Daily Links: Illinois CB Mocked to Steelers; Another OC Opening

The Pittsburgh Steelers landed Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon in the latest mock draft from The Athletic, and another team has fired their offensive coordinator.

🏈 Steelers President Art Rooney II spoke on why Cam Heyward deserves to win the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This is the fifth time that Heyward’s up for the prestigious honor. Four Steelers players have won the award in the past — Franco Harris (1976), Joe Greene (1979), Lynn Swann (1981) and Jerome Bettis (2001).

🏈 Kenny Pickett had the second-lowest interception percentage (0.4%) from Weeks 10-18 (minimum 200 attempts). Pickett threw just one interception over his last 224 passes of the season.

🏈 There are currently six NFL offensive coordinator openings — Chargers, Commanders, Titans, Rams, Jets and Patriots, after the Chargers fired Joe Lombardi on Tuesday. The Buccaneers could be another one as Byron Leftwich is reportedly on his way out.

🏈 According to a report from Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, the Steelers’ coaching decisions have been delayed due to a personal matter with Mike Tomlin. So, it appears that the much-anticipated decision on Matt Canada’s future still hangs in the balance.

🏈 Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus thinks a legitimate offensive coordinator is the missing piece for the Steelers. “I don’t think they’re that far away.  … I do think they’re probably an offensive coordinator away (from being a real contender),” Spielberger said on 93.7 The Fan.

🏈 Steelers.com looked back at George Pickens’ top plays from the 2022 season.

🏈 On Cam Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast, Kenny Pickett talked about Tyler Huntley’s dive fumble against the Bengals and what his approach would have been on the play.

🏈 Dane Brugler of The Athletic has the Steelers selecting Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon at 17th overall in his latest mock draft. “Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is going to love Devon Witherspoon,” Brugler wrote. “No, Witherspoon doesn’t have ideal size (under 6-0 and 185 pounds), but the Pensacola, Fla., native plays with the fiery demeanor and physicality of a much bigger player. His mentality plus his controlled movements and coverage anticipation will make him an NFL starter from day one.”

📅 On this date, Jan. 18, 2009, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 23-14 in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl XLIII. The Steelers took an early 13-0 lead on two Jeff Reed field goals and a 65-yard Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes touchdown pass, but it will forever be Troy Polamalu’s 40-yard game sealing interception return for a touchdown that will be the signature play of one of the signature Steelers victories in the history of Heinz Field.

Iconic Troy Polamalu Interception against the Ravens! #HereWeGo #Steelers pic.twitter.com/DUkeU4mz8Z

— That Blitz Guy (@ThatBlitzGuy) October 30, 2020

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STEELERS, NFL SCHEDULE

🏈 The Steelers are off.

AROUND THE NETWORK

 Former Pitt running back Vincent Davis has transferred to UNLV, where he will link up with ex-Pitt coach Brennan Marion.

 Phil Bourque says the Penguins are working toward retiring Jaromir Jagr’s No. 68 jersey.

 West Virginia landed Tennessee State defensive line transfer Davoan Hawkins.

 Penn State QB Drew Allar has the 10th-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy, even though he hasn’t started a game yet.

 The Pirates farm system is not gettin a lot of love from external evaluators.