It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a weekly Steelers links roundup at BTSC. But first, let’s take a look around the AFC North:
And a new category: what’s the latest on the Steelers’ upcoming opponent?
Christian Gonzalez updates status, taking hamstring injury ‘day by day’ (Pats Pulpit)
Now, onto some Steelers news and discussion:
(From Clutch Points’ Allan Binoy): “We had to be more aware of the routes; they were wide open in the first half, on that first drive,” Heyward said. “And in the second half, I don’t think we just capitalized, whether it was third and long or advantageous situations for the defense. A lot of teach tape, of what not to do, and we gotta be better.”
Although there isn’t much reason for optimism regarding the Steelers defense to open the season, one thing is for sure: the team’s defensive leaders have been more than vocal that they’re not happy with the results, either.
Currently, the Steelers are the NFL’s fourth-worst team in points allowed per game and fifth-worst in yards per game.
(From Still Curtain’s Ryan Pawloski): Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Despite some up-and-down quarterback performances in college football, there should still be solid choices at the position when the draft arrives. Garrett Nussmeier is one of the few prospects who hasn’t tarnished his stock, and he somehow fell to the Steelers in this mock draft.
He has every quality an NFL team wants in a potential franchise quarterback, and Nussmeier’s potential could be through the roof.
It’s still way too early for mock drafts, but if you’re already looking forward to next season, LSU’s Nussmeier is a name to watch if the Steelers target a quarterback in the first round.
The 3-0 Tigers are currently the No. 3 team in the nation with wins against Clemson and Florida this season. Nussmeier has passed for 689 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions so far this season.
There’s been some good and bad:
(From SI’s Jack Markowski): The only difference from their Week 2 depth chart on defense is that linebacker Malik Harrison is no longer listed after being placed on the reserve/injured list with a knee injury that he sustained against the New York Jets in Week 1.
Another week, another depth chart, and another depth chart with minimal news value.
Interestingly, Kaleb Johnson is still listed as one of the top two kick returners, even if Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin answered “probably not in the short term” regarding a question about Johnson remaining in the role.
(From SI’s Patrick McAvoy): ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that the Jets brought in eight different defensive backs for a workout including Needham, Jaden Davis, Thomas Graham, Richie Grant, Arthur Maulet, Tanner McAlister, Jalen Mills, and Duke Shelley.
Arthur Maulet, a slot cornerback who spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Steelers, is still in the league. He most recently spent two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
(From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Paul Zeise): I’ve watched (Watt) for two weeks now, who looks like he might’ve lost a little bit. And what I mean by that is, I think — he doesn’t have any sacks, he has one or two hurries. But for the most part, he’s been a little bit of a guy who looks like he might be, I don’t know, succumbing a little bit to the whole idea that Father Time is undefeated.
Zeise goes on to say that he doesn’t know if Watt isn’t fully in shape yet or dealing with a nagging injury, but the star defender has looked a little bit “slow.” He adds that the Pittsburgh defense is in trouble if it can’t figure out what much of its scheme is predicated on: getting after the quarterback.
Are you worried about T.J. Watt?
Let’s just bump Zeise’s question to BTSC.
As for myself, I’m not sure if “worried” is the right word. I think it’s accurate that Watt hasn’t looked like the Defensive Player of the Year version of himself through two weeks, and his sack production, or lack thereof, only emphasizes that point.
But it was clear even in the 2024 season that Watt’s play has started to decline, even if the current version of the star outside linebacker remains one of the best at his position in the NFL.
Sure, Watt didn’t look as quick or bendy as he was in his prime in Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks. But he remains elite against the run and still created pressure when left one on one.
But with the Steelers’ front seven as a whole underwhelming to open the 2025 season, opposing offenses have been able to dedicate a lot of resources to slowing No. 90 down. He’s still making an impact.
Should you be worried about Watt? No, it’s the expected regression of a future Hall of Famer — who is still playing at a tremendously high level. Is he overpaid compared to his current production? Probably. But the market will catch up. It always does.
Should the Steelers be worried about T.J. Watt? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!
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