| Home / College Guide / Wild Card Blog: Thielen excited for Monday night |
| Posted on Friday, January 09 @ 00:01:14 PST |
Teresa Varley
Thursday, January 8
No surprises:Adam Thielen is a been-there, done-that, player.
The veteran receiver has seen it all, been through the ups and downs.
So, when he saw how things played out in the closing minutes of the win over the Ravens on Sunday Night Football to clinch the AFC North and send the Steelers into the postseason, it didnt surprise him.
It was simply a microcosm of the ups and downs an NFL season is.
It definitely has been that, said Thielen, who was claimed off waivers by the Steelers on Dec. 2 after asking for his release from the Vikings. But thats also the NFL.
I think the longer you play in this league, you understand that its a week-to-week league. Every week is so different. Every series is so different. There are so many ups and downs through a game, through a season, through a week. So, you just kind of get numb to that. You just focus on the next play, and the next week, and the next day, and go from there.
In 13 years Ive seen a lot. So, nothing is surprising in this league. You just show up the next day and give the most effort you can and figure it out from there.
Thielen feels like he has landed in a great situation, one where Coach Mike Tomlin allows his players to be who they are on the field, not fit a pre-determined mold.
He feels that it takes pressure off players, allowing them to play their game, which eventually leads to team success.
I think its just a little less stress, said Thielen. This business is stressful enough, but when you have to be a different version of yourself, sometimes that can just create more stress.
So, I think letting guys truly be themselves and be who they are on the field can be a benefit. I think its been a good thing as far as just guys showing up and having confidence in what they do.
That confidence will be needed up and down the roster on Monday night when the Steelers take on the Houston Texans in a Wild Card game.
Thielen said its special to play in primetime, but even more special to be in the postseason.
I think all night games, obviously all playoff games in general are special, said Thielen. Night games are something that when youre a little kid, youre thinking about those primetime games, Monday night, playoff game.
So, obviously a little special and always a great atmosphere, especially at home. Ive been able to experience a couple of night games here now. And its a pretty special place, especially at night.
Staying grounded:Dylan Cook knows exactly what lies ahead for the Steelers offensive line.
And quite simply, its a tough test.
When the Steelers face the Houston Texans on Monday night, they will be going against one of the best rush tandems in the NFL in defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.
Physical group, said Cook, who will be making his first postseason start. Its going to be a good test.
Got to get after them.
Anderson and Hunter have combined for 27 sacks in the regular season and can make life tough on opposing offensive lines.
Cook knows their job is to combat that head on, and they are aware of what the duo brings to the table.
Its more so their change-up, said Cook. We all know theyre power guys, but they both have really good spin moves. They both have good motors and good hand usage. Their fastballs are obviously dynamic and powerful, but their change-ups are really good for them.
Cook said the offensive line is lucky to have the luxury of practicing against players like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, who also have those types of moves.
Weve been working all year, said Cook. We have a pretty dynamic rush group ourselves. So just going up against guys like Herbig, T.J., and Alex ever since Latrobe, we got a good feel because they all have good change-up, too.
So, weve just got to be grounded and have to stay out of third and long and just expect it.
It doesnt hurt that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the ability to get the ball out fast, with only 29 sacks allowed this year because he doesnt hold onto the ball.
It starts with No. 8 (Rodgers), said Cook. He gets the ball out. He understands the assignment, and he gets rid of the ball. Doesnt really demand us to hold up, even though thats obviously what we want to do.
But he just gets the ball out so fast, and he just processes the defenses so fast.
Cook likes the direction the offense has been going over the last month or so of the season and wants to see more of the same.
The details are being locked in on and theres obviously stuff we can still work on, said Cook. Were clicking right now and were just going to keep going.
We are locked in at the end of the day. Sunday was cool and all, but its another week.
Its win or go home at this point.
We obviously want to win, but we just got to go out and execute our job and take it one play at a time.
Brotherly shove:It was supposed to be a brotherly shove, but it didnt quite turn out that way.
On the Steelers first attempt of the tush push on Sunday night against the Ravens, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward stepped in to the role that tight end Darnell Washington, who is now on the Reserve/Injured List, previously held.
His job was to help his younger brother, tight end Connor Heyward, get one yard on a fourth-and-one from the Steelers 45-yard line.
The play yielded no gain.
The first one he tackled me, said Connor Heyward of his big brothers effort. But that was the practice for the second and third one.
But it was a special moment for sure with both of us out there. Obviously, you saw the first one, but for us to get the second and third one. It meant that much more in the critical moment as well. So just glad that we got to win and then obviously for us to have that moment was cool as well.
Connor Heyward said he was frustrated on the first attempt when his brother tackled him, but then they straightened it all out.
I was hot after the first one, said Connor Heyward. But he came up to me and he was like, were good. That was my bad.
But shout out at (offensive coordinator) Art (Smith), calling it the second or third time. Believing in the guys up front as well.
It was Smith who came up with the idea to add Cameron Heyward take over Washingtons role on Sunday, and he didnt mind it.
It was Arthurs for sure, said Connor Heyward. Cam was walking around the locker room telling guys he was playing offense all week, but little did they know he was just the push guy on the tush.
The play is one that they didnt practice a lot with both Heywards on the field leading into the Ravens game, but having it work two out of three times was a positive.
We only ran it on the walkthrough day, said Connor Heyward. So, we didnt really get a live snap of it. You really cant do that. You just get that with live reps in the game.
(Cam) was supposed to let me just get out in front a little bit. You push, but its more just leaning on the guy. I kind of got hit from the side.
He was trying to put all his strength into it and not even thinking about maybe the technique. Just trying his way, and thats a part of it, but thats more when youre caught in the air, and youre on top of guys, and then somebody might come and push you.
Connor Heyward has seen the play work for other teams in past years, but wasnt always a fan of it that.
His opinion has changed.
I hated it, admitted Connor Heyward. Im not going to lie. But now, I love it.
Not even because Im a part of it, but all the plays off of it. There is creativity and Arts getting in his bag with it. And its on us just to get those fourth-and-ones, third-and-ones, whatever hes calling me.
While Heyward enjoys it now, he can also see Steelers Nation feeling the same way about it.
And doing it in front of the home crowd is also a lot easier without the crowd noise.
At home, everybody can hear the cadence, said Connor Heyward. So, thats a plus for us. The guys, the surge. I think theres so much chemistry and time spent on this. So, we have a lot of confidence calling it.
And then obviously running the ball with Jaylen (Warren) and Kenneth Gainwell. And then when Jonnu (Smith) gets back there. They can all get back there and take it the distance.
And even if its a short yardage, its just running the guy over, making the guy miss. We have a lot of capable backs.
A tough tandem:The Steelers offense, and the offensive line in particular, are going to face one of their toughest tests of the season this week against a Houston Texans defense that is relentless.
The Texans finished the 2025 regular season as the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL.
Theyve just got a kick-butt unit, said Coach Mike Tomlin. They do. Theyve got a top-flight edge tandem in (Danielle) Hunter and (Will) Anderson. Theyve got a top-flight corner tandem on the outside, and so they rush very well. They cover very well. Theyre not trying to split the atom schematically. They dont have to when you have corners and edge rushers like that.
The tandem of Anderson and Hunter on the edge have combined for 27 sacks, something that will have the offensive line on alert.
Will Anderson and Hunter are simply the most dynamic edge rush tandem in the National Football League in 2025, said Tomlin. Theyve got 27 sacks between them. I think its 12 for Anderson, 15 for Hunter. Theyre a formidable group.
You can talk about the things that you need to do schematically to minimize them and all that. Its nothing that they havent seen. We better stay out of a bunch of one-dimensional passing circumstances, because if were in those circumstances were going to be in trouble. Thats just the reality of it.
Lights, camera, action:Center Zach Frazier has become something of a social media sensation in the wake of the Steelers last-play victory over the Ravens, not that Frazier is aware.
I twitter-deleted right now, he said.
Brian Baldinger has not. And the former 11-year NFL offensive lineman and current media analyst featured Frazier the day after the Steelers heart-stopping, 26-24 victory over the Ravens in the regular-season finale last Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
There are few things in life that I enjoy more than watching Zach Frazier play football, Baldinger posted.
That voice-over was accompanied by end zone video of Fraziers effort on a screen pass to running back Kenneth Gainwell on second-and-2 from the Baltimore 41-yard line with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter and the Steelers trailing, 24-20.
Frazier delayed momentarily on the play, then engaged Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith inside the numbers and drove him all the way to the sideline and into cornerback Chidobe Awuziwe, who was being blocked by wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Gainwell gained 15 yards to the Baltimore 26.
Three snaps later quarterback Aaron Rodgers hit Austin for 26 yards and what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown.
Family members texted me, said they liked that block, Frazier said. That was definitely a good one. In that situation, I kinda knew Id be 1-on-1 with (Smith) so I tried to sell like I was pass-blocking. He knew instantly, he started yelling screen, so I had to sprint out of there, try to get on him, because hes a smart player.
I just covered him up and then just kept driving him.
The Steelers will be looking for more of the same from Frazier and of what theyve been getting from their offensive line of late when they host the Houston Texans on Monday night at Acrisure, the final game of the NFLs Wild Card Weekend.
The key for us is going to be to start how we stated that second half, against the Ravens, Frazier assessed. Theres been a couple games this year where we not necessarily started out great but we got it rolling. If we can get it rolling from the jump, I think thats the next step from us.
Everyones gotta be on top of everything. Stay committed, keep wearing on the defense and eventually they give in, I think. Keep running the ball, keep pushing the pile, keep being physical with the guys youre going against. The runs start to get longer and longer when you do that.
The degree of difficulty will ratchet upon appropriately for the postseason opener.
The Texans will come town with the NFLs No. 1 total defense (277.2 yards per game) and No. 2 scoring defense (17.4 points per game).
I dont think were gonna change up our stuff, Frazier said. I mean, obviously, it is a good defense. We just have to keep doing our stuff. And as an offensive lineman, you know, if (running back) Jaylen (Warren) squeaks by, you gotta chase him because if you dont someone might come and hit him as hes falling down.
You dont want that.
-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta
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Monday, January 5
Happy to be back:Receiver DK Metcalf was all smiles on Monday walking through the Steelers locker room, greeted by teammates after he served a two-game suspension, missing the last two games of the regular season.
They were very supportive, said Metcalf of his teammates. Its going to take a lot to call everybody out, but a lot of people reached out to me on more than just one occasion.
So, it just really showed the type of people that we have in this locker room number one, and how they view me as a player and a teammate.
Metcalf couldnt be happier to be back for the postseason, and is ready to hit the ground running as the team is getting ready to prepare for the Houston Texans on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium.
It feels great, especially, we get to play another game, said Metcalf. My teammates gave me another opportunity to come back, so just a big shout out to them.
Metcalf is a guy who cant wait to get back on the field on Monday night, as he loves the game and missed being out there.
Im excited as (heck) to be back in the building, around my teammates, being in meetings, going to practice, said Metcalf. All the things that encompass a week of preparation.
Metcalf said he watched the Steelers-Ravens game at home on Sunday night by himself, riding the same emotions that many fans rode as well.
Roller coaster, said Metcalf. I couldnt watch some moments because of my anxiety. I get too high.
But just happy my teammates got the dub.
Metcalf said he watched the game alone for a simple reason.
I dont like talking to people during the game, said Metcalf. I dont like talking.
Metcalf said when fellow receiver Calvin Austin III caught what would be the winning touchdown reception, he was pumped.
I jumped up, put on my clothes, said Metcalf. And I was headed to the stadium.
For Metcalf, it hasnt been easy not being able to practice and play, but he was able to workout and stay in shape.
It was very difficult, said Metcalf. But thanks to the NFL for allowing me just to come up here and still work out and get some training in.
I was here all last week. I went home and spent time with my family for Christmas.
Metcalf didnt discuss the issue that led to his suspension, but also took responsibility for his actions.
I feel full responsibility for my actions and thats it, said Metcalf. Ive got the most respect and confidence in my teammates still going out there and performing to the best of their abilities.
Metcalfs return will do nothing but add to the offense that was hitting their stride before his suspension and continues to do the same.
We were definitely starting to hit our stride as an offense, said Metcalf.
I think we found our groove and hoping we can pick that back up.
Its just about executing as a whole. So, I think last night in the second half showed a lot of execution on everybodys part.
Punching their ticket:The Steelers defense had a luxury on Sunday night in the regular-season finale against the Ravens.
They were fully healthy for the first time in a long time.
And it paid off.
It felt great, said linebacker Jack Sawyer. It was a back-and-forth battle, just like it always is when we play them. And its always great to come out on top against those guys and punch our ticket to the playoffs.
And now its a completely new season, so were looking forward to it.
Sawyer acknowledged that its been a wild 12 plus hours since the game ended on kicker Tyler Loops missed field goal with the clock running out.
That kicker, hes had a great year too, said Sawyer. I think that might be his first miss all year inside of 40 or whatever it is.
When hes going out there, just praying, please give us a shot. The kick was wide right, and were moving on. So now the focus goes to Houston.
With that focus on Houston, it means facing Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, a former teammate of Sawyers at Ohio State.
I love C.J., said Sawyer. He was a phenomenal leader, great guy, good teammate, obviously a really good player.
And hes a competitor. I think thats the one thing thats always stuck out to me about C.J. is he wants to win. And so, when youre going up against a guy like that, youve got to throw everything at him and kind of make him second guess and not be on time. Because when hes on time and on rhythm, hes one of the best to do it.
So, Im looking forward to it.
And it looks like once again it will be a healthy defense facing the Texans.
Which includes linebacker T.J. Watt back in the fold after he returned from a three-week absence due to his lung issue against the Ravens.
Watt came up with the only turnover of the game when he intercepted a deflected Lamar Jackson pass.
He has been one of the best to do it for a very long time, said Sawyer of Watt. And it seems like hes always there around the ball to make a play. I saw that again yesterday with Alex (Highsmith) and Cam (Heyward) tipped it. Hes Johnny on the spot right there to make the play and get the turnover for our offense to get the short field.
So, I just feel like great players somehow always seem to fall in a good play. I know he definitely is one of best ever to play.
Thats kind of the name of his game.
This weeks game is going to pit two strong defense against each other, with the Texans among the league leaders in yards and points allowed.
It will be a challenge for the offense, but also an opportunity for the defense to stand out as well.
Theyve got a great defense, said Sawyer. Theyve got a lot of good playmakers, theyve been playing well all year. And I think that weve got a great defense too.
Its one of those battles, and obviously we want to come out on top of that. Every time we hit the field, were trying to be the best unit in football. And as of late, we were playing better, making steps. Well have a little step back, and then well keep going forward.
Now in the playoffs, its a good time for us to put our best stuff out there every play. And what an opportunity weve got against a good defense like Houston to stack ourselves against the best.
On tap for 2026:While the dates and times wont be announced for a few months, the Steelers know who they will play during the 2026 season, which includes the traditional AFC North opponents.
This year the AFC North teams will face the AFC South and the NFC South in games at home and on the road. In addition, there will be three games based on how teams finished within their divisions, with the AFC North teams facing teams from the AFC West at home and the AFC East and NFC East on the road.
With 17 games on the schedule, the Steelers will have an additional away game this year, with the NFL rotating the 17th game on a home/away basis each year.
At home the Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in the North, in addition to the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.
On the road the team will face Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans.
Making moves:The Steelers waived cornerback Tre Flowers.
Flowers was signed on Christmas Day to the 53-man roster.
In eight seasons in the NFL, Flowers appeared in 97 games, starting 44 of them. He has four career interceptions, five forced fumbles and 22 passes defensed.
Flowers most recently played for the Detroit Lions, appearing in two games in 2025.
Flowers was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 146th overall selection, out of Oklahoma.
Flowers spent four seasons with the Seahawks, appearing in 47 games, with 40 starts. He spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts.
Wanting it for Cam:On the first play of the latest Ravens-Steelers showdown, Derrick Henry took a handoff right 41 yards down the sideline before he was tackled.
Hot on Henrys trail was 36-year-old defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who didnt make the tackle but did take a blast in the hip from teammate James Pierre, who was blocked into Heyward drawing a penalty.
Heyward was helped off the field, and after the game joked about the insanity of chasing a play that far downfield. Heyward returned a few plays later.
He scared me with that, Heywards young linemate Keeanu Benton said. I was thinking, Oh, man, get up, we need you. That just shows his resiliency and his want-to and will to come out here and work at his age. I think hes still got some more in the tank. Hes a heck of a player.
Heyward played the rest of the game and helped the Steelers hold Henry to only 85 more yards. Afterward, Heyward credited gap control and cited the entire front by name, including, of course, Benton, who tied Heyward for the team lead with 7 tackles against the Ravens.
We talked all week about, If were going to win this game, its because of everybody, not just one guy, said Heyward.
Benton of course listened.
He always does when Heyward speaks.
Thats why you see me doing it now, Benton said of chasing plays downfield. Seeing him, even in practice, it starts in practice with him turning and running. You see it on film. The young guys see it on film. You just see people start to change. I learned from him, see him turn and run. I would do it in college, but its like a five-yard burst. Actually, getting all the way to the ball in practice, that kind of waterfalls down to everybody.
The defense has shown great improvement over the last month of the season. In their last four games, the Steelers allowed an average of 19 points (24 rest of season) and 317 yards (369) per game, and 3.7 (4.4) yards per carry.
Go back to the resilience, Benton said of the defensive mindset. You arent gonna make all the plays, but the ones that you can, go out there and make. And there are going to be more to make.
The wild fourth quarter again tested the Steelers resiliency. The Ravens broke loose for two deep touchdown passes. On the first, Benton, and then Alex Highsmith, missed on sack opportunities. Lamar Jackson broke away to loft a 50-yard touchdown pass.
Missing that sack with me and Alex, its easy to get frustrated and lose track, Benton said.
We still got to go out there and make plays, so you get back to level-headed.
How?
Youre bred to do this, Benton said. Since youre young, youre bred to when things dont go right always get back up and do it again. We wouldnt be in this position if we didnt do so.
Bentons best season rolls into the playoffs. His career-high 5.5 sacks and 12 QB hits lead all Steelers defensive linemen. Hes second to Heyward among the defensive line with 51 tackles.
The two lions up front will be stalking hardware when the playoffs begin Monday night against the Houston Texans. Benton would love nothing better for his mentor.
Theres one thing to want to do it for yourself, Benton said. But when you get that connection, that brotherhood that weve developed throughout the years, its way better when you fight for somebody else. And that guy deserves a lot, so Im gonna give all I got. I feel like our defense and offense and our team feel the same way.
-- Blog entry by Jim Wexell
Taking the next step:The Steelers will play the Houston Texans in a Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium on Monday, Jan. 12 at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN/ABC.
The Steelers own a 5-3 all-time record against the Texans, including 3-1 at home.
-->>Tickets on sale now
The Steelers have won three of the last four regular season meetings, dating back to 2014.
This is the first time the two teams will meet in the postseason.
The Steelers secured their playoff spot when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens to take the AFC North title on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium.
The Steelers have won 25 division championships, including 15 AFC Central Championships and 10 AFC North Championships after the conference was realigned in 2002 to include the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Ravens.
This is the eighth time the Steelers have won the AFC North under Coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season since he was hired in 2007. It is also the 12th time under Tomlin the Steelers have earned a playoff berth.
The win over the Ravens was Tomlins 193rd regular season win, tying Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll for the most regular season wins in Steelers history. Tomlin also tied Noll for ninth place in all-time regular season wins in NFL history.
-->>Order AFC North Champions Gear
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