With a 6‑2 record and the AFC North lead, the Steelers eye a trade deadline upgrade at wide receiver. Former NFL exec Doug Whaley urges Pittsburgh to be aggressive, flagging Josh Downs as a potential target but reminding fans that Downs would serve more as depth—like “insurance”—than a game‑changing star. The article weighs the risks and rewards of a mid‑season acquisition as the Steelers approach their bye week.
T.J. Watt’s stock rises as he reclaims the NFL sack lead midway through the 2026 season. After eight games, the Steelers OLB has posted 7.5 sacks, including another multi‑sack performance, marking one of his best recent outings. Though his forced‑fumble numbers lag, his sack production is boosting his value on the Steelers Stock Watch.
The Steelers enter their week‑9 bye atop the AFC North after a 27‑6 win over Cleveland, but analysts caution that their secondary could curb long‑term success. While the defense ranks elite in run stopping (3rd), sacks (1st) and forcing quick throws (3rd), it sits 17th against the pass and trails near the bottom in yards after catch (30th) and separation per target (32nd). Rookie safety Robert Spears‑Jennings shines, but DeShon Elliott’s injuries and Jaquan Brisker’s inconsistent coverage leave the safety spot vulnerable, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was traded before the season. Recent game film shows missed assignments and tight‑end beatdowns, suggesting the pass defense remains a ticking time bomb.
The Boston Bruins dominate the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2 on November 5 at PPG Paints Arena. After falling behind early, the Bruins explode with three goals in under seven minutes to lead 3-1, then add two more in the second period—Pavel Zacha scoring twice and Morgan Geekie adding a goal and an assist. Four Bruins post multi‑point nights: Zacha (2G), Geekie (1G,1A), JJ Peterka (2A) and David Pastrnak (2A). Goalie Michael DiPietro records 16 saves. The win is marred by James Hagens exiting after a cross‑check from Samuel Girard. The Bruins next host the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
At 6-2, the Pittsburgh Steelers have turned a spate of wide receiver injuries into a catalyst for offensive reinvention, according to columnist Ray Fittipaldo. Forced to look beyond traditional passing options, the team has tapped new playmakers and schemes that are now driving their success. Fittipaldo argues this unexpected shift may reveal the Steelers' true identity and could shape the remainder of their season.
Today's Steelers roundup covers a viral animation of left guard Mason McCormick slamming Jaguars' Jared Verse, and Baltimore’s Derrick Henry breaking into the NFL’s top‑seven rushers by passing Jerome Bettis and LaDainian Tomlinson after a 57‑yard effort in a 33‑10 loss to Jacksonville on Oct. 11. Former coach Bill Cowher recounts Tommy Maddox’s outrage over the 2004 Ben Roethlisberger draft, while the Steelers and NFL Foundation award field‑renovation grants to Frazier and California Area school districts. Richard Sherman backs T.J. Watt for Defensive Player of the Year, Antonio Brown headlines the Black‑Friday Steelers‑Broncos tailgate, Julian Edelman extols RB Jaylen Warren’s breakout, and Coach Mike McCarthy praises the offensive line on Mark Madden’s show.
The Penguins drop a fourth straight game, losing 6-2 to the Boston Bruins at PPG Paints Arena on November 5. Coach Dan Muse defends struggling defenseman Declan Carlile, who’s been on the ice for a team‑high 19 goals against. Forward Egor Chinakhov, acquired from Columbus last year, has managed just four points in nine games after injuries but shows signs of a comeback. Around the league, the Jets recall former Penguin prospect Brayden Yager, the Rangers waive veteran goalie James Reimer after a rough outing, and the Wild clear defenseman Brock Faber from a fractured skull. Panthers forward Brad Marchand may not return until December despite recent skating.
Steelers safety depth is heating up as rookie Robert Spears‑Jennings cements a starting role opposite Jaquan Brisker and Jalen Ramsey, while veteran DeShon Elliott remains on the sidelines after beginning the season on IR. The article examines whether Spears‑Jennings will continue to keep Elliott out of the lineup, outlining his seventh‑round pick status, on‑field performance, and the coaching staff’s expectations for the rest of the season.
Brandon Lowe, in his debut season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, becomes a National League Silver Slugger finalist and also contends for a Gold Glove. He posted a .260/.331/.493 slash line with 35 homers, 96 RBIs and a franchise‑record 33 second‑base home runs in 150 games, leading the team in power stats and ranking among league leaders in HRs, slugging and OPS. The 32‑year‑old faces free agency, with Pittsburgh extending a $23.15 million qualifying offer that must be decided by Nov. 17. The Silver Slugger winner is announced on Nov. 17.
The Sick Podcast recaps a thrilling 5-4 OT comeback by the Montreal Canadiens, highlighted by captain Nick Suzuki’s three-point return after a month off. The episode also delves into the odd injury saga of forward Ivan Demidov, trade chatter surrounding Evgeni Malkin, and Detroit’s dilemma over Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson. Highlights include Toronto’s interest in Nashville’s Roman Josi, a 6-2 win by the Winnipeg Jets over Vancouver, and Bruins rookie James Hagens stealing the Calder spotlight after a 6-2 victory over Pittsburgh. The hosts discuss the Sharks’ struggles and Brad Marchand’s praise for Patrice Bergeron, offering a roundup of today’s hottest NHL rumors and game results.
DK's Daily Shot of Steelers: Go get a receiver!
The Boston Bruins continued their surge with a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 6, 2026, marking their third straight victory and fourth of the season for goalie Michael DiPietro (16 saves). Pavel Zacha netted a brace while Mark Kastelic, Elias Lindholm, Morgan Geekie, and Fraser Minten each added a goal, giving the Bruins five different scorers. Coach Marco Sturm credits depth and line consistency—every line contributed offensively and defensively, with the third line shutting down Sidney Crosby’s unit and limiting the Penguins to zero shots on goal from their top line. The blue‑line also shined, with Hampus Lindholm (+4) and Charlie McAvoy (+3) supporting a 70.25% expected‑goals share. The win pushes Boston to a 12‑4‑1 record.
DK's Daily Shot of Penguins: This is embarrassing
The Steelers slip to the No. 4 seed in the AFC after the Jaguars upset the Ravens on Thursday night. Pittsburgh entered Week 9 as the third seed with a 6‑2 record, but Jacksonville's win moves the Jaguars to No. 3 (6‑2, 5‑2 AFC) while the Steelers fall to No. 4 despite also being 6‑2. The updated standings list Buffalo (6‑1) first, Denver (6‑2, 3‑1 AFC) second, and the Jaguars now ahead of Pittsburgh. The article also teases related Steelers stories, including Alex Highsmith’s defensive insight and a former QB interview.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Thursday night victory over the Ravens propelled them to at least third place in the AFC and keeps them in contention for the second seed behind the Buffalo Bills. After the win the standings read: Bills 6‑1, Broncos 6‑2 (3‑1 AFC), Jaguars 6‑2 (5‑2), Steelers 6‑2 (3‑2 AFC). Tiebreakers put Denver at the No. 2 seed, Jacksonville at No. 3 and Pittsburgh at No. 4. With the Steelers on a bye, the Jags could climb to second if the Broncos lose and the Bills stumble, but Buffalo remains the only team they can’t overtake this week.
After the loss to the Bruins on Thursday night, Crosby had a simple message: "We just gotta be better."
Check out the best highlights from Thursday's game between the Penguins and Bruins right here.
The Boston Bruins extend their winning streak to three with a dominant 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 6, 2026. Pavel Zacha nets a pair of goals, while Mark Kastelic, Elias Lindholm, Morgan Geekie and Fraser Minten each add one. Michael DiPietro records 16 saves for his fourth straight win. Early in the game, Justin Brazeau scores for the Penguins, but the Bruins quickly respond and never look back. James Hagens exits early after a cross‑check by Sam Girard, with no injury update yet. The Bruins head home before facing the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
The Boston Bruins dominate the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2 on November 5, 2026 at PPG Paints Arena. Boston’s early surge includes goals from Pavel Zacha (2), Morgan Geekie, and a third‑period marker by Fraser Minten, while the Penguins’ lone scores come from Justin Brazeau and a Nick Robertson deflection. Evgeni Malkin returns from injury, but Pittsburgh battles setbacks as Sidney Crosby exits briefly with a slash injury and Declan Carlile takes a hit to the jaw. The Bruins outshoot the Pens 39‑93 and control all three periods, securing a convincing win despite a brief second‑period rally by Pittsburgh.
In the latest Depot After Dark (Nov. 5) the Steelers are highlighted for multiple accolades: the team, now 6‑2, receives several award nominations; rookie RB Khalil Highsmith marvels at the legendary Terry Warren during a recent practice; and former Steelers quarterbacks reunite for a charitable event. The brief roundup blends on‑field success with nostalgic moments, offering fans quick updates on the Steelers’ standout season.
During their bye week, the Steelers turn eyes to the 2027 NFL Draft via Pro Football Focus’s simulator. At No. 27 overall they target Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, praised for his football IQ, quick release and precise ball placement. In Round 2 (Pick 60) they eye Kentucky tackle Lance Heard, a big‑body lineman with run‑blocking upside but penalty concerns. The third round features two picks: LB Tony Rojas from Penn State, a highly rated linebacker noted by Mel Kiper, and T Samson Okunlola from Miami, a versatile tackle with high upside despite uneven pass‑protection. The mock outlines Pittsburgh’s strategy to address quarterback, line and defense needs for a potential playoff push.
Jalen Ramsey says the Steelers are ready for the Bengals' talented wide‑receiver group ahead of their November 15 showdown. With both clubs poised at 6‑2 if Cincinnati wins this week, Ramsey’s confidence underscores Pittsburgh’s defensive preparation during the brief bye before the high‑stakes matchup.
Former Steelers lineman Trai Essex condemns Browns rookie Spencer Fano for what he calls one of the "dirtiest plays" ever—grabbing the back of Alex Highsmith's shoulder pads and pulling him down during the Nov. 1 game, a move that could have caused serious injury. The incident, already flagged as holding, may prompt an NFL fine. Meanwhile, the Browns’ special‑teams coach and edge rusher Jared Verse criticize Steelers guard Mason McCormick’s head‑slam on Verse, demanding accountability for both sides’ dangerous tactics.
Ben Roethlisberger criticizes Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy for underutilizing running back Jaylen Warren in the red zone after Warren’s 143‑yard, one‑touchdown effort in the 27‑6 win over Cleveland. Warren is averaging 6.9 yards per touch and has amassed 704 yards in eight games, yet has only two rushing TDs, prompting questions about play‑calling near the goal line. The Steelers sit 6‑2, lead the AFC North, and aim to improve their 37.9% third‑down conversion rate. Roethlisberger argues more short‑yardage carries could boost Warren’s scoring as Pittsburgh prepares for a Week 9 matchup with Cincinnati.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returns after a year‑long eye injury, playing 14 snaps in a Week 8 loss to Jacksonville. The team’s WR Josh Downs, reportedly seeking a trade, draws interest from the Chiefs and Steelers, though insiders doubt Indianapolis will receive a third‑round pick. Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. is also rumored to be on the move, with the 49ers mentioned as a possible destination. Houston’s defense sits 19th in points allowed, prompting head coach DeMeco Ryans and GM Nick Caserio to blame execution, not scheme, while DE Will Anderson claims opponents have figured out their approach. RB David Montgomery remains a week‑to‑week groin injury and will miss Week 9.