Steelers Daily Links: Maulers Fall to 0-2, Next T.J. Watt in 2023 Draft?

🏈 Warren Sharp: The Pittsburgh Steelers produced just 52 plays of 20+ yards in 2022, which was tied for the sixth-fewest in the league. The Kansas City Chiefs lead the league with 83 plays of 20+ yards, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles with 80.

🏈 USA Today: The Touchdown Wire has Alabama edge Will Anderson Jr. being a comp to T.J. Watt, while Alabama safety Brian Branch is being compared to Minkah Fitzpatrick.

“Watt has become an absolute terror on the outside because of his technical palette, gap-moving athleticism, quickness to the pocket, and speed/power conversions. It is not unreasonable to assume that Anderson will have a similar level of success,” Doug Farrar wrote.

🏈 USFL: The Pittsburgh Maulers fell to 0-2 with a 20-2 loss to the New Jersey Generals in their shared home of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Former Steelers quarterback James Morgan struggled, completing 8 of 14 for 54 yards. He was intercepted once and lost two fumbles. Former Pitt star Paris Ford had three tackles and intercepted Morgan for New Jersey. The Maulers will play Philadelphia next Sunday at noon at Ford Field.

🏈 Former Steelers offensive coordinator and current Memphis Showboats head coach Todd Haley seemed upset that Skip Holtz ran up the score in Saturday night’s loss, but he was pretty even-keeled in his post-game press conference. “They kicked our ass. They had our number all night…they can do whatever they want,” Haley said when asked if Holtz ran up the score. 

Memphis Showboats HC Todd Haley seemed upset that Skip Holtz ran up the score in tonight's #USFL game.

I asked Haley about this in the post-game presser. His response: "They kicked our ass. They had our number all night…they can do whatever they want."pic.twitter.com/61XeHlNlCn

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 23, 2023

🏈 Former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden will have Joey Porter Jr. on his “All Things Covered” podcast with Patrick Peterson on Monday. McFadden was teammates with Joey Porter Sr. in Pittsburgh from 2005-2006, while Peterson played with Porter Sr. for one year in Arizona in 2011.

🏈 Kenny Pickett will be the event chair of the inaugural Rush to Crush Cancer event on May 20. The ride, benefitting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, will raise critical funds to further cancer-crushing research and help achieve the ultimate goal: life without cancer.

🏈 Newly signed Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II asked for food recommendations in the Steel City. “Pittsburgh, I need you to send me the best food places in the Burgh!!! Plz send the place and what they are known for!” Robinson tweeted.

🏈 Najee Harris was back at Alabama over the weekend for the Crimson Tide’s spring game.

Najee Harris at Alabama’s spring game representing the Las Vegas Athletics. pic.twitter.com/WxtmqLfLQT

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) April 22, 2023

🏈 Steel City Star on Twitter posted a throwback clip of Carnell Lake ‘s season-changing hit on Dan Marino in 1989.

Carnell Lake ‘s season-changing hit on Dan Marino in 1989

Miami led 14-0 at time of hit, lost 34-14

Before hit: Mia was 7-4, Pit was 5-6

After hit: Mia goes 1-4 and doesn’t make playoffs, Pit goes 4-1 and wins in playoffs pic.twitter.com/tThdPTeVRl

— Steel City Star (@steelcitystar) April 23, 2023

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Looks like USC tight end transfer Malcolm Epps is coming to Pitt.

West Virginia Sports Now: College football rules could be undergoing a major change.

Nittany Sports Now: Cal Baptist transfer Mitchell Mesenbrink commits to Penn State.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins defenseman Jan Ruuta underwent core muscle surgery.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Pirates starting pitching has been remarkable.