Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cam Heyward attempts to stop a pass from Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow in the NFL game in December

Pittsburgh Steelers played in a pre-season game at Croke Park in 1997, but this year’s game will be the first regular-season NFL contest to be played in Ireland

 

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Dublin’s hosting of a regular-season NFL contest involving the Pittsburgh Steelers later this year will be a “great celebration”.

 

The widely-anticipated news of the Croke Park contest was confirmed on Friday in advance of Sunday’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.

 

The Steelers’ legendary owner Dan Rooney, who died in 2017, had lifelong connections with Ireland and was US Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 and 2012.

 

“We’re really excited. It’s a great market for us,” said the NFL commissioner.

 

“Obviously there’s a great connection in the United States with Ireland. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a specific connection also through their [Rooney] family.”

 

Goodell added that the NFL receives “a tremendous amount of media coverage [in Ireland], but we spend a lot of time on a year-round basis promoting the game and getting kids playing, whether it’s flag football or tackle football”.

 

“All of that is part of our efforts to make our game more popular there and this game is sort of the spark and gives that a greater interest,” he added.

 

 

Steelers’ Cameron Heyward excited for Dublin NFL game

 

Steelers players Larry Ogunjobi and Cameron Heyward both spoke of their excitement at the news.

 

“I don’t know a lot about Ireland but Mr Rooney was ambassador to Ireland so it’s going to be cool to see that transpire and they have a lot of fans there,” said defensive lineman Heyward.

 

Defensive tackle Ogunjobi added: “When I visited Mexico last year, I got to know just how important the fan base is and how important it is for us to show our face in their country and show them that we support them as much as they support us.”

 

Heyward said the spectators can look forward to “lots of hits, a lot of sacks and a lot of turnovers and splash plays”.

 

Pittsburgh played at Croke Park in 1997 in a pre-season game against Chicago Bears and there have been College Football games in Dublin.

 

However, the arrival of a regular-season NFL contest at the 82,000 capacity venue will be a coup for the stadium’s owners, the Gaelic Athletic Association.

 

 

; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at AT&T Stadium.

; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at AT&T Stadium.

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PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a “job opening” at running back this offseason, with both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren hitting the free agent market. Unless the plan is to keep Cordarrelle Patterson and make him their starter, the team will need to look for their next group of runners, and have an option who carries superstar potential.

 

In a list of six free agents who can turn into superstars, Bleacher Report lists one name the Steelers will already be negotiating with – Justin Fields. But they may also have an opportunity to pair the quarterback with a running back who has the same upside.

 

That’s former Dallas Cowboys runner Rico Dowdle.

 

“Rico Dowdle could’ve been a breakout star running back this past season, but the Dallas Cowboys split his workload with Ezekiel Elliott for more than half of the campaign,” Bleacher Report writes.

 

“Before Week 12, Dowdle logged 20-plus carries in one game. In four of the last six weeks, he recorded 20-plus rush attempts and racked up 104 or more rushing yards in three of those outings. …

 

“Because of his versatile skill set, Dowdle could be one of the league’s top running backs in a featured role despite having only 331 NFL carries on his resume.”

 

Dowdle, 26, went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft and has been with the Cowboys ever since. Without ever getting an opportunity to be a feature back, he hits free agency and a market that’s top two options may be Aaron Jones and Najee Harris. And while he likely won’t be RB1 in Pittsburgh, he may be intrigued by the job opening and the potential of the role.

 

The Steelers’ top option this offseason is likely Jaylen Warren. As a restricted free agent, they can tender Warren, minimizing his cost as they look to build around him. The NFL Draft will be another place they’ll look, but adding a second veteran is definitely on the table.

 

If they’re looking to clean house all together, moving on from Harris and Warren, Dowdle becomes a top name to watch. Pittsburgh won’t head into the draft without signing a running back. And if they are thinking young with potential, Dowdle probably sits at the top of their list.

 

Options are key for any team looking to fill a position group. For the Steelers, there’s not many flashy names on the open market, but a few with potential. And Dowdle may have the most.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already secured a postseason spot for January, but reports suggest the locker room is starting to unravel as the regular season wraps up.

The Steelers have now lost three straight games by double digits. On Christmas Day, they were thoroughly beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs in a 29-10 loss at Acrisure Stadium, bringing Pittsburgh’s record to 10-6.

Their Week 18 game won’t be easy, as they face a Cincinnati Bengals team that could be fighting for the No. 7 seed in the AFC. Pittsburgh desperately needs a win, with drama beginning to take hold in the locker room.

Cam Heyward expressed frustration after the loss USATSI 22299724 168400517 lowres Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks the field with defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) before the game against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Defensive lineman Cam Heyward said after the Chiefs loss that the Steelers were “screwed” when 10 players executed a play, but one did not, according to video from Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The Steelers are facing internal issues Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks off the field after the win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Kyle Brandt of NFL Network believes the Steelers are struggling with personnel, particularly on defense, as several defensive players spoke out on Wednesday about teammates failing to do their jobs properly.

“There are all sorts of theories circulating, from locker room tensions to the possibility that certain defensive players don’t want to be on the field with someone else,” Brandt said. “These conspiracy theories are starting to add up when you piece together the quotes.”

The Steelers’ locker room situation is beginning to resemble the issues that surfaced last year with the Philadelphia Eagles, involving Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni, and A.J. Brown.

That situation didn’t end well for the Eagles, who were eliminated in the wild card round.

It’s up to Mike Tomlin to ensure the Steelers avoid a similar fate.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin nfl fans Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images For more football news, visit our site.

 

 

AFC North standings: What Steelers loss means for first place in the division

 

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t get it done on Christmas Day, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Week 17. Pittsburgh has now lost three consecutive games and suffered their second defeat at home this season.

 

With their loss to the Chiefs on Wednesday, the Steelers fell to 10-6 and looked completely out of sorts for the third straight week. The offense has flourished under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and veteran quarterback Russell Wilson this year, but the unit has struggled with sustaining drives and taking care of the football over the last few weeks.

 

The defense has also been abysmal lately, as Teryl Austin’s group hasn’t been able to stop the run and has allowed over 27 points in each of the last three contests.

 

Pittsburgh’s loss to Kansas City in Week 17 may prove costly, as the Steelers’ quest to win the AFC North has gotten a lot more challenging. With their win over the Houston Texans on Wednesday afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens are atop the division with a record of 11-5 entering Week 18.

 

AFC North standings:

1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

 

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

 

3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)

 

4. Cleveland Browns (3-12)

 

Now, the clinching scenarios for the Ravens and Steelers are much simpler. Here’s the breakdown.

 

 

If the Ravens win next week or the Steelers lose, Baltimore clinches the AFC North. However, if the Ravens lose and the Steelers win, Pittsburgh will be the division champion.

 

So, long story short: Pittsburgh is still alive in the AFC North race despite a crushing defeat to Kansas City on Christmas Day. But the road has gotten a bit tougher for Mike Tomlin’s squad.

After a series of drama-filled days surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles, some analysts and fans are starting to view their upcoming matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a must-win situation.

With mounting questions about the passing game and concerns over their ability to perform in critical moments, a victory over a solid Steelers team could be vital for the Eagles to demonstrate their championship credentials.

It would also help silence any doubts surrounding the relationship between A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts.

However, “must-win” games are typically reserved for teams in turmoil or those fighting to stay in playoff contention. While this game against Pittsburgh is crucial for Philadelphia’s pursuit of a top playoff seed, it’s far from a do-or-die scenario for the team.

Key players, including Hurts and Brown, used Wednesday evening to emphasize that everything is fine within the organization.

That’s why this game against Pittsburgh remains important, but it’s not as critical as some may suggest… despite the recent rumors.

Amid all the off-field chatter, a win combined with some outside help would put the Eagles in prime position to secure the top seed in the conference.

Given that Philadelphia has never reached the Super Bowl without holding the No. 1 seed, it’s clear they need that first-round bye more than ever.

So while the Steelers matchup is as close to a “must-win” as it gets, it would be unwise to label it as such with the team still focused on its long-term goals.

 

 

Just three weeks ago the Cleveland Browns took down the Pittsburgh Steelers in a thrilling AFC North showdown featuring plenty of snow.

 

It also featured a fight between Steelers wide receiver George Pickens and Browns defensive back Greg Newsome. The two kept the feud going in the days leading up to Sunday’s rematch in Pittsburgh.

 

“I’m all about the team,” Newsome said, via ESPN. “Obviously he’s a guy that cares more so about himself, and you can see that in the penalties he causes. For me, my job is to try and do whatever I can to help the team win. There’s never going to be no one-on-one battle for me. My battle is to try and help my team get the win. He does that type of stuff all the time. There will never be a man that could fuel me in any type of way.”

 

Pickens, meanwhile, said, “I don’t even know who that is,” when asked about the opposing player. Unfortunately, fans won’t get to watch the two face off on Sunday afternoon.

 

Just under 90 minutes before kickoff, the Steelers announced Pickens is a surprise inactive due to a hamstring injury.

 

“A surprise: George Pickens is INACTIVE,” Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor said.

 

Following his scrap with Newsome and two questionable penalties against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear Pickens needs to “grow up.”

 

 

 

“He’s just got to grow up man,” Tomlin said. “This emotional game, man, these divisional games are big. He got a target on his back because he’s George, he understands that, but he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.”

 

He’ll have to do some learning on the sideline this weekend as the Steelers attempt to find their 10th win of the season.

 

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers triumphed in a thrilling 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, displaying a commanding performance on both sides of the ball. The win marked their highest-scoring game since November 2018, further enhancing their position in the AFC playoff race. Russell Wilson led the offense, completing 29 of 38 passes for 414 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers totaled 520 yards, with Wilson connecting with ten different receivers. George Pickens recorded three catches for 74 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown, while Calvin Austin II and Pat Freiermuth also scored. Defensively, Pittsburgh forced three critical turnovers, including a fumble recovery and touchdown return by rookie Payton Wilson. Linebacker Nick Herbig continued his impressive season, registering four pressures, one sack, and a forced fumble. Cordarrelle Patterson also shined, contributing as both a rusher and receiver with a 91.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade—the highest among offensive players. Steelers’ Top-Three Graded Players Per PFF: Nick Herbig: Overall grade 91.9, pressure grade 93.8, four pressures, one sack, one forced fumble on 52 snaps. Cordarrelle Patterson: Overall grade 91.9, passing grade 93.1, 16 rushing yards, 37 receiving yards on 10 snaps. Payton Wilson: Overall grade 81.5, one tackle, one fumble recovery, one touchdown on 35 snaps. Related: Ex-Steelers WR Struggles. With the victory, Pittsburgh improves to 9-3, maintaining a strong presence in the AFC North race. They now shift focus to hosting the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, concluding a tough four-game road stretch. With momentum on their side and key players stepping up, the Steelers remain a formidable team.