Steelers Daily News & Links: Troy Fautanu Shines in First Career Start; Russell Wilson Gets ‘Petty Game Ball’

Chris Ward |

Updated: Sep 16, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers DT Cam Heyward — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive linemen Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton warm up before a game against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 15, 2024. -- Alan Saunders / Steelers Now

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? Pro Football Focus named Troy Fautanu the player of the game in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 13-6 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

“Steelers tackle Troy Fautanu‘s NFL career couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start. The first-round pick slotted in at right tackle after missing Week 1, and he allowed no pressure and went unbeaten across 29 pass-blocking snaps,” Ben Cooper wrote. “Fautanu also was beaten on only one of his 26 run-defense snaps, pending final grade reviews.”

? Steelers quarterback Justin Fields revealed that Russell Wilson received a “petty game ball” after Sunday’s win.

“I think we all know Russ kind of got did dirty last year,” Fields said. “I know he wishes he could have played in this game today. It’s awesome to get this win for him.”

? The Steelers have one touchdown and 138 penalty yards through two weeks, but they’re still 2-0 and atop the AFC North.

The Steelers have 1 touchdown and 138 penalty yards through 2 weeks.

They're 2-0 and atop the AFC North 😭#HereWeGo | #NFL pic.twitter.com/9kVYolECzX

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) September 15, 2024

? Justin Fields was happy to get the win but admits the offense needs to fix a lot of things.

"We did enough to win… still got some work to do on the offensive side of the ball."

– a 2-0 Justin Fields to our @AKinkhabwala pic.twitter.com/sHbwNR0XFc

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 15, 2024

? Former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, who picked Denver to beat the Steelers by two touchdowns, was not impressed with Pittsburgh’s 13-6 win over Denver on Sunday.

“Steeler fans you beat a rookie QB and a rebuilding team by a 7… don’t break your arms patting yourselves on the back!” Schlereth wrote on X.

Steeler fans you beat a rookie QB and a rebuilding team by a 7… don't break your arms patting yourselves on the back!

— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) September 15, 2024

? Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt admitted that the high altitude in Denver is no joke.

“I am pretty exhausted. That elevation is crazy.” Watt said after the game.

? T.J. Watt’s 98.5 career sacks are the fourth-most in a player’s first eight seasons. Watt is behind only Jared Allen (105.0), DeMarcus Ware (111.0) and Reggie White (124.0). By the end of the season, Watt could rank second all-time.

T.J. Watt is in elite company 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MSOB4rnkQS

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 15, 2024

? Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has had a brutal start to his career.

According to Austin Gayle of The Ringer, Bo Nix is 11-of-36 for 212 yards and four picks on passes more than five yards downfield. His 30.6% completion rate on such passes is the lowest in the league by six percent and the worst figure in Weeks 1 and 2 in the last 10 years.

STEELERS-BRONCOS GAMEDAY COVERAGE

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Teammates Praise Steelers CB for Clutch INT: ‘How about Cory Trice?’

Steelers Locker Room: Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones Explain Tackle Rotation

Steelers Finally Find Way to Use Darnell Washington in Red Zone

Mike Tomlin Promises Change after Penalty-Filled Game: ‘We Gotta Play Cleaner’

Steelers Lose Two to Injury vs. Broncos

Steelers WR Calvin Austin III Leaves Game with Injury

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