Pro Football Focus likes what it’s seen from Steelers Pat Freiermuth and Minkah Fitzpatrick, while Ben Roethlisberger has considered a comeback — for someone else.
? Pro Football Focus has Pat Freiermuth graded as the second-highest tight end in the NFL this year (80.7) – behind only All-Pro Travis Kelce.
? PFF’s highest graded safety through 14 weeks is Minkah Fitzpatrick. His coverage score leads all safeties, while his run defense grade is also top six.
? The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the brink of having their second losing home season since 1970. The lone losing home season during that span came in 1999, with the Steelers going 2-6 at Three Rivers Stadium. The Steelers are 2-4 at Acrisure Stadium this year.
? Ben Roethlisberger didn’t understand why Kenny Pickett returned to Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens after initially being evaluated for a concussion. “Like I’m confused at why, how are you okay to go back in but not keep going,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast. “Did he all of a sudden say I feel different, I have a headache, or I’m seeing double vision. Maybe the NFL’s specialists upstairs said pull him out.”
? The Steelers last playoff win was in 2016 at Kansas City in the divisional round. Only 10 NFL teams have longer playoff win droughts.
? A loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday could officially eliminate the Steelers from the playoffs. Pittsburgh would be eliminated with a loss + New England Patriots win, a loss + New York Jets win + Los Angeles Chargers win/tie, or a loss + Chargers win + Las Vegas Raiders tie.
? Can you imagine Ben Roethlisberger in a San Francisco 49ers uniform? Well, Roethlisberger seemed bullish on the idea of playing for San Fransisco when hypothetically asked by his Footbhalin podcast co-host Spencer Te’o. “I thought about it,” Roethlisberger replied smiling and performing arm circles as if he was warming up. “That team is one of the better teams in football and that defense is really stinking good and they did it with (Brock) Purdy.”
? Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the Steelers knew Calais Campbell was one of the best in the business at blocking field goals. They worked on it at practice and he still did his thing: “I’d be a non-football lover if I didn’t appreciate that component of competition.” Campbell has nine career blocked field goals, the most among active NFL players.
Calais Campbell has NINE career blocked field goals, the most among active NFL players.
As Mike Tomlin said, "We allowed a known legendary guy to block a kick." pic.twitter.com/nJqbYoFIER
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 13, 2022
Steelers Draft Digest: A top tackle in the NFL Draft is mocked to the Steelers while a top edge rusher prospect that could have the Steelers interested declares for the 2023 NFL Draft.
STEELERS SCHEDULE
The Steelers will practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex at 12:15 p.m. — Nick Farabaugh
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