Associated Press Announces All-Pro Players; 3 Steelers Make the Cut

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — Three members of the Pittsburgh Steelers have been named to the Associated Press All-Pro team for 2019.

This honor means you’re the best at your position for that season, and there is one player for each position (22 players) honored each year. This year TJ Watt (edge rusher), Steelers linebacker TJ Watt sacks Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

Cam Heyward (interior lineman)

Cam Heyward defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

and Minkah Fitzpatrick (safety) were selected.

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

 

Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Thanks Players ‘For Their Efforts All Season’

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a defensive substitution in the game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 29, 2019 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. (Marlon Martin, Marlee Media for Golden Sky Media)

BALTIMORE (GSM) — The Steelers have missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, however faced adversity that enabled them to see the performance of their defensive and offensive depth. 

Quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and “Duck” Hodges both received a chance to prove if they are the heir to the throne after Ben Roethlisberger finally retires. Defensive end Isaiah Buggs received playing time after all-pro d-lineman Stephon Tuitt was placed on injured reserve following a pectoral tear. And who could forget the running back carousel between James Connor, Jaylen Samuels, Benny Snell Jr. and Kerrith Whyte?

 Throughout the season, Coach Tomlin often mentioned how adversity was an obstacle that he had to overcome. Nonetheless, his team fell short of reaching the postseason this year after a more than impressive run with many of the starters hurt. Despite their shortcomings, Coach Tomlin performed exceptionally well under the circumstances.

After the final game of the year vs the Ravens, Coach Tomlin responded to a question from Golden Sky Media, saying, “I appreciated their efforts today, but not only today, all season. We’re not trying to assess it too much, to make too many broad statements.”

The Steelers will now focus on the draft and solidifying their franchise tags for players that have made a significant contribution for the team thus far.


BRIAN COOK IS AN EMMY-NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN COVERING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SINCE 2005. HE CAN BE REACHED AT BCOOK@GOLDENSKYMEDIA.COM.
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Tomlin Discusses Mental Preparation in Week 17

Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

BALTIMORE (GSM) — Week 17 of the NFL season is here and there are 2 slots left — in both the AFC and the NFC — for teams to enter the postseason. The 6th seed of both conferences are up for grabs and Pittsburgh is on the outside looking in, needing a win and needing help to reach the tournament.

The Steelers will need to win against the Ravens and the Titans will need to lose to the Texans in order to gain the last playoff spot. 

Devlin “Duck” Hodges will get the start after throwing 2 interceptions against the Jets last week and was benched for Mason Rudolph. Rudolph was injured in the game after throwing a touchdown to Diontae Johnson and was ultimately placed on injured reserve.

After the shuffling of quarterbacks and leaving New York in the losing column, it is up to coaches and fellow teammates to help boost the morale of the team’s leader. In this case, “Duck” Hodges, by default. The undrafted quarterback has a chance to rebound from his latest performance and possibly solidify a spot o the roster in the future. Before that, it is imperative that his confidence is repaired. 

In his weekly press conference, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the importance of players being mentally stable.

“Having a hardcore plan; having a level of consistency in terms of the procedure that is preparation, creates a constant that is an anchor for guys. That allows them to build — not only preparation — but confidence associated with it as you get closer to game time.”–Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin

The Steelers — who have an uphill battle — now face a Baltimore Ravens team that has already secured the #1 spot in the AFC, are resting their starters and have nothing to play for. 

BRIAN COOK IS AN EMMY-NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN COVERING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SINCE 2005. HE CAN BE REACHED AT BCOOK@GOLDENSKYMEDIA.COM.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER  

Saints’ Coach Says ‘Not Now’ to Signing Antonio Brown

Former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on November 26, 2017 at Heinz Field. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

(GSM) — Business won’t be “boomin'” again for Antonio Brown. At least not during the 2019 regular season. The New Orleans Saints decided not to sign him after a workout with the team, Friday.

After a tumultuous year for the embattled wide receiver, Brown  landed with 3 NFL team in less than a year. He played 9-seasons with the Steelers, 6-months for the Raiders (off season only) and 1-game with the Patriots and was released shortly after allegations of sexual assault were made public.

Saints’ head coach Sean Payton addressed the media Friday afternoon confirming that Brown will not be joining the team. 

While on the ground in New Orleans, Brown took to Instagram after meeting with New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson, to round out his stay.

(Courtesy: Antonio Brown’s Instagram page)

 

 


BRIAN COOK IS AN EMMY-NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN COVERING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SINCE 2005. HE CAN BE REACHED AT BCOOK@GOLDENSKYMEDIA.COM.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER  

Steelers Couldn’t Stick the Landing; Fly Home Following Loss to the Jets

(Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (GSM) — Instead of flying first class, the Steelers are on standby waiting for their ticket to the post season after falling to the New York Jets 16-10, Sunday.  It was a game that was a must needed win in order to control their own destiny. Now they wait in the wings hoping to land in the playoffs.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on the sideline during the game against the New York Jets on Dec 22, 2019 at MetLife Stadium. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

Head coach Mike Tomlin, not mincing words, said his team just didn’t get it done. “It’s put-up-or-shut-up time, and we didn’t get the job done.” Tomlin said about playing during December football, “We accept responsibility for the fact and the ramifications of it.”

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after recording a sack in the game against the New York Jets on Dec. 22 at MetLife Stadium. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

Linebacker TJ Watt had 2 tackles, 1 resulting in a sack said, you win as a team and lose as a team. Nonetheless, everyone is responsible for the outcome of games no matter the position. “Football is the ultimate team game,” Watt said. “This is the Pittsburgh Steelers, we love everybody in the locker room, we believe in everybody in the locker room. It’s just a matter of putting together a complete game”.

 

Devlin “Duck” Hodges during the game against the New York Jets on December 22, 2019 at MetLife Stadium. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

The quarterback carousel continued as Devlin “Duck” Hodges was benched in the first half after throwing 2 interceptions and was replaced by the man he took over for, Mason Rudolph who came in and threw 14-20 129 yards and a touchdown. Rudolph was then injured in the game and “Duck” returned to the game in a losing effort. Hodges says it is unfortunate turn of events.

The 6th seed is still attainable but the Steelers need help to reach the postseason. There is one more game to play for Pittsburgh and it is against AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. In order for the Steelers to make the playoffs however, they MUST beat the Ravens and the Tennessee Titans must lose to the Houston Texans to solidify the final slot in the tournament. There is still a lot to play for as the regular season comes to a close.


BRIAN COOK IS AN EMMY-NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN COVERING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SINCE 2005. HE CAN BE REACHED AT BCOOK@GOLDENSKYMEDIA.COM.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER  
 

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