Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Thursday.
The National Football League opens the 2024 season tonight when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens. Oh sure, we’ll be watching this one but we’ll also be doing our big Steelers Season Preview over on YouTube. It’s episode 385 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc and we’ll have all kinds of predictions, insights and opinions! Stop by for the live show starting at 10pmET or check us out later on your own time.
The Latest Injury News
Things are looking positive for several guys. Isaac Seumalo and Logan Lee were the only guys not participating in Wednesday’s practice. Roman Wilson (ankle), Troy Fautanu (knee), Cory Trice, Jr (groin) and Jaylen Warren (hamstring) were all limited. I can report however that all of them seemed to be moving well. As Mike Tomlin says, “the arrow is pointing up.” That said, we’ve been here before so don’t bet your life on all of them getting a helmet just yet. In Atlanta, TE Kyle Pitts was also limited with a hamstring and that bears watching.
Under the Radar?
Most of the National publications and internet sites seem quite unimpressed with the Steelers. Most have them in familiar territory, making the playoffs as a seventh seed and exiting in the first round. Many however have them missing the postseason altogether. While it would be nice to once again be among the favorites, it’s also nice to be overlooked. Considering the tough schedule, I get it, the season could be a difficult one but somehow they always find a way to be competitive. Will they again? We shall see.
Steelers History
I’m really happy to have Gordon back doing his weekly ‘Steelers History‘ pieces for the site. This week he looks back at a crazy shootout in Atlanta that featured a little bit of everything.
I Don’t Get It
I’ve been doing this a long time and it never fails to amaze me the amount of others who make up stuff. In recent weeks I’ve seen stories about George Pickens among others that didn’t have any validity. And the amount of people who “claim to know” this Steeler and that Steeler is often laughable as well. Like I said, I don’t get it… This need to justify one’s existence.
I Get It But I Don’t Like It
The NFL released a 30-second promo video on social media this week. It featured Taylor Swift in five different shots. That was more than any player in the NFL. Look, the NFL isn’t a $20 billion dollar industry because it listens to what I say but I still think it’s ridiculous that the opening week promo involves someone who doesn’t even play the game.
Random Reads
Last season on opening night, the Detroit Lions went into Kansas City and knocked off the defending champion Chiefs. I do not expect Baltimore to do the same but I do suspect it will be close… No announcement yesterday about Pat Freiermuth and an extension. They’re going to do it but I’m more and more skeptical that they should… Tonight on the podcast I’ll be revealing my final record for the Steelers this year. I’ve been within a game one side or the other in my predictions going back at least five years… I’ve been a high school teacher for 29 years. I was teaching when Columbine happened and I hoped that would be the only one I’d have to see. So much for that.
Hot Reads is Presented by Frank Walker Law.
