low QBR, are exploring quarterback options instead of a running back. The Jacksonville Jaguars field interest in Pro Bowl receiver Brian Thomas Jr., but his value as a downfield threat and locker‑room popularity may keep him in Jacksonville.