Steelers Daily Links: Malik Willis Beats Kenny Pickett, Vince Williams Backs Matt Canada

Malik Willis beat Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett as the first rookie passer to the field, Vince Williams backed Matt Canada and more.

 Malik Willis was the third quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, selected in by the Tennessee Titans with the 86th pick in the third round, but he was the first one to see the field, as the replaced Ryan Tannehill while the Titans got blown out by the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. Willis finished 1 for 4 for 6 yards, rushed four times for 16 yards and lost a fumble.

 Ben Roethlisberger had Merrill Hoge as a guest on his podcast. The two former Steelers sampled beer, ate some wild game and talked football. They also recapped the Steelers’ 17-14 loss to the Patriots and discussed their upcoming hunting trip. 

 Despite the offense scoring just two touchdowns in two games, former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams thinks Matt Canada isn’t the problem. “I don’t think Matt Canada is bad. I actually thing he’s pretty good,” Williams said on Twitter. Williams also had an interesting tweet on Ben Roethlisberger. “Lol Ben as an OC would be better than Ben as a QB. Because he wouldn’t be in the way of his own play calling.”

 Like a lot of people, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger is perplexed by the lack of targets for George Pickens. “Steelers have to get this WR involved,” Baldinger said. “He is far too talented to be used as a JAG (just a guy). Let’s get more Pickens in your menu.” In two games, Pickens has two receptions for 26 yards on just six targets. Pickens’ 23-yard reception against the Patriots on Sunday was Mitch Trubisky’s longest completion in the game.

 Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex critiqued Najee Harris’ ability to read blocks in Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

 Per Scholas, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic mobility and increasing access to tech careers, awarded Mike Tomlin with the Diverse by Design North Star Award. The award celebrates change makers who are leading the charge when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

 Baltimore Ravens linebacker Steven Means is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. 

 Former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel celebrated his 44th birthday on Monday.

 The old Heinz Field sign was spotted being transported on Route 28.

You never know who you'll see on your way to work… (This morning on Rte 28) pic.twitter.com/jFIm0ThI6X

— Brian Siewiorek (@brian_siewiorek) September 19, 2022

STEELERS SCHEDULE

 The Steelers will have their only practice of the week at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex at 12:15 p.m. — Alan Saunders, Ed Thompson

AROUND THE NETWORK

A scary scene occurred in the Bills-Titans game on Monday night, as Buffalo cornerback and former Pitt and Quaker Valley standout Dane Jackson suffered a neck injury and was taken to the ECMC for evaluation. The Bills public relations department said Jackson will be getting a CT scan and an x-ray. They also mentioned that he has full movement in extremities.

 The Steelers have had a Mike Sullivan. Now the Penguins have a Jon Gruden.

 WVU CB Eric Woods out at least 2 weeks.

 Eli Manning went undercover at Penn State’s walk-on tryout.

 The Pirates have an accountability problem.