After a four‑game winning streak and a decisive Week 9 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers sit atop the AFC North and enjoy a much‑needed bye. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey says the team is "confident" that Pittsburgh can contend for the Super Bowl, citing improved play across offense, defense, and special teams. The article outlines the key factors behind the surge, including a balanced attack and renewed locker‑room energy, and explores what the Steelers need to maintain momentum heading into the second half of the season.
All‑Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward tells listeners on The Rich Eisen Show that former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is unlikely to return to the sidelines, saying the veteran is “way too comfortable” as an NBC analyst. Heyward praises Tomlin’s new role, noting his “electric” storytelling and enjoyment of the job, which Tomlin himself describes as “part‑time work, full‑time pay.” With Tomlin receiving rave reviews on Football Night in America and expressing that he’s having “the time of my life,” the former coach appears set to stay in the media booth for now.
Pittsburgh Steelers vice president Art Rooney Jr., the former scouting chief who helped build the 1970s four‑Super Bowl dynasty, is omitted from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 ballot. A semifinalist for the contributor category in 2026, Rooney—who oversaw drafts that produced nine Hall of Famers and possibly an eleventh with L.C. Greenwood—has been a semifinalist for the past three classes. The Hall’s new voting rules cut semifinal spots and reduced Pittsburgh’s representation, leaving the 91‑year‑old without a chance this year despite praise from former GM Kevin Colbert. The article also notes other Steelers Hall of Fame inductees and upcoming eligibility for players like Ben Roethlisberger.
Cleveland’s quarterback Deshaun Watson enters the NFL concussion protocol after a helmet‑to‑helmet hit by Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker in the first quarter of the Nov. 1 loss. Watson threw a season‑high 324 yards on 27‑of‑39 passes, was sacked six times and lost a fumble, then reported concussion symptoms on Monday. Backup Shedeur Sanders, the 2025 fifth‑round pick, saw limited action and is slated to start against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 if Watson remains sidelined. The Browns, now 5‑3 and tied for second in the AFC North, face a tough stretch with a road game at the Saints Sunday.
After a strong 6-2 start, the Pittsburgh Steelers sit atop the AFC North but face a looming challenge from the Cincinnati Bengals, who head coach Nick Wright says he now 'takes more seriously' and sees greater upside than Pittsburgh. The Steelers have already beaten both the Bengals and Browns, while the Ravens' Lamar Jackson may miss the rest of the season, further tightening the division race. Wright’s comments hint at a potential shift in the rivalry as the Bengals look to capitalize on the Steelers’ momentum in the upcoming weeks.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady praises Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, noting his transition to a pocket passer and “total control” despite being 42. Brady highlights Rodgers’ six interceptions, five from Hail Marys, and his decision‑making. Through eight games, Rodgers is 175‑288 for 1,871 yards, 13 TDs, six picks, with an 86.2 rating, helping Pittsburgh sit 6‑2 atop the AFC North. While the run game thrives, the passing attack—especially the Rodgers‑Metcalf connection and red‑zone efficiency—needs work. Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio cites RPOs and line checks as key to future success, positioning the Steelers as a potential dark‑horse playoff contender.
The Steelers rebound from an early‑season wobble with a dominant 27‑6 win over the Browns, thanks to a ferocious defensive line that posted eight sacks on Deshaun Watson and a run‑first offense led by undrafted star Jaylen Warren (704 rushing yards, 15.2 EPA, 2 TDs). Sitting 6‑2 after Week 9 and enjoying a bye, they top the AFC North ahead of the Bengals, whom they’ll face in Week 10 after the Bengals’ Spain trip. Pittsburgh’s defense ranks in the top ten across multiple metrics, while the run game—bolstered by Darnell Washington’s receiving—continues to thrive, positioning the Steelers as a serious playoff contender.
The Browns announced on November 4 that quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL concussion protocol after a helmet‑to‑helmet hit in the Week 8 loss to the Steelers. Watson, who has already been sacked a league‑high 33 times this season, was cleared post‑game but began experiencing symptoms on Monday and will miss at least the upcoming matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Fans on X cheered the news, many eager to see backup Shedeur Sanders take the reins. Watson holds a 5‑3 record with seven touchdowns, but his future hinges on completing the five‑step protocol.
The article evaluates Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Jaylen Warren’s place among the NFL’s elite backs, comparing him to a ranked list that includes Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and nine other top rushers. Steelers Depot’s writers discuss Warren’s 2026 stats—over 1,100 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and a 5.2 yards‑per‑carry average—highlighting his breakout performances and impact on the Steelers’ offense. The piece concludes by slotting Warren within the top five, arguing his blend of power and vision puts him alongside the league’s premier running backs.
In the latest Steelers Morning Rush podcast, Alan Saunders highlights the Steelers' 6-2 start to the 2026 season, crediting the young offensive line as the biggest payoff from GM Omar Khan’s recent investments. The episode breaks down how the revamped line is shaping game performance and boosting the team's early success.
Bill Cowher praises the Steelers after their dominant 31‑17 win over the Cleveland Browns, which lifts Pittsburgh to a 6‑2 record and the top spot in the AFC North ahead of their bye week. The Hall of Famer, a Super Bowl‑winning former coach, highlights the team's upward trajectory and the growing confidence around the franchise. Cowher’s latest comments offer insight into what he sees as the Steelers’ promising direction.
In Season 17, Episode 44 of The Terrible Podcast, Steelers Depot hosts Alex Kozora, Joe Clark, and the author dissect the Steelers' midseason woes. They open with a deep dive into DK Metcalf's struggles, expand the critique to the entire wide‑receiver corps, and then transition to the latest trade rumors and a fresh evaluation of head coach Mike McCarthy’s performance. The episode also previews upcoming games and highlights key statistical trends as the Steelers aim to rebound before the postseason deadline.
Former NFL offensive lineman describes the Steelers' transformation into a hard‑nosed, trench‑dominant squad, crediting a renewed 'nasty mindset' for their physical run game and identity revival. The article notes the shift from identity concerns in September to a clear, aggressive style by early November, positioning Pittsburgh as a legitimate contender.
The Cleveland Browns, currently 5‑3 and fighting for a playoff spot, have placed quarterback Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Watson suffered a helmet‑to‑helmet hit in the first quarter against the Steelers, was cleared after on‑field and post‑game evaluations, but reported symptoms Monday night and now faces the NFL’s five‑step clearance process. He has thrown for 1,806 yards, 7 TDs and 3 INTs this season, while also rushing for 217 yards and a score. If he cannot return, backup Shedeur Sanders is expected to start Sunday.
The Steelers sit 6-2 after a bye week, with a defense that’s the league’s sixth‑best in EPA per dropback at –0.02. In 2026 they favor zone schemes—35.3% Cover 3, 23.7% Cover 4, and 14.2% Cover 2—while man coverage is rare (Cover 1 at 9.1%). The trade of Joey Porter Jr. appears to pay off as rookie Daylen Everette excels at cornerback. The article also teases a Three Rivers Report, QB interview rumors, and other NFL buzz.
Beat writer Michael McCarthy says head coach Mike Tomlin's top asset is his knack for building trust across the Steelers' veteran locker room. Despite longtime players' entrenched habits, Tomlin's new communication style is winning over the squad, with players responding positively to his fresh perspective. The article explores how this growing rapport could shape Pittsburgh's performance as the season heads into its critical stretch.
The Cleveland Browns put Deshaun Watson into the NFL concussion protocol after he reported symptoms following a helmet‑to‑helmet hit against the Steelers, ending his chance to start Sunday’s game versus the New Orleans Saints. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has only attempted three passes for two yards in two relief outings this season, is now poised to make his first start for Cleveland against a 2‑5 Saints team. Watson had been cleared after the game but developed symptoms on Tuesday, leaving his health and the Browns’ playoff hopes in doubt.
Cleveland places rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the starting role for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints after starter Deshaun Watson is sidelined by a concussion sustained in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sanders, who appeared in two games as a backup this season and started the final seven games of his 2025 rookie year, now has his first start of 2026. The Browns sit 5‑3 and need a win to stay on pace with the playoff‑bound Steelers (6‑2) and Bengals (5‑2).
The Cleveland Browns have placed starter Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Steelers, leaving the quarterback spot open for Shedeur Sanders. Watson, who returned for the remainder of a 27-6 loss, reported symptoms on Tuesday and will be evaluated this week. If he remains sidelined, Sanders could make his first 2026 start against the New Orleans Saints—whose defense ranks among the league's worst—offering the Browns a chance to shift the QB debate amid their 5-3 start.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson leaves the Browns’ Sunday matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers early for a concussion evaluation after a hard hit from Jaquan Brisker, returns on the next drive, but now reports delayed concussion symptoms. The Steelers Depot article, published Nov. 4, 2026, details the injury protocol and its implications for Cleveland’s upcoming games.
Deshaun Watson is placed on the Browns’ concussion protocol after a helmet‑to‑helmet hit by the Steelers, despite clearing post‑game evaluations. The injury opens the door for backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders to receive first‑team reps and potentially start against the New Orleans Saints this week. Sanders, who competed with Watson for the starting role in the offseason, now has a chance to prove himself against a struggling Saints defense, while Watson is expected to miss at least one more game.
The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol after he reported symptoms following a hard hit in Sunday's 3‑17 loss to the Steelers. The league’s independent doctor cleared him, but the protocol sidelines him for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints, handing the start to backup Shedeur Sanders. Watson, the 2017 first‑round pick now under a five‑year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal, has thrown for 1,806 yards, seven TDs and three INTs this season. His absence adds pressure on the Browns as they chase a playoff push.
The Browns' Week 8 loss to the Steelers exposed critical flaws as they fell 27-6 to drop to 5-3 in the AFC North. Deshaun Watson endured eight sacks while the offensive line crumbled, and the defense surrendered 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The article argues that without bolstering pass protection and matching the physical run defense typical of division rivals, Cleveland’s playoff hopes remain in jeopardy.
After a 27-6 road defeat to the Steelers, the Cleveland Browns reshuffle their practice squad, waiving WR Bub Means, P Wes Pahl, OG Vershon Lee and OT Andrew Coker. They replace them with WR Xavier Guillory, OG Austin Blaske and OT Xavier Truss, leaving one spot open after RB Audric Estime is claimed by the New Orleans Saints. Guillory (undrafted 2025, ex‑Ravens), Blaske (undrafted, ex‑Rams), and Truss (Georgia two‑time national champ, 7 NFL games with the Saints) all join the squad.
After a dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium crowd skips the traditional playing of Styx’s “Renegade,” leaving the team’s defense eager for the anthem. The iconic song, a staple for about 25 years at Pittsburgh home games, is usually timed for pivotal moments, but the blowout left fans and players alike disappointed that the celebratory cue never arrived.