By Teresa Varley/Originally published by steelers.com
Friday, September 27
Stopping the run: Linebacker T.J. Watt knows what the defense is up against this week facing the Indianapolis Colts, including quarterback Anthony Richardson, who he described as a ‘big guy.’
And he isn’t wrong.
Richardson is 6-4, 244, a threat with his arm and to run the ball.
“Obviously, you can’t fully understand until you see him in person, but I’ve heard he’s a big guy and he looks big on film,” said Watt. “It’s one of those things that when you’re around, you have to tackle the ball, especially with the player safety initiative, all that stuff.
“But he is going to be a tough guy to get down when you get to him. I think there’s only four sacks so far in the season for them. But we know, and we understand that first and foremost is stopping the run and how much they like to run the ball.
“They ran the ball on us a lot last year in December and that was without J.T. as well.”
J.T. would be running back Jonathan Taylor, who is coming off two straight 100-yard games, including 23 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears last week.
“We just have to get hats to the ball,” said Watt. “It’s everything we talk about each and every week. It’s not playing superhero ball, it’s guys doing their jobs.
“He is a slasher. He can lower his shoulder. He can be patient and juke outside when things get bottled up. In the Green Bay game, it looked like it was bottled up in the backfield and he squirts off for 10 yards down the sideline.
“So, it’s going to take getting everybody to the ball. And then hopefully the second guy coming in can come in with bad intentions trying to get after the football.”
The Steelers will see some new faces on the Colts offense this time around, and even though it’s still Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter’s offense, Watt knows things will differ.
“It’s still the same play caller and stuff,” said Watt. “So, you definitely can get some of that stuff. But it’s also two totally different teams and different situations than we were a year ago.
“It seems like even globally, people are just trying to run the ball more. You just have to figure out what their favorite runs are of the week and try to stop them to the best of our ability and hopefully get some points on the board and we can pin our ears back.”
With outside linebacker Alex Highsmith ruled out for Sunday, look for DeMarvin Leal to step up and do his part to help the defense as an edge rusher.
“This is not his first go-around,” said Watt. “He’s gotten live in game reps at both end and outside linebacker. So, we’re comfortable with that.
“He asks good questions. He has shown a lot of versatility in his pass rush moves in. Obviously, he can stop the run.
“He is a big guy. He’s not just powerful like he looks, he has a lot of finesse to him as you guys have seen. He’s come a long way and I’m really excited for him to get some playing time.”
Big props: Quarterback Justin Fields has been earning praise from every corner of the Steelers locker room, whether it be offense, defense or guys on special teams.
But one comment that really stood out came from right guard James Daniels.
“It seems like he’s played a lot more football than he has,” said Daniels. “It really feels that way.”
In four seasons in the league, Fields has played in 43 games, starting 41 of them. Not an extensive career by any means yet.
The fact that Daniels, who was Fields’ starting right guard his rookie season with the Bears feels that way, says a lot about his maturity and growth in the game.
“I think he’s been confident,” said Daniels. “I’m excited for his development because I saw when he was a rookie, and he’s came a long way since that.
“I’m just excited that he’s playing well and he’s playing with confidence. I’ve always been a fan of his even back in college. I’ve always been a fan. So, I’m glad to see that he’s doing well.
“He has control of the huddle. Even though we’re a younger offense, he is taking control of things and doing a great job so far.”
Fields’ calm, cool demeanor is something that has been lauded by his teammates, and while Daniels appreciates that approach, he is content as long as the team is winning.
“I’ve had a whole bunch of quarterbacks, so as long as we’re winning games and gaining yards, they could be whatever,” said Daniels. “I just want to win games and score points.
“But I think he’s been doing a great job so far. So, I’m excited. Like I said, I’ve been a fan of his, so I am glad he is doing well.”
Tough test: The Steelers defense will face a challenge this week going against Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who can hurt a defense with his arm or his feet.
Richardson has completed 36 of 73 pass attempts for 583 yards and three touchdowns this season, but he has also rushed 18 times for 117 yards and a touchdown thanks to his mobility.
And at 6-4, 244 pounds, he is a big-body quarterback who isn’t easy to bring down once he gets going.
“Big athlete at quarterback,” said linebacker Payton Wilson. “Definitely going to have to defend that, going to have to change some stuff around. But just identifying that he’s there and being able to account for him.
“Most of the time you don’t really have to account for the quarterback in the run game. But this week we do. So just adjusting our roles to make sure that we can keep him in the pocket.”
With Richardson’s mobility, communication that is already vastly important on defense is going to go to yet another level.
“I think it’s prevalent every game,” said Wilson. “Offensive coordinators are amazing these days, and they try to do so many things to you and try to affect the roles. Communication is one thing that we can do to kind of get that out of the way, and if everybody’s communicating at a high level with them, it really helps us out a lot.”
Thursday, September 26
Understanding the assignment: The Steelers defense understands the assignment this week, the only issue is, the assignment isn’t singular.
Not by a long shot.
The Colts multifaceted offense is going to be a challenge for the defense, including, but not limited to, trying to contain running back Jonathan Taylor and trying to keep quarterback Anthony Richardson from allowing his mobility to be a weapon for them.
Taylor has rattled off two straight 100-yard games for the Colts, including 23 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears last week.
“He has good contact balance,” said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. “He can burst through a hole. He’s a well-seasoned running back, understands gap schemes and he’s a three-down back.”
The Steelers have faced Taylor twice during his five-year career, holding him to 74 yards in 2020 and 86 yards in 2022. Taylor didn’t play against the Steelers in 2023 when the Colts put up 170 yards rushing.
Heyward knows those numbers don’t mean anything.
“That not indicative of this time,” said Heyward. “They’re watching tape of last year you know they feel confident that they can run the ball.”
The Steelers have the No. 1 overall defense through three games, including second against the run. Heyward likes the way the team has stopped the run, but it’s only the beginning.
“It’s a good start,” said Heyward. “Still some things we can clean up. Boneheaded things by us, having 10 guys on the field (against the Chargers). It’s an 11-man group that’s got to get the job done.
“Guys getting off blocks. I don’t think there’s a lot of mental mistakes besides the 10 guys on the field. I think our DBs are doing a good job coming downhill and tackling.”
Richardson is the Colts second leading rusher through three games, with 18 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
His mobility is something the defense is well aware of, and they know what they have to do.
“Quarterback mobility is everything,” said Heyward. “You could bottle up the rush game from the running backs, but if your quarterbacks are falling forward, have a bunch of yards, QB draws, that counts. It’s going to be about bottling up the quarterback, making sure he stays in the pocket and let’s put it on the front.
“It that does happen, everybody’s got to rally to it, get to the ball fast.”
With the way the defense is playing, there is a recipe for success every week. It’s just about making sure all of the ingredients are working together.
“We’re not kicking our own butt,” said Heyward. “We’re not creating problems, and if we do have problems, we’re solving them pretty fast. I think our adjustments, especially in the second half, have made it clear as to why we’ve been winning.”
One advantage the defense has enjoyed early in the season is winning the time of possession game. The offense has been able to control the clock, allowing the defense to be fresher.
“I’m on the sideline chillin’,” said Heyward. “If we’re on the sideline, it means our offense is sustaining drives, allowing us to gas back up.
“You guys were there on Sunday. It was hot. We were able to counteract that because our offense was on the field. When we have success from our offense, staying on the field, converting, keeping drives going, that benefits everybody.
“No good defense is on the field a lot. Usually, you’re getting quick three and outs. If you can get off the field quick, give the ball back to your offense and have your offense convert it, it’s a recipe for success.”
The Steelers are the top-ranked defense in terms of third down percentage against, getting off the field fast. Heyward isn’t enamored by that stat right now but can see why it’s happening.
“It’s some good execution,” said Heyward. “But who cares about that. It’s week four. I’ll be happier when it’s down the road.”
Keeping it special: The Steelers have dealt with their fair share of injuries over the first three weeks of the season, including losing multiple players on special teams.
With just three games played, the team lost Cameron Johnston, Tyler Matakevich and Ben Skowronek, who are all currently on the Reserve/Injured List.
Special teams captain Miles Killebrew was asked how it has impacted special teams coordinator Danny Smith, and if it’s stressed him out.
Killebrew couldn’t help but smile and laugh.
“Danny Smith stress, never,” laughed Killebrew. “Never. As long as he has his gum, he is good to go.
“Special teams, our game is adaptation. That’s something that we have to do. So, guys who are available to play on special teams, it’s because they have that ability to adapt. And so collectively we adapt, and we keep pushing.”
And those who have kept pushing include punter Corliss Waitman, who was signed after Johnston was injured in Week 1. Waitman has been solid so far, and Killebrew has been impressed.
“He’s been doing a good job,” said Killebrew. “Corliss has done a solid job. I think we netted over 50 yards this last game, which is incredible. Anything over 40 yards is great. And the fact that he got it above 50, is amazing. He’s been doing a great job. And we’re doing a great job trying to protect him.”
The team also brought back defensive back James Pierre, who was a special teams ace during his first stint with the team.
And it appears he picked up right where he left off.
“I love JP, love him,” said Killebrew. “I was super excited to have him back. He’s someone that I love his game. I love his style of play. And I would say that his impact was felt this last game for sure.”
Run it back: The Steelers emphasized the need for the cornerbacks to show up in and contribute to the run defense last Sunday against running back J.K. Dobbins and the Chargers.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is doing it again with his cornerbacks in advance of Sunday’s visit to Indianapolis, where running back Jonathan Taylor will have to be tackled, in part because ‘one’s young and the other one is little.’
“I like challenging them,” Tomlin added.
Cornerback Donte Jackson gets the message but not the reference.
“I don’t know where they get that ‘little’ stuff from,” Jackson insisted. “I ain’t been little since I was in diapers. But if it gets ‘Coach’ going it’s all good with me, I ain’t trippin’ about it.”
At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Jackson is used to such doubts, and to doing what needs to be done to assuage such concerns.
“That’s always been part of my game because I’ve always been this size,” he said. “I always have to prove my toughness. I always have to come up and show my toughness. And it’s a week-in, week-out thing, man. It’s not something that you do once and then you’re settled, you’re satisfied. It’s something, you gotta show up. It’s just gotta be a part of you.
“I feel like me and No. 24 (cornerback Joey Porter Jr.), it’s a part of our game.”
Taylor excels at inside running and at getting to the edge. Jackson suspects even running backs who aren’t as accustomed to doing the latter will try to get there in games against the Steelers.
“We have a lot of girth on the inside,” he pointed out. “We have a lot of guys who clog up that middle. That’s not smart offensive play if you’re just gonna run into (defensive tackle) Cam Heyward all day and just get stopped at the line of scrimmage. Of course you gotta expect people to attack the edges and attack the perimeter. You’re only as good against the run as how good your perimeter tackling is.
“Me and Joey take heed to that and we take it as a challenge. We come up and just try to stick our nose in there and play physical, play tough.”
— Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
Wednesday, September 25
Having the edge: Linebacker Nick Herbig knows his number is going to be called this week with Alex Highsmith dealing with a groin injury, and he is ready to answer the call.
Whatever the call is.
Herbig understands he is going to have to be available against the pass, as well as the run.
“I think if you want to be an elite player, and play on an elite level, you’ve got to play all three downs,” said Herbig. “That was a big focus for me in camp. Mike T(omlin) talked about it every day, working on the run game.”
Herbig stepped in against the Chargers when Highsmith was injured, finishing the game with two sacks.
It’s par for the course with the way he takes advantage of every snap.
“I think it’s my coaches and teammates, them believing in me, putting me in position to make plays, mentoring me, showing me the ropes,” said Herbig. “It’s a good feeling because you know your hard work is paying off.
“You work all year, all offseason, for moments like that, to be able to go out there and perform.”
His blue-collar approach is one that fits in perfectly with the defense, coming from his upbringing in Kauai, Hawaii, where making it to the NFL wasn’t expected.
“That is how I was raised growing up,” said Herbig. “I was last in everything. I was supposed to be last. I am not supposed to be here. I am from Kauai, Hawaii, 60,000 people in the middle of the ocean.
“I have to have that edge.”
Taking their turns: Rookie Mason McCormick will once again rotate series with Spencer Anderson at left guard this week, the two sharing snaps with Isaac Seumalo still working his way back to the field with a pectoral injury.
“I’m just going to go prepare as best I can, and whatever the coaches want to put me in, I’m going to go out there and I’m going to play as hard as I can,” said McCormick. “I’m going to control what I can, and that’s what I’ll do.”
McCormick saw action at guard, as well as in the jumbo package as a tight end. And he earned some words of praise from Coach Mike Tomlin.
“He’s a talented young guy,” said Tomlin. “He’s done a nice job in team development. He’s had a lot of success in college. No stage is too big for him. He’s not a blinker. He runs to the action.
“I like the finish mentality in his play. I think it’s contagious. I think all of our guys, young guys, have that finish trait.”
After watching film, McCormick was tough on himself, saying there are some things he wants to work on, but that is nothing uncommon.
“Obviously, there’s a couple of plays I wish I could have back, but that’s how I feel every week,” said McCormick. “Football’s an imperfect game. I’m just going to keep growing and learning and look to execute more and more as the year goes on.”
McCormick has leaned on the veteran guards, including James Daniels, who is as steady and solid as they come.
“He is a big-time resource for me,” said McCormick. “He works extremely hard and is very knowledgeable, and he does a good job of mentoring us young guys and teaching us the ropes of what we need to do.”
The same can be said for Seumalo, who has been providing guidance while he is injured.
“It’s definitely nice having Isaac as another set of eyes,” said McCormick. “He’s played so much ball, and he’s played at such a high level. He’s helped us a ton with in-game adjustments and just throughout the week prepare. He’s helped a lot.”
The offensive line as a whole has dealt with their share of injuries early in the season, including Seumalo, Troy Fautanu and Nate Herbig. But they have still come together to be a cohesive unit.
“I feel like it’s just repetition in practice,” said McCormick. “We go out there every day and we work really hard, and it just takes reps. We look to build that every day.
“I feel like when you have cohesion on the offensive line that allows the offense to go, and I feel like that brings us forward as an offense.”
Culture counts: Newly signed tackle Calvin Anderson is already getting a feel for what the Steelers bring, and there is no doubt, he likes it.
Anderson, who was signed on Tuesday, said he has had the opportunity to meet some of his new teammates and coaches already, including Coach Mike Tomlin, and he feels like it’s a good fit for him.
“Everyone that I’ve spoken to about this place raves about it,” said Anderson. “I got to meet Mike T and some of the other guys. Seems like a great culture. So, I’m blessed to just be a part of it.
“The guys seem awesome. They’ve been super. You could tell this is like a family, so I appreciate that. It’s important to me at this point in my career to be a part of a culture like that. I’m looking forward to getting to know more, but it seems like awesome guys so far.”
Anderson takes that culture to heart, knowing it can translate onto the field for a team when you have togetherness.
“I felt that when I was in college,” said Anderson. “When you have a team that has a family culture, it’s much easier to buy in and play for the guy next to you when you know you have a relationship with that guy.
“It’s tough in the NFL because it’s a business. So, the fact that I think that’s present here speaks volumes to the people that run this team and have been running this team. It certainly makes it a lot easier. And, guys, I think are more effective on the field when you have that team camaraderie and closeness.”
Anderson, who has appeared in 46 career games, starting 14, during his time with the New England Patriots, New York Jets and Denver Broncos, is thankful for the opportunity with the Steelers, especially after what he has endured over the past year.
Prior to the 2023 season, Anderson battled a case of malaria, with doctors giving him a 50-50 chance of survival.
Now, he has a new opportunity in front of him and he is ready to attack it.
“I have much more gratitude for my ability to play and every chance I get to do that,” said Anderson. “I legitimately almost lost my life a little more than a year ago. So, I’m certainly grateful.
“It’s awesome to be a part of this team with these guys that I’ve met. I’m more excited about the people than the record.”
Anderson knows the key for him now is to get up to speed with the offense and be ready when called upon.
“That’s one of the requirements of playing at this level in the NFL,” said Anderson. “Everything moves fast, so you’ve got to be able to adapt quick. That’s part of it. You’ve got to roll. I’m just focused on getting acclimated as soon as possible.”
So much happening: The Steelers made multiple roster moves this week, signing offensive tackle Calvin Anderson to the 53-man roster and defensive back James Pierre from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and placing defensive back Cory Trice Jr. on the Reserve/Injured List. The team also signed linebacker Marcus Haynes and defensive back C.J. Henderson to the practice squad and released tight end Matt Sokol from the practice squad.
Anderson, who was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft, has appeared in 46 career games, starting 14. He spent time with the Patriots and New York Jets, before being signed to the Denver Broncos 53-man roster in 2019.
Anderson played in all 16 games in 2020 for the Broncos, starting one at right tackle and one at left tackle. He appeared in 11 games in 2021, starting three, all at left tackle. In 2022, he played in 14 games, starting seven at left tackle for Denver, and allowed just two sacks, with no holding calls.
Anderson signed with the New England Patriots as an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2023 season. He appeared in five games, starting two, in 2023 before being placed on the Reserve/Injured List where he finished out the season.
Anderson finished his college career at the University of Texas, where he started all 14 games and earned All-Big 12 Conference honors in 2018. He started his college playing days at Rice University, where he played in 36 games and was honorable mention All-Conference USA in 2016 and 2017.
Pierre, who was signed to the practice squad a week ago, was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida Atlantic. He has played in 66 career games, with six starts in three seasons. He has recorded 59 tackles, including 52 solo stops, eight passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He also has 35 special teams tackles.
Pierre saw action in 16 games in 2023, mainly on special teams. He had seven special teams tackles, five of them solo stops.
Pierre appeared in 17 games in 2022, starting two of them. He finished the year with 20 tackles, including 16 solo stops, had four passes defensed and an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.
In 2021, Pierre played in 17 games with four starts. He recorded 37 tackles, 34 of them solo stops, and had one interception.
He made the initial 53-man roster his rookie season and played in all 16 games.
Pierre signed with the Washington Commanders this past offseason, but was released before the start of the regular season.
Pierre played at Florida Atlantic, where he played in 39 games with 120 tackles, including 80 solo stops, eight and a half tackles for a loss and three interceptions.
Trice, who was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, spent all of last season on the Reserve/Injured List.
Haynes was originally signed by the Steelers following training camp, but released prior to the start of the regular season.
Haynes signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent part of the season on the Broncos practice squad. He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns during training camp.
Haynes played college football at Old Dominion where he appeared in 49 games, starting 21. He recorded 102 tackles, 55 of them solo stops, 22 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks, five passes defensed and four forced fumbles.
Henderson was originally drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the ninth pick overall, by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has appeared in 49 games, starting 32, and has recorded 172 tackles, 139 of them solo stops, 16 passes defensed, six tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack and fumble recovery.
Henderson appeared in eight games for the Jaguars in 2020, starting all of them, before finishing the season on the Reserve/Injured List. He finished the season with 36 tackles, 27 of them solo stops, six passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble.
Henderson was traded to the Carolina Panthers early in the 2021 season and was with them through the 2023 season. He played in 12 games in 2023, starting seven, and finished the season with 39 tackles, 31 of them solo stops, and three tackles for a loss. He signed with the Houston Texans in 2024.
Henderson played college football at the University of Florida where he appeared in 33 games and finished his career with 93 tackles, 66 of them solo stops, six interceptions, 28 passes defensed, four sacks and eight tackles for a loss.
Monday, September 23
Wearing them down: When the going got tough, the Steelers got going on Sunday against the Chargers.
The offense put up only 14 yards rushing in the first half, eight of those yards coming from quarterback Justin Fields. But the team finished the game with 114 yards rushing, turning it on in the second half and wearing down the Chargers defense.
“It’s just closing out the game,” said tackle Broderick Jones. “We really don’t want to lean on our defense. We don’t want to put our defense back out there. We tried to eat as much clock as we could. By doing that, we have to run the football.
“We knew we were going to have to run the football. They knew we were going to have to run the football. It was the end of the game. People are tired. We just try to lean on that time. We lean on our conditioning big here in Pittsburgh. Coach (Mike) T(omlin) does a great job of making sure we’re physically conditioned, mentally conditioned so when those times come, we can execute to the best of our ability.”
Jones said later in the game he could feel the Chargers were wearing down, and the offense was able to take advantage of it.
“They didn’t have as much fire as they did at the beginning of the game,” said Jones. “I felt like they got tired, so we were able to run it at the end of the game and eat up the clock.”
Jones, who started at right tackle with Troy Fautanu now on the Reserve/Injured List, felt good about the way he rebounded from the Broncos game when he had three penalties in six plays before getting pulled.
Jones said what happened a week ago didn’t impact his approach or mindset, knowing he has to go at it the same every time.
“My mindset is always the same,” said Jones. “I feel like when I get out of rhythm is when things start to go bad. I just try to stick to my routine.”
But he isn’t satisfied yet. He said it was what he was looking for, but ‘it wasn’t at the same time.’
“We’ve got to continue to build as an offense,” said Jones. “It’s not one single player, it’s all 11 on the field doing what they have to do at one given time and executing to the best of our ability. I’m glad the offense got to see the endzone a couple of times. I’m willing to push the team to want to do more because we can’t always lean on our defense. We’ve got a great defense, but if the defense makes stops the offense has got to score. That’s what we trying to build on. We’re just trying to continue to go down that right track.”
Wait and see: Linebacker Alex Highsmith left Sunday’s game against the Chargers with a groin injury, re-aggravating an injury he dealt with in training camp.
Highsmith said he is awaiting the result of tests to know how it is but is frustrated by it.
“I’m feeling alright,” said Highsmith. “It’s just sore. It’s frustrating. It’s been a lingering thing. I have to find out what it is and get some rehab and attack that every day.”
Highsmith said it had progressed since camp, but he felt it in game and had to come out.
“It was feeling great, recovering from it, taking all of the proper precautions and getting a bunch of recovering and stuff, so it’s frustrating when it happens,” said Highsmith. “The same injury happened. I just have to get back, get rehab and work my way to get back. I just have to keep working.”
Highsmith didn’t know how the injury would impact him moving forward, stressing he had to wait and see.
“I just have to see what the results are,” said Highsmith. “It’s a long season. I don’t want this to be something that is lingering all season. When I am out there, I want to be 100 percent healthy.”
With Highsmith leaving the game, it was second year linebacker Nick Herbig who stepped up. And that didn’t come as a surprise to Highsmith.
Herbig finished the game with two sacks, including one Highsmith watched on television from the athletic training room.
“He balled out. I knew he was going to,” said Highsmith. “It’s awesome having a guy like that who comes in, is able to make plays. He is only going to get better and better.
“I was in there watching the game in the training room and I called the play before he even got his sack. It’s awesome to see him go out there and ball. He’s worked for it. It’s paying off for him. I am excited to see how he continues to get better every single week.”
Highsmith is encouraged by the depth the Steelers have on defense, something that can only benefit them as they deal with injuries.
“It’s been huge. Having the depth is huge,” said Highsmith. “Guys come in and are able to make plays for us, Nick being the prime example. Also having guys like Montravius (Adams).
“Having a bunch of guys is huge for us when guys do go down, guys are able to step up and make big plays.”
As a whole the defense stepped to the plate on Sunday, holding the Chargers to a crazy -5 yards in the second half.
Highsmith knew the challenge the defense was facing, and they stepped up big time.
“We knew the job at hand,” said Highsmith. “We knew we had to be the best defense on the field yesterday. We definitely were. We held them to -5 yards in the second half which is insane, it’s awesome.
“We have to keep building on it, continue to get better. Coach (Mike Tomlin) said it, the best defense is going to win this game, so we came out and did what we had to do.
“We have to keep getting better, not get content, not get complacent. We have to want to continue to strive to get better.”
Plenty of value in depth: Depth.
It’s something you can’t have enough of in the NFL and that has been the case for the Steelers so far this season.
With just three games played, the team has lost multiple players to the Reserve/Injured List, including on special teams where Cameron Johnston, Tyler Matakevich and Ben Skowronek have all landed since the season began.
But thanks to depth, the train has kept on rolling.
“I would say it’s a testament to our preparation process,” said special teams captain Miles Killebrew. “It’s something that Coach (Mike) Tomlin puts a lot of emphasis on, the next man up mentality. Guys around here don’t feel like their work is in vain. Everyone feels like if I work hard, if I prepare and do what is diligent, then when my number is called, I’ll have an opportunity to go out there and showcase it.”
Killebrew said even with the injuries the team is able to keep their chemistry going because of the feel inside the locker room, where it’s a family atmosphere.
“What you see, it’s organic. It’s real,” said Killebrew. “Guys genuinely care about each other. It’s not a selfish team. It’s probably one of the least selfish teams I’ve been on. At every corner you see guys really investing in not only their betterment, but the betterment of their peers.
“It’s a culmination of a lot of effort going on collectively. Everybody’s doing it together. So, what you’re seeing is a result of that. We go ones-on-ones, twos-on-twos, so you never see this huge drop off of competition in practice. I think that’s key.”
One thing Killebrew loves is the approach starts at the top with Tomlin, knowing that everyone on the 53-man roster has a role and their contributions are a key.
“You can definitely tell when you’re in an organization that values this guy, and doesn’t value anybody else,” said Killebrew. “This isn’t one of those organizations.
“Coach Tomlin, he’s made it very clear that our goal here is to win. That’s our business. He doesn’t care where good ideas come from. Everybody chips in and puts their hand in the pile, understanding that as long as they can help us win, that they are valuable.”
Next man up: Against the Broncos, it was Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones who started off the game rotating at right tackle.
This week, it was Spencer Anderson and Mason McCormick who rotated at left guard, with Anderson getting the majority of the snaps, but McCormick doing his part as well.
Anderson said it didn’t have a negative impact on his rhythm as he went with the flow.
“When it’s told to you, kind of similar with Troy and Broderick,” said Anderson. “Obviously, you do what the coaches say and the coaches’ best interest. If they tell you you’re going to be rotating here and there, you roll with it and do your job when you’re on the field because everybody is depending on you.”
Anderson and McCormick were both on the field at the same time as well when the Steelers were in the jumbo package, using six offensive linemen. The initial plan was to use Jones in the jumbo package, but the injury to Fautanu changed that.
“It was good when Mason came in. We got a lot of movement in the run game,” said Anderson. “The thing that was good for us was the plan we had going in was with Broderick, but Mason stepped up and did his job.
“Mason stepped up and came in and provided us some quality tight end looks.”
Anderson said it’s all part of the next man up mentality on the line. Before the season started center Nate Herbig was placed on the Reserve/Injured List, and rookie Zach Frazier has stepped in. Guard Isaac Seumalo was injured in practice before the season started and hasn’t seen game action, with Anderson and McCormick stepping up. And now the latest injury to Fautanu has Jones back as the starting tackle.
“It’s next man up mentality,” said Anderson. “Football is a game of attrition and injuries are going to happen. People have to be ready whenever their number’s called and perform.
“It’s always good (to have depth) because you never know what can happen. Nobody expected Isaac to be hurt. Nobody expected Troy to get hurt. You never expect anybody to get hurt.
“You always have to be ready. That’s why you prepare throughout the week and are always on your toes in this business.”
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