Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost two games in a row, but they may get some good news heading into Wednesday's Christmas Day contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters wide receiver George Pickens has a "real chance" to return from the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the last three games.

Pittsburgh's offense struggled without Pickens and went 1-2 in the last three games with the only victory coming against the Cleveland Browns. The unit managed just 13 points in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and 17 points in Saturday's defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.

Even though he missed the last three games, he is still the team's leading receiver this season with 55 catches for 850 yards and three touchdowns. Russell Wilson loves to find him on deep balls, which then creates openings for the other weapons on underneath routes.

Calvin Austin III is the only other wide receiver on the team with more than 258 receiving yards.

Austin led the way with 65 receiving yards against the Ravens and will likely be used as the No. 1 receiver once again if Pickens is unable to play against the Chiefs.

Pickens couldn't time his potential return much better considering the Steelers are tied with Baltimore for first place in the AFC North at 10-5. Pittsburgh has the tiebreaker, so it still controls its own destiny with two games remaining.

But that will be much easier said than done with a finishing stretch against the Chiefs and a Cincinnati Bengals team fighting for a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson took responsibility for a pair of turnovers during a 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, starting with a second-quarter fumble.

"It's unacceptable," Wilson said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "It can't happen."

RUSS TAKES A HARD HIT AND FUMBLES TO THE RAVENS 😱

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/i2JPvdhPhd

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

The veteran signal-caller also detailed the process that led to an interception that was returned for a touchdown near the start of the fourth quarter.

"I think that definitely changed the game when they got that interception," Wilson said. "I thought the defense did a good job of getting the ball back, and I was trying to throw it to [MyCole Pruitt] in his front number. I felt like the ball just stayed inside unfortunately and they made a play."

MARLON HUMPHREY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/LOMbBM914K

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 21, 2024

Both turnovers were costly, as the fumble occurred during a 19-yard scramble that would have put the ball at Baltimore's four-yard line. With the score tied 7-7 at the time, Pittsburgh likely would have finished the drive with a lead if Wilson didn't lose the ball.

The Steelers were still able to keep pace with their AFC North rivals, as both teams reached 17 points in the third quarter.

While the Ravens put themselves back up by seven with a Mark Andrews touchdown, Pittsburgh appeared to be gaining momentum after Minkah Fitzpatrick picked off Lamar Jackson in the red zone.

Minkah Fitzpatrick has it for a Steelers interception in the red zone!

📺: #PITvsBAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tKZq6gUtxr

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2024

The excitement was short-lived, as Wilson tossed the interception that was returned for a score just two plays later.

Pittsburgh wouldn't be able to get on the board again before the contest ended, a disappointing result considering head coach Mike Tomlin's team would have clinched an AFC North title with a win.

Wilson finished 22-of-33 for 217 yards and two touchdowns to go along with the interception.

The 36-year-old has performed admirably since he was inserted into the first-string offense in Week 7, though. Entering Saturday's contest, he completed 64.7 percent of his throws for 1,912 yards and 13 touchdowns while getting picked off three times.

Russ is SLINGING it tonight 🎯

(via @NFL)

pic.twitter.com/Y3E47gM4x1

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 29, 2024

Pittsburgh still owns the top spot in the division despite falling to Baltimore, but Wilson will need to quickly repair any issues with ball security in order for the Steelers to start the playoffs at Acrisure Stadium.

Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive end T.J. Watt is reportedly expected to add more hardware to his mantle by the end of the season.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Watt "is perceived as the favorite right now" to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Watt, who won the award in 2021, is in the midst of another strong campaign with 54 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three passes defended through 14 games. However, this year's race for DPOY isn't as clear-cut as it was in previous seasons.

As ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted, "Though Watt is the most consistent name that comes up when talking with NFL personnel, this race feels more wide open than in past years," increasing the chances of a defensive back taking home the award for the first time since Stephon Gilmore in 2019.

Fowler named Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph as potential candidates since they lead the league with seven interceptions apiece. Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who has five interceptions, was also mentioned as a player in the running for the award.

In addition to Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, Graziano named a pair of edge rushers who could challenge Watt for DPOY in Nik Bonitto of the Broncos and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson, who leads the NFL with 12.5 sacks, would likely have a better shot at overtaking Watt for the award if the Bengals had a better record amid their disappointing 6-8 campaign.

With three games left in the regular season, all signs point to Watt winning his second DPOY award, but it's clear that he will have some competition before he truly locks it up.

Hard Knocks: In Season With the AFC North is the first time HBO has chronicled behind-the-scenes developments for four different teams at once during a season, so it is only fitting fans got to experience December football through the eyes of four different stars.

Tuesday was the third episode of this year's in-season Hard Knocks, and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson and Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward took center stage.

On to week 16 ➡️#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/cigAK9zSyk

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

Hard Knocks does it again 👏🏾

— 👨🏾‍🍳 (@RealRapXO) December 18, 2024

Seated for Hard Knocks episode 3 pic.twitter.com/AYdBfP6FbS

— ape (@qpe) December 18, 2024

https://twitter.com/misslexlou/status/1869205846548533709

HBO showed all four stars preparing for their respective Week 15 contests both on and off the field.

That included Smith discussing how he looked up to Ray Lewis as he attempts to continue the tradition of dominant linebacker play in Baltimore. While there may never be another Lewis, Smith's leadership and overall presence was clear throughout the episode.

His sessions of red-light therapy paid off, as the Ravens cruised to an easy 35-14 victory over an overmatched New York Giants team. It was an important win for a team eyeing a playoff spot, which is more than Ward's Browns can say.

Okay, they’re going to ZERO in on Roquan Smith in this episode 🔥#HardKnocks

— The 3rd Bowl 🏆 (@the3rdbowl) December 18, 2024

It's a Baltimore thing... 🟪#HardKnocks | @RayLewis pic.twitter.com/WvWWo9wrxy

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

Unfortunately for Cleveland, it is playing out the string on a lost season. Still, Week 15 was quite the challenge for Ward and the defense in particular against a Kansas City Chiefs team that features Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and other weapons.

Ward expressed his excitement to go against Mahomes, calling it "our Super Bowl game."

While Cleveland fell short in the game, fans got to know Ward beyond the field in Tuesday's episode. The cornerback who grew up in Ohio, went to Ohio State and was drafted by the Browns is something of a hometown hero, and his efforts to create a foundation to spread awareness of cardiac health after his father died of a heart attack was a focal point.

Ward was also named a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in an emotional moment.

the world needs to recognize Denzel ward a top 3 DB easily…. damnear the best #HardKnocks

— BandupChris on YT☠️ (@ypcchris1) December 18, 2024

denzel ward’s story got me crying in the club

— y - sav 🐅 (@savannahmsteen) December 18, 2024

There was an element of seriousness to Tuesday's episode, but it wouldn't be Hard Knocks without some lighthearted moments as well. And those moments included Joe Burrow joking with his teammates at practice and Chase calling the quarterback "Houdini" for his magical abilities on the field.

It will require a magic act for Cincinnati to make the playoffs, but the Burrow-Chase combination remained in the race thanks to Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans. Chase's individual dominance on the field doesn't happen by accident, and viewers saw him enter a freezing cryotherapy chamber as part of his preparation.

Hard Knocks also showed Chase giving back to the community off the field and drawing cheers from his father on it.

ja’marr chase is my fav human being fr

— lexi misses joe burrow 🥺 (@lexi_burrow) December 18, 2024

THOSE PICTURES OF JAMARR AS A KID WITH HIS DAD 😭 pic.twitter.com/7khkGDtnfF

— lexi misses joe burrow 🥺 (@lexi_burrow) December 18, 2024

“He’s Houdini, bro” - @Real10jayy__ #HardKnocks | @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/57KP1FCpGs

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 18, 2024

Made in a lab 🤖#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/RUZqajW5gA

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

Like father, like son 💪#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/Pm6ip80xgq

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

Pulling up to the triple crown race like 👑#HardKnocks | @Bengals pic.twitter.com/0ovbpsIAkc

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

Best passing offense on 4 wheels 🚗#HardKnocks | @Bengals pic.twitter.com/82MfPpP0U3

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

Hard knocks is showing Jamarr Chase is an incredible human

— aliciadawnnnnn (@aliciadawnnnnn) December 18, 2024

“Hard Knocks” isolating on Ja’Marr Chase was quality football television.

— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) December 18, 2024

Chase, Smith, Ward and the rest of the division is still chasing the Steelers, though, even after Pittsburgh lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wilson was under the spotlight for the Pittsburgh portion of the show for more than just the game, as he and his wife Ciara visited a Boys and Girls Club and expressed their love for the community. The quarterback even told one of the children in attendance he wanted to remain with the Steelers beyond this season.

Yes, I'm still watching this even tho we lost. I love seeing the behind the scenes of my team. Please Russell is finally speaking! 😍 #HardKnocks

— ᴀꜱʜ ᴅᴜᴘʀᴇᴇ (@WrecklessLove) December 18, 2024

Russell Wil-swim 🏊‍♂️#HardKnocks | @DangeRussWilson pic.twitter.com/Fz7v3l9JWA

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

Giving back 💛#HardKnocks | @DangeRussWilson | @Ciara pic.twitter.com/7ItUaTnShE

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 18, 2024

I’m so glad Mike Tomlin is my head coach

I could run through a wall anytime I listen to him #HardKnocks

— AJ Cole’s Burner (@ibombballs90) December 18, 2024

Kid to Russell Wilson on Hard Knocks during his visit to the Boys and Girls Club: "Are you gonna re-sign?"
Russ: "Hopefully, I love it here."

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 18, 2024

Hard Knocks got me believing again

— Pittsburgh Sports Nation (@theburgh_) December 18, 2024

I’ll tell you one thing I learned off this episode of Hard Knocks.. there is zero chance Russ isn’t a Steeler next year. MT loves him.

— 𝐑 𝐀 𝐂 𝐇 𝐀 𝐋 (@rach_elizabethh) December 18, 2024

Man I really love Russ Wilson for the Steelers. I do. The work ethic. The want to win. The study. The mindset. I love this guy. I believe in him. Hard Knocks does it again.

— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) December 18, 2024

Steelers fans will surely be thrilled to hear that, especially if Wilson and Co. are able to win the division and make a run in the playoffs this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers star pass-rusher T.J. Watt confirmed that X-Rays on his ankle were negative following a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Here’s T.J. Watt on his ankle pic.twitter.com/kwIpLpbDZ0

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 16, 2024

Watt explained that he rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of the defeat while trying to sack Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and he'll have to wait and see if he's able to suit up in Week 16 (via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic).

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin clarified that Watt is dealing with a low-ankle injury instead of a high-ankle issue.

Mike Tomin says T.J. Watt's ankle can be described as a low-ankle injury. Not a high-ankle.

Isn't confirmed but good sign for Watt. #Steelers

— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) December 16, 2024

Watt exited the contest immediately after suffering the injury, but he was able to walk into the locker room under his own power.

TJ Watt is headed to the Steelers locker room. pic.twitter.com/vgeFS4P6gR

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 16, 2024

The 30-year-old recorded seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble against Philadelphia.

TJ WATT INCOMING.

📺: #PITvsPHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/CwuLHvxvqb

— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024

Losing Watt for any significant period of time would be a tough blow to Pittsburgh's defense, as he appeared to be heading towards a seventh consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

Injuries haven't been an issue for him as of late, appearing in each of the Steelers' first 13 regular-season games in 2024 and starting all 17 contests during his 2023 campaign.

In 13 starts prior to Sunday's matchup, Watt racked up 47 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and three passes defensed. He's continued to serve as a key piece on the NFL's fifth-ranked scoring defense, with Pittsburgh allowing a mere 18.3 points per game.

Take a bow, TJ Watt. @Steelers win! #PITvsATL pic.twitter.com/zZQKyr2fQX

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Despite the defeat at the hands of the Eagles, the Steelers still clinched a playoff spot due to losses by the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts.

Pittsburgh hasn't secured an AFC North crown just yet, though.

Watt's presence will be sorely needed during a Week 16 clash with the Baltimore Ravens that contains major playoff implications. The Ravens currently sit one game behind the Steelers in the division standings, although Pittsburgh owns the tiebreaker with a Week 11 win over Baltimore.

Tomlin's team is still headed to the playoffs regardless, but Watt's availability moving forward will be critical for the Steelers as they attempt to earn their first division title since 2020.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are playoff-bound once again.

Despite losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 27-13 on Sunday, the Steelers clinched a playoff berth with the Miami Dolphins' 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts' 31-13 loss to the Denver Broncos.

The #Steelers have clinched a playoff berth, thanks to Miami and Indianapolis losses.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 16, 2024

After the Steelers sealed their playoff fate, here's a look at the latest NFL standings plus a look at how Pittsburgh found its way back to the postseason.

---

AFC Standings

1. Kansas City Chiefs: 13-1

2. Buffalo Bills: 10-3

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-4

4. Houston Texans: 9-5

5. Baltimore Ravens: 9-5

6. Denver Broncos: 9-5

7. Los Angeles Chargers: 8-6

-------PLAYOFF LINE-------

8. Indianapolis Colts: 6-8

9. Miami Dolphins: 6-8

10. Cincinnati Bengals: 6-8

11. New York Jets: 4-10

12. Cleveland Browns: 3-11

13. Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-11

14. Tennessee Titans: 3-11

15. New England Patriots: 3-11

16. Las Vegas Raiders: 2-11

Notes: The Chiefs, Bills and Steelers have clinched playoff berths. The Chiefs have clinched the AFC West title and the Bills have also clinched the AFC East title. The Browns, Jaguars, Jets, Titans, Patriots and Raiders have all been eliminated from playoff contention.

---

NFC Standings

1. Detroit Lions: 12-1

2. Philadelphia Eagles: 12-2

3. Seattle Seahawks: 8-5

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-6

5. Minnesota Vikings: 11-2

6. Green Bay Packers: 9-4

7. Washington Commanders: 9-5

-------PLAYOFF LINE-------

8. Los Angeles Rams: 8-6

9. Arizona Cardinals: 7-7

10. Atlanta Falcons: 6-7

11. San Francisco 49ers: 6-8

12. Dallas Cowboys: 6-8

13. New Orleans Saints: 5-9

14. Chicago Bears: 4-9

15. Carolina Panthers: 3-11

16. New York Giants: 2-12

Notes: The Lions and Eagles have clinched playoff berths. The Giants, Panthers and Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention.

---

Though the Steelers made the playoffs a season ago, things have been much different this year.

Pittsburgh started the year with Justin Fields under center as Russell Wilson made his way back from an injury, and the former Chicago Bears quarterback performed well. He led the Steelers to a 3-0 start before losing back-to-back games to the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys, which, looking back, were somewhat surprising losses.

Wilson made his debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets and led Pittsburgh to a dominant win. A few weeks later he helped the Steelers win a pair of close contests against the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.

Following another surprising loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals behind 414 passing yards and three touchdowns from Wilson. The following week, Pittsburgh avoided a season sweep against the Browns.

When the Steelers added Wilson this offseason, it wasn't clear how high their ceiling would be. He quickly proved that with him under center, Pittsburgh is a Super Bowl contender.

It will be tough to make it out of the AFC with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills standing in the way, but the Steelers have given fans every reason to believe they can be the last team standing in February.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields' first play in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles turned out to be his last.

Fields, who was hit hard on a late slide after an eight-yard run in the second quarter, was ruled out for the remainder of the game due to an abdomen injury. The hit drew a penalty and kept Pittsburgh's drive alive, as starting quarterback Russell Wilson threw a touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth a few plays later to cut Philadelphia's lead to 17-10.

Fields dealt with a hamstring injury earlier this season and was the team's emergency third-string quarterback in a Week 8 win over the New York Giants as a result.

By that time, Wilson was back from a calf injury that sidelined him at the start of the campaign. However, Fields started the first six games of the season and went 4-2 while completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

The Ohio State product also ran for 231 yards and five touchdowns during those games, highlighting his mobility that made him so dangerous when he was with the Chicago Bears even though he never fully lived up to expectations as a 2021 first-round draft pick.

Wilson may not be as dominant as he was when he was at his peak with the Seattle Seahawks, but he is still a nine-time Pro Bowler who will be tasked with leading the Steelers in the AFC playoff race.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could be getting a second chance at being an NFL head coach after finding success in his current role.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that news on Smith, who landed in Pittsburgh this year after three seasons leading the Atlanta Falcons.

"The Steelers' success has nudged offensive coordinator Arthur Smith back onto some radar screens in terms of getting a second chance at a head coaching opportunity. My sense is it's more likely he gets back into the cycle after next season than this one, but Smith has been able to do what Sean Payton (and Nathaniel Hackett before him) couldn't do in Denver: Get Russell Wilson to buy in and play within the structure of the offense. He also was making it work with Justin Fields while Wilson was injured. Smith was 7-10 in each of his three seasons as the Falcons' coach before being fired last offseason but had little to work with at quarterback outside of latter-stage Matt Ryan in his first season. Don't be surprised if some team makes a call to request an interview."

Last season, Pittsburgh was 28th in scoring offense en route to a 10-7 season. This season, the 10-3 Steelers, who are second in the AFC standings, are 10th in that category. Much credit goes to Smith, who also found success as the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator before taking the Atlanta head-coaching gig.

Smith was given a tough task rebuilding a struggling Steelers offense but succeeded. He also weathered an usual situation at quarterback with Russell Wilson being named QB1 over Justin Fields before ceding the role due to a calf injury. Fields did well, leading Pittsburgh to a 4-2 mark, but the team turned back to Wilson when he was ready to go. The Steelers have done well under Wilson, too, going 6-1 to move to their current 10-3 mark.

Graziano noted that it's more likely Smith is back in the head coaching mix in the 2026 cycle rather than the 2025 one. Another year building goodwill as the Steelers' OC would only help the cause.

It didn't work out in Atlanta under Smith, although the Falcons did play quarterback roulette while he was there, which didn't help matters. Perhaps a fresh start with a more established starter and long-term solution at the position would help Smith get on the right track at a new home.

For now, though, Smith is helping lead the Steelers in a big road game against the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

The AFC North edition of this year's Hard Knocks: In Season continued with its second episode on Tuesday evening.

This week featured the run-up to the Cleveland Browns' road matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as the Cincinnati Bengals' Monday Night Football game at the Dallas Cowboys. The Baltimore Ravens got the week off.

In Cleveland, quarterback Jameis Winston is the star of the show for reasons on and off the field.

On the field, he's led Cleveland to a pair of upset wins over the Ravens and Steelers since taking over for an injured Deshaun Watson as QB1.

Off the field, Winston's energetic and gregarious personality has certainly attracted his fair share of fans.

Fans got a glimpse of Winston off the field Tuesday as he came home to his family.

Dad's home! 🤗 @Jaboowins#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/KbvF7gHu7s

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 11, 2024

People loved seeing Winston on this week's episode, even Steelers fans.

Man.. hard knocks is just making me love Jameis Winston more than I already do. The browns really don’t deserve him. I hope he lands somewhere he can succeed next year. #HardKnocks #NFL #Steelers

— Fire Mike Tomlin (@IssacIncognito) December 11, 2024

I bleed black and gold, but Jameis Winston seems to have grown up and become a genuinely good dude. #HardKnocks #HereWeGo

— Danny Archer (@mastodonkey) December 11, 2024

Jameis Winston could throw 100 interceptions and I’d still love him! #HardKnocks #Browns

— J. M. Ritch (shyseagul) (@jmritchphoto) December 11, 2024

I’m glad we don’t play the Browns anymore this year so I can root for Jameis Winston again

— ChrisG_Steelers ⚫️🟡 (@CGillis2021) December 11, 2024

Speaking of the Steelers, we saw star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. hang out with his father, ex-Steelers star linebacker Joey Porter.

Following in dad's footsteps 🤞#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/9RntusLeyD

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 11, 2024

When dad starts bringing up "back in my day" 🤣#HardKnocks | @JoeyPorterJr pic.twitter.com/AIyteltxh0

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 11, 2024

We saw the senior Porter speak about the intensity of the AFC North, to the point where he said he doesn't even go out to eat in Cincinnati, Baltimore or Cleveland. And his wife, Christy Porter, talked about her experience with Browns fans.

Joey Porter Jr.’s mom just said Browns fans threw hot dogs and popcorn at her when she wore her husband’s jersey to a game.

Sounds like a fanbase that needs to look in the mirror before talking about the behavior of Steelers fans.

— Mike Nicastro (@MikedUpSports1) December 11, 2024

Of course, some Steelers fans loved seeing the elder Porter on screen.

My favorite Steeler of all time being in this episode is the best. God bless Joey Porter.

— Joey™️ (@JHenley55) December 11, 2024

Man, watching Joey Porter Sr as a kid and now watching Joey Porter Jr as an adult is both very cool and also makes me feel ancient.

— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) December 11, 2024

This Hard Knocks piece with Joey Porter and JPJ is EVERYTHING!
Peezy was such a street baller!#Steelers ✨

— ✨Joe✨ (@JoeSteelerFan) December 11, 2024

We also saw Porter get some key advice from head coach Mike Tomlin, who clearly admires and respects the defensive stalwart.

Porter was trying to bounce back in practice after committing six penalties in a 44-38 win over the Bengals on Dec. 1, in particular working with position coach Grady Brown.

In essence, Tomlin preached to Porter that he should be patient on his road to being a great player.

Everyone needs to hear @CoachTomlin's advice to @JoeyPorterJr 💯

New episode of #HardKnocks In Season with the AFC North airs tonight at 9pm ET on @streamonmax pic.twitter.com/TPiQ3TWaNR

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2024

Porter had six tackles and zero penalties en route to a 27-14 home win.

In Cincinnati, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase called his shot for a young fan conquering cancer named Brixton, who visited the team's practice leading up to the Cowboys game. As discussed on the MNF broadcast, the two have a strong rapport.

Ja'Marr Chase and Brixton share a special bond.

This is what it's all about 🧡 @Bengals pic.twitter.com/FVrBcVjn4t

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2024

Chase told Brixton that he was going to do a new Griddy touchdown celebration (which he practiced with teammate Tee Higgins) in his honor.

"When I do the Griddy tomorrow, it's for you."

Ja'Marr Chase practiced a new Griddy and dedicated his TD celebration to a young @Bengals fan battling cancer 🧡#HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/uRoyiPR96C

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2024

Sure enough, Chase ended up with 14 catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-20 win. He got the first score for Brixton out of the way with 2:45 left in the first quarter:

🙌🙌🙌@JoeyB ➡️ @Real10jayy__ #CINvsDAL on ESPN/Disney+ pic.twitter.com/XUrXQS0mIx

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 10, 2024

Fans obviously loved to see Chase and Brixton here.

‘Hard Knocks’ Episode 2:
1) Man, this series continues to paint Mike Tomlin in a positive light, and it’s really hard for me not to like him as a Bengals fan.

2) Ja’Marr Chase-Brixton Wood story = 🧡🖤

3) Zac’s reaction to missed facemask call and blocked punt is awesome.

— Cameron Demler (@CJD22K) December 11, 2024

Imagine how much this means to Brixton. Well done Chase.

— Lakes N Pains (@lakesnpains) December 11, 2024

Such a powerful message from Chase to Brixton. This is what being a role model is all about

— 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐊 🥘 (@BithwithJK) December 11, 2024

Next Tuesday will be the third episode of the six-part series. It will air on HBO and stream on Max at 9 p.m. ET.

It will cover the before, during and after of Week 15 games.

Cleveland has a tough one at home against the 12-1 Chiefs, who are looking for the first-ever Super Bowl three-peat. The Bengals look to keep their slight playoff hopes alive at the Tennessee Titans. The Ravens visit a 2-11 Giants team that's lost eight straight. And the Steelers will travel across Pennsylvania to visit the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles in a potential Super Bowl preview.

As the Pittsburgh Steelers march closer to the playoffs, they made light work of the Cleveland Browns in a 27-14 win on Sunday.

After leading 13-7 at halftime, Pittsburgh piled on 14 points in the third and allowed none from the Browns. Cleveland cut into the lead in the fourth quarter with a touchdown and the Steelers made things a bit harder on themselves with a turnover, but ultimately, Pittsburgh managed to hold off a late comeback and improve to 10-3.

Russell Wilson, who was without star wide receiver George Pickens, had 158 passing yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-26 passing. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris combined for 100 yards on the ground and Harris found the endzone once.

On defense, Pittsburgh held Jameis Winston to just 211 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, intercepting him twice. The Browns had 104 yards on the ground.

After the win, fans hyped up Wilson and the Steelers.

SECOND HALF RUSSELL WILSON IS AWAKE pic.twitter.com/9w9GNUA47G

— MinkahBurgh Steelers (@SteelersWin109) December 8, 2024

You know what I love about this Steelers team and Russ? They get better as the game goes on. Every week. Get better in the second half. That’s coaching. Leadership. Attention to detail. Willingness to adapt. All of it. That’s what it takes to be a champion.

— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) December 8, 2024

Pittsburgh has allowed 16 pts in third quarter this season, which is the fewest in the NFL.

The Steelers have not surrendered 16 pts or less combined in the third quarter of their first 13 games of the season since 2001 (allowed 13).

— Michael Bertsch (@SteelersPRMike) December 8, 2024

Steelers can win the Super Bowl with Russ making throws like this. pic.twitter.com/aW241CXw2K

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 8, 2024

This is why you sign Russell Wilson.

— Steelers Takeaways 🌗 (@PittsburghSport) December 8, 2024

Fun fact: Russell Wilson has the most games with a passing touchdown of any quarterback since being drafted. pic.twitter.com/ZhBDYCwY3e

— StatMuse Football (@statmusefb) December 8, 2024

One thing you have to credit Russell Wilson for is that it doesn't matter who is out there. He finds a way to get the ball to whoever is open

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) December 8, 2024

I’m so happy the Steelers have Russell Wilson.

He is the biggest difference maker to this team. He knows how to read a defense so well and knows how to win games.

With our defense and his experience, a Super Bowl is possible

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) December 8, 2024

that drive was VINTAGE Russell Wilson, his playmaking is still elite.

— 🌹 (@kawhihesi) December 8, 2024

Russell Wilson has been really good on the move in recent weeks.

Has been able to buy times and make plays down the field.

— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) December 8, 2024

This is the Russell Wilson the Broncos thought they were getting but instead he is what the Steelers got for nothing in return

— Scott Engel (@scotteTheKing) December 8, 2024

It wasn't clear how the Wilson experiment would go in Pittsburgh after the veteran quarterback struggled during his time with the Denver Broncos. Wilson has quickly shown he's still capable of leading a team to the playoffs and perhaps even to a Super Bowl.