Steelers Daily Links: Minkah Seeking Interception Crown; Career-Best Grade for Dotson

The Pittsburgh Steelers may not have a sack king this season thanks to T.J. Watt’s injury, but Minkah Fitzpatrick is closing in on the interception crown, despite missing two games, and Watt could have a favorable matchup this Sunday.

🏈 Minkah Fitzpatrick is looking to become the first Steeler since Mel Blount in 1975 (11) to league the NFL in interceptions. He’s currently tied with CJ Gardner-Johnson, Justin Simmons and Tariq Woolen for first place with six.

🏈 Friday marked the 43rd anniversary of the Mike Renfro “touchdown or no touchdown” controversial ruling in the 1979 AFC Championship between the Steelers and Houston Oilers. The officials ruled he was out-of-bounds, but officials’ use of instant replay was not implemented until 1986. The ruling was a perfect example of why replay was much-needed. Instead of tying the game, the Oilers settled for a field goal to cut the Steelers lead to 17-13 late in the third quarter. The Steelers proceeded to out-score the Oilers 10-0 in the fourth quarter to secure a 27-13 victory. So while the Renfro ruling was incorrect, Houston still had a whole quarter to rebound.

🏈 The Steelers are 20-1 (.952) in the regular season against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium/Heinz Field. The lone loss occurred in 2003 on Monday Night Football. However, it should be noted, the Browns beat the Steelers at Heinz Field in the infamous 2020 wild-card game.

🏈 If the Steelers lose on Sunday, it will be the first time since 1988 that they’ve been swept by the Browns in a season.

🏈 Pittsburgh Steelers left guard Kevin Dotson received an 86.5 grade from Pro Football Focus for his Week 17 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the second-highest grade for a guard in the league last week.

🎂 Happy birthday 36th birthday to former Steelers guard Ramon Foster, born this day in Henning, Tennessee in 1986. Foster was an undrafted free agent, but went on to play 160 games over 11 seasons.

📅 On Jan. 6, 1995, the Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns, 29-9 at Three Rivers Stadium to clinch a berth in their first AFC Championship Game in 10 seasons. Eric Green and Yancey Thigpen caught touchdown passes from Neil O’Donnell and John L. Williams scored on a 26-yard run in the first half as the Steelers pushed the lead to 24-3 at the break. Keenan McCardell caught a Vinny Testaverde pass for a touchdown in the fourth, but Carnell Lake sacked Testaverde in the end zone for a safety to seal the victory.

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STEELERS DRAFT DIGEST

🏈 Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis has decided to return to school. Davis was seen as Day Three pick, and with the Steelers needing depth surrounding Cam Heyward at defensive tackle, Davis could have been an option.

STEELERS SCHEDULE

🏈 The Steelers have a walkthrough that is closed to the media. Updates to player availability and practice squad elevations typically come in around noon. 

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pitt wide receiver Jared Wayne has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

 Penguins prospect Filip Hallander was taken off the ice on a stretcher during the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins games on Friday night.

 Georgia State kicker Michael Hayes announced that he will transfer to West Virginia.

 PSU Class of 2023 signee Tony Rojas was named the Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year.

 Did the Pirates lowball Bryan Reynolds?

 Ranking the Big Ten’s top transfer portal additions.