Steelers Daily News & Links: Immaculate Reception Anniversary; Terrible Towel Curse Strikes Again

Myron Cope
Pittsburgh sportscaster Myron Cope shows a Terrible Towel, a Cope brainchild that has become a marketing success, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 27, 1979. The towel, which is supposed to give almost supernatural powers to the Steelers, will be in the hands of thousands of Steeler faithful when they face the Miami Dolphins. (AP Photo)

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🏈 Monday marks the 52nd anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. Franco Harris’ miraculous touchdown grab is widely considered the greatest play in NFL history. It also changed the trajectory of the Steelers franchise.

🏈 The Terrible Towel Curse usually applies to players on opposing teams, but a Philadelphia fan could have cursed the Eagles.

During the Steelers-Eagles game last week, an Eagles fan tossed a Terrible Towel out of the stadium. It could be regrettable moment, as Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to the Washington Commanders. Hurts will be back, but it will be interesting to see if the Eagles have more bad mojo in the playoffs.

🏈 With Jalen Hurts exiting the game on Sunday with a concussion, former Steelers and Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett entered the game in his first extended action of the season. Pickett completed 14-of-24 pass attempts for 143 yards with a touchdown and interception.

Pickett had a solid performance, outside of the ill-advised interception. The loss certainly wasn’t on him, as Eagles star wide receiver DeVonta Smith dropped a pass over the middle field just before the two minute warning, which allowed the Commanders a chance to come back and win the game, 36-33.

Pickett revealed after the game that he will have X-rays on his ribs early this week.

🏈 If the season ended today, the Steelers would host the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round. The Steelers division lead over the Baltimore Ravens is holding on a thread, however. Both teams are 10-5 but the Steelers hold the advantage due to having a better conference record.

🏈 Najee Harris played only 14 snaps against the Ravens on Saturday. His last two weeks were the lowest single-game totals of his career and it came in back-to-back weeks (17 and 14). The 28.3% snaps played against the Ravens was a career-low.

🏈 The Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, and Chicago Bears are the only teams that have not scored an opening drive touchdown this season.

🏈 Happy Birthday to Steelers legend Jack Ham, born on December 23, 1948 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

STEELERS NOW COVERAGE FROM DEC. 22

🏈 Queen: Star-Studded Steelers Defense Must ‘Look in the Mirror’

🏈 Becker: Steelers Find Sweet Spot with Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren

🏈 Should Steelers Want Reunion with Diontae Johnson?

🏈 Social Media Rips Tom Brady During Steelers-Ravens Game

🏈 Chiefs Can Clinch No. 1 Seed Sunday, May Have Meaningless Game vs. Steelers

🏈 Odds: Chiefs Open as Slight Favorites over Steelers

🏈 Steelers Joey Porter Jr., Ben Skowronek Questionable to Play vs. Chiefs

🏈 Mike Tomlin Dismisses Possible Reunion with WR Diontae Johnson: ‘I Have Nothing to Add’

NEWS FROM AROUND THE SPORTS NOW NETWORK

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Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Perrotto: Pirates Still Believe in David Bednar

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Kenny Pickett, Eagles Fall Short Against the Commanders

West Virginia Sports Now: WVU Football Gains Commitment of Transfer WR Oran Singleton

Nittany Sports Now: History Lesson: Penn State is Really, Really Good at Winning Fiesta Bowls

Pittsburgh Soccer Now: Pitt’s Michael Sullivan selected by Toronto FC in MLS Superdraft

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