We might find out who the best team in the AFC is on Thursday night, and the guardian caps that drew much derision for their appearance in training camp appear to have been a success.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, both 1-0, lock up in a battle of top teams on Thursday Night Football. Justin Herbert and the Chargers beat the Raiders in Week 1 while Patrick Mahomes and company smashed the Cardinals. With the Bengals losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the only other team with a legitimate shot at the top spot beside Thursday’s winner will be the Buffalo Bills. Thursday Night Football is available on Amazon Prime.
Concussion among NFL players that were mandated to wear the guardian caps during training camp were down 50% compared to the last three seasons. Linemen, tight ends and linebackers were the only positions required to wear them, though the Steelers had everyone other than quarterbacks and specialists wear them.
Sunday’s Steelers-Patriots game will be the first time without Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback since Dec. 6, 1998. Kordell Stewart and Drew Bledsoe were the two quarterbacks on that day. Sunday will also mark the first Steelers-Patriots 1 p.m. game since Dec. 6, 1998, as well. They have met 16 times since, all either in the 4 p.m. slot or in primetime.
Dave Dameshek examined what would’ve happened IF the Steelers defeated the Patriots in Week 15 of the 2017 season, which of course was the infamous Jesse James non-catch game.
Bill Belichick pointed out that the Steelers played a lot of zone coverage against the Bengals on Sunday. According to Evan Lazor of Patriots.com, the Steelers were in either cover-two (23 snaps) or cover-one (17 snaps) on over 50% of Cincinnati’s passing plays.
Kenny Pickett announced that he’s joining the Ready Nutrition team, which includes athletes such as Jessie Pegula, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Aaron Donald.
Ben Roethlisberger will take on Jaguars legend Tony Boselli in the Constellation Furyk & Friends PGA Tour Champions event on Oct. 7-9, according to Garry Smits of the Florida-Times Union. The matchup will be a two-man competition, as Roethlisberger and Boselli will each be joined by another former Steelers and Jaguars player, who have yet to be announced.
The Steelers hosted Heroes Night Out at Acrisure Stadium on Wednesday, honoring area military members and providing them a fun night of football, food and camaraderie.
Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon said Pittsburgh is one of his favorite venues to play at because of the environment. Judon is a former Raven, so he’s familiar with the atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium. “You’re not a Raven until you win in Pittsburgh,” he said, reflecting on a popular saying among Baltimore players.
STEELERS SCHEDULE
The Steelers will have their second practice of the week at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex at 12:15.. — Alan Saunders, Ed Thompson
