Teresa Varley

Thursday, December 17

The most wonderful time of the year:With the holiday season in full swing, it's no doubt you have heard 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,' playing in shopping malls, streaming on devices, or even in a promo for an NFL game.

Because quite simply, in the NFL, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

"It's awesome," said linebacker Jack Sawyer. "This is what you live for. It is what we play the game for. Being later in the year, the games get heightened and there's more at stake.

"It's what you play this game for. It's exciting and it's a great opportunity for us."

And this week, when the Steelers take on the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, it could be a great opportunity for Sawyer.

Linebacker T.J. Watt's status is still up in the air after he dealt with a lung issue that forced him to miss last week's game against the Miami Dolphins, and fellow linebacker Nick Herbig is dealing with a hamstring injury.

That leaves Sawyer and Jeremiah Moon, who the team signed off the Carolina Panthers practice squad, as the only fully healthy outside linebackers to play alongside Alex Highsmith.

"I'm just taking it day by day, trying to get better and prepare myself for anything," said Sawyer.

The rookie from Ohio State has seen his share of playing time this year, continually growing with the help of the veterans at the position.

"I've learned a lot from them," said Sawyer. "I feel like every day I'm learning something new from them to take with me into game day. They provide so much detail of everything to play the position.

"So just trying to pick up things every day.

"I'm just coming in here trying to get better every day, prepare myself for anything and then go out there and play to my fullest potential.

"I'm just getting ready for a game against a good opponent. Good offensive line, good quarterback. Playmakers all over the field So, I'm preparing every day like I would normally."

That preparation includes finding a way to stop, or at least slow down, a formidable tandem at running back for the Lions in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

"They've got two really explosive backs, two of the best in the league," said Sawyer. "And a great quarterback (Jared Goff). They're a really good team and well coached too.

"They present a lot of challenges and it's a good opportunity for us."

When Sawyer was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, he didn't know what to expect coming into his rookie year. He knew he was at a position where the starters were solid, but injuries and a long season always allow for more opportunities.

"I was coming in trying to work as hard as I can and get better and grow as a player and learn," said Sawyer. "So, I'm just excited to continue that and we've got two great older guys in the room. And Nick Herbig, who's been playing great football too. So, to be able to learn from those guys has been great.

"Coming into this game, it's a little different from what I'm used to. Trying to learn and grow as much as I can each day on everything. I prepare myself and get ready so that when I'm in there, I can help the collective and do my part the best I can."

One of the reasons Sawyer was drafted was to help the run defense.

That hasn't been lost on him.

"I think the first thing in any defensive line room is stopping the run," said Sawyer. "And obviously here in Pittsburgh, Pa., the standard is stopping the run.

"So, it's definitely been a point of emphasis for all of us."

The tush push master:It was during this past offseason when offensive coordinator Arthur Smith approached tight end Connor Heyward about the 'tush push.'

"He told me in the offseason if we get an older quarterback or a guy that we don't want taking those hits, Connor you're going to be doing it," shared Heyward. "He knew that I have a versatile background playing quarterback in high school, doing some things at Michigan State.

"So, he told me just to put that in my ear and to see it to come to fruition."

Heyward couldn't have had any idea how much the play would come to fruition, really taking off when the Steelers played the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, and then reaching a peak this past week against the Miami Dolphins when they ran it four times.

"I feel like early in the offseason there really wasn't much I could do (to prepare for it), but as the season has progressed, I find myself in the car sometimes going through the cadences and all the nuances because I want to hear it myself but also make sure I'm saying the things correctly because that play is extremely crucial," said Heyward. "It can be as simple as a quarterback exchange, a C-Q (center-quarterback) exchange can mess up the whole play.

"It's a play I take seriously, and it just shows not to take it for granted, just all the little things."

Heyward lines up under center for the play, while quarterback Aaron Rodgers just hangs out in the backfield, signally first down in a fun and playful manner after the conversion.

For the most part, he stays away from the play.

But Heyward knows he is there if needed.

"I'm sure if it was really within centimeters, inches," said Heyward if he thinks Rodgers would jump in to help with the tush push. "You guys saw him in Minnesota. I came and I hit the guy and then he came and finished the guy off in a KG (Kenneth Gainwell) bounce.

"So, you know 8. He's 8. But I'm sure if the game was on the line or if it was the situation we were on the goal line and I'm not getting through as cleanly, I'm sure he'll run up and give us an extra push or somebody on the other side will come over and push.

"But it is cool seeing him back there and him also having confidence in everybody on the play."

The success the Steelers have had with the play is because they work on it, with everyone buying in and knowing the outcome can be game-changing.

"I think just us repping it more in practice, also in walk-through," said Heyward. "Me and Zach (Frazier) getting together before the games, and also throughout the week leading up to the game.

"But also, just being in those manageable third downs and fourth downs. So, credit to everybody. Everybody up front. And obviously when we get it, it's them up front, really everybody.

"Aaron's back there chilling, but I mean everybody's out there clawing for that inch to gain.

"Getting the first down, fourth and one, third and two, third and inches, whatever it is, I take a lot of pride in it. I feel like if we don't get it, I'm letting them down. And if we get it, it's everybody getting the job done.

"It's something that I don't take lightly and something that I know extends the drives."

Heyward thrives on the aggressive approach Coach Mike Tomlin takes on fourth down, knowing that confidence he has in them is something they want to reward.

"It just shows who Coach T is and what December football is about," said Heyward. "You're fighting for more possessions, fighting for more opportunities so our offense can go make more plays.

"Whenever Coach leaves the offense out there, it fires us up. And it just proves to Coach T that we're capable of getting it and giving him that trust that when he puts us out there, we're going to get it."

Two-headed monster:It's a topic that has been covered over and over again this season, because it seems like every week the Steelers defense is facing a stiff challenge in the run game.

This week it comes in the form of Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

"It's a two-headed monster, but both guys are capable of a lot of damage," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "Jahmyr Gibbs, when he gets going it's lightning in the bottle. And with David Montgomery, he runs downhill, big play ability.

"It's never just one guy that gets them down. They break a lot of tackles and they finish their runs."

Add onto that a talented, veteran quarterback like Jared Goff and the Lions offense is a complete package.

"I think they're leading the league in explosion plays passing," said Heyward. "You would think otherwise with the run game, but Jared gets the ball to a lot of good receivers. He's got Jameson (Williams) and Amon-Ra St. Brown, so big play capability all around. The screen game is very good as well."

While Heyward normally talks defense, and not much else, each week during his media availability, after a few questions about the Lions offense, the topic took a quick turn.

The questions started flying about his brother, Connor Heyward, and the tush push.

Connor Heyward has been the glue that has held the play together, taking the direct snap and getting the yards to gain.

Big brother enjoys watching it.

"I think he's just really attacked it," said Heyward. "I think in that role, he's looking forward to it and just trying to make the most out of those plays.

"I was giving him heck the one day when he was working on his voice and his inflection with it, but he's getting a lot better with it."

What does he think makes the tush push work so well for the offense.

"Besides having Darnell (Washington) throw him all over the place, I don't know," joked Heyward. "But I think Connor runs his feet, he has good balance. A couple of times it's not just been one yard, it's been four or five yards, so they have a lot of success."

And now big brother wants to get in on the act.

"Put me back there too," he joked. "We can all make this happen."

Numbers game:If you looked at his stat line from Monday night's game, Connor Heyward's numbers wouldn't jump out.

Four carries for four yards.

But it's not always about how many yards, but what you make happen with those yards.

Three times on direct snaps to Heyward in the Steelers version of the 'tush push,' he moved the chains.

On fourth-and-1 he got two yards. On fourth-and-1 again, he got a yard. And on third-and-1, he scored on a one-yard touchdown run.

It's a play that has worked for the Steelers since they began using it more in Dublin, Ireland against the Vikings, and it doesn't appear they are going to stop as long as nobody is stopping them.

"I think it's been reliable the whole time we've done it," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Man, maybe we've only failed once in Chicago. It just speaks to the versatility that we have in the tight end room. We've talked a lot about that. We got a deep and diverse tight end group.

"Darnell (Washington) is a point of attack run blocker. Jonnu (Smith) is good run after. You saw that in a lot of ways. We threw him a screen. We pitched him a toss.

'Muth (Pat Freiermuth) is a zone killer. You saw that (Monday) night.

"And Connor is a jack of all trades. He's a four-phase special teamer, and does things like that for us.

"I think these are just more reflective of the deep and diverse group we have at that position."

Give him your support:Linebacker Alex Highsmith understands the impact he can have in the community.

He knows the platform he has been entrusted with to touch the lives of others.

And he has taken advantage of it, making a significant difference in the communities that matter the most to him.

Through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, he has opened his arms and his heart to three places that are important to him, including Pittsburgh, his hometown of Wilmington, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C., where he played college football.

He uses his work in his foundation to empower the next generation through fitness, education and community.

And that is why Highsmith is the Steelers Club Winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Every team selects a player as the Club Winner for the award, and the overall winner is announced at NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl.

"I am so humbled, honored, and grateful to be the Steelers' nominee for this year's Walter Payton Man of The Year," said Highsmith. "I truly believe that God has given me this platform to be a blessing to others, especially in the communities that I love. Walter Payton is one of the best football players of all time, but his true impact and legacy is felt today through the way he lifted up his community. I'm grateful to be able to make an impact off the field like he did.

"I believe that my purpose in life is to bring glory to God by serving others. He gave me this platform for that reason. To be a light and to serve others through the love of Christ. I love what I get to do on the field, but what I do off the field to make a positive impact in my community will always be most important to me."

Fans can help Highsmith's charity, the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, through Nationwide's Charity Challenge.

Voting for the Charity Challenge runs through Jan. 5, with winner announced on Jan. 7.

Fans have the option to vote online or via X.

- Vote directly at NFL.com/manoftheyear.

- Post #WPMOYChallenge on X along with Highsmith's full name: #WPMOYChallenge Alex Highsmith

- All votes count twice during Double Vote Days on Tuesday, December 16 and Friday, January 2.

- Nationwide will donate $35,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to the nonprofit organizations designated by the first, second, and third-place finishers, respectively.

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Wednesday, December 16

Everyone on the same page:Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had one of his best performances of the season against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a quarterback rating of 125.9.

That success is part of the growth of the offense as the season has progressed, and another key component of that growth has been receiver DK Metcalf.

Metcalf had three receptions for 55 yards on Monday night, including a 28-yard touchdown where he used his size and physicality to shed defenders with ease.

Metcalf was asked on Wednesday if he is looking to escape contact or if he minds initiating it.

"I'm going to let you be the judge of that," Metcalf answered the reporter with a smile.

Then he added.

"I don't turn down no contact."

Metcalf, who was acquired via a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, has seen the offense come together and things really working for them the last few weeks.

And the reason is simple.

"We've just been executing the plays that's been called," said Metcalf. "And when the ball is in the air, we're coming down with it.

"So, I think it's just a combination of those two things."

Another aspect that has been working for the offense is communication, with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith being the hub of that communication.

"I think it's just the communication throughout the week," said Metcalf. "It started around the middle of the season, after the Buffalo game we really sat down and talked. Really got on the same page about how we see the game plans moving forward.

"I think anytime anybody's being heard from their point of view, and their point of view is definitely being executed on game days, it's that much more exciting for you go out there and make plays."

Metcalf knows there is no time like the present to go out and make plays.

"I think we've just been executing the game plan," said Metcalf. "All 11 of us have all been on the same page.

"I think we're hungry to better our position to make sure we're here for a home playoff game."

To get to that point the Steelers will have a tough challenge against a physical Detroit Lions team at Ford Field, a team that is fighting for their playoff lives.

"They're a physical group, physical team, a team that's definitely hungry too," said Metcalf. "I know we're going to get their best shot.

"So, just going in and just matching their intensity, still putting up more points than them and stopping their explosive offense."

Always prepared:The words were from the heart and totally on point.

"Kenny had a fantastic game."

The compliment was coming from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and aimed at running back Kenneth Gainwell.

Gainwell's role increased with fellow running back Jaylen Warren playing, but dealing with an illness.

Gainwell had 80 yards rushing on 13 carries and a team-high seven receptions for 46 yards in Monday night's win over the Miami Dolphins.

When asked what works for him with the Steelers, after signing this offseason from the Eagles, Gainwell's answer was a simple as you can get.

"Aaron Rodgers," said Gainwell. "That's all I can say."

When pushed to expand on that, he did.

"Him trusting me, my hands, just doing the small things," said Gainwell. "Just went out there and worked."

Gainwell said he feels like Rodgers appreciates what he does, what he brings to the offense, and that coming from a future Hall of Fame quarterback means a lot.

"I think it just shows the character of him," said Gainwell. "Being the guy he is and he's just understanding the game."

Gainwell said he and Rodgers didn't really know each other prior to this season, but Gainwell, who is in his fifth season, has always been a fan of Rodgers, who is in his 21st season.

"I've just been watching him since I was a kid," said Gainwell. "So, I just admire that. Just understanding his game and just going out there, just happy to have him."

One thing Gainwell loves is the steady approach Rodgers has brought all season to the offense.

"Aaron has been doing his thing all year," said Gainwell. "And we know what it takes in December ball to get in the playoffs.

Just go one game at a time.

"Just take one play at a time, one game at a time, and just doing the smart things."

One of those smart things for Gainwell is always being prepared. Whether he is asked to have a small role, or a more expanded role like Monday night, he prepares with the same tenacity.

"I prepare myself every week for RB1 position," said Gainwell. "Me going out working hard every week, it just shows."

Something special is cooking:In less than two weeks, offensive tackle Dylan Cook went from never playing in an NFL game, to stepping in against the Ravens, being added to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, and starting against the Miami Dolphins.

And he's done it without the offensive line skipping a beat.

Cook has earned praise inside the Steelers locker room and beyond for his play, including from former NFL offensive lineman and current NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger.

"I just finished watching all 66 snaps of Dylan Cook making his first NFL start and all I saw was stellar play," said Baldinger. "There wasn't one bad snap. It was one great set after another. It's unbelievable. This kid was a quarterback at Montana in high school. A long snapper. A walk-on.

"He wasn't on the ground at all. No penalties. Clean game.

"This is the cleanest that Aaron Rodgers has been protected on the back side all year.

"This guy, maybe this is the answer.

"Dylan Cook was awesome. Spectacular. Maybe the future."

When asked what he did right, Cook delivered a mixed bag.

"I liked my anchor. I liked my hand usage," said Cook. "I'd like to be a little more square here and there. We're probably going to get some games coming up, better keep anchoring.

"It was good, but there's always work to be done. There's always things to improve on, so just keep working this week to be better next week."

Cook was thrown into the fire against the Ravens in Week 14 when the offensive tackle position took some hits with injuries, coming in during the game when Andrus Peat suffered a concussion.

With a week to work in practice with the first team, Cook noticed improvements in his game.

"Run game again, can never be too low," said Cook. "Got to work on my anchor, just hand usage in the run game. There's always work to be done."

Whether that work will be starting again this week against the Detroit Lions is something Cook doesn't know yet, with Peat still in concussion protocol, and Broderick Jones and Calvin Anderson on the Reserve/Injured List.

"I have no idea," said Cook of what is ahead for him.

Whatever it is, though, he will be ready.

After entering the Ravens game midway through, starting against the Dolphins helped slow things down for him and prepare him for whatever lies ahead.

"It definitely slowed down a little bit," said Cook. "It helped having Isaac (Seumalo) next to me. He lined me up pretty well. So, definitely had the advantage with the snap count being at home, so took advantage of it."

Having a veteran guard like Seumalo next to him did nothing but benefit Cook.

"He just keeps my mind sharp," said Cook. "He tells me what to expect on certain downs, certain fronts, certain looks. Just keeps me on the ball."

The more you can do:For wide receiver Adam Thielen, trying to absorb all the information that's been thrown at him in the short period since he joined the Steelers has been a lot like cramming for a test at Minnesota State, only better.

"I wasn't a very good crammer," Thielen said after practice today. "But I told my wife the other day, it's a lot more fun cramming for something that you really love. Was not good at that in college but football, I really enjoy the game. It makes it a little bit easier when you really love and enjoy what you're doing."

Two games into his Steelers tenure, Thielen feels like he's up to speed with his new team.

"I think so, I feel pretty good," he said.

The contributions of Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a fellow newcomer at wide receiver, have been relatively modest statistically.

Thielen has a combined two catches for 11 yards on two targets in two games. Valdes-Scantling has one catch for 19 yards on two targets in his two games with the Steelers (it went for a touchdown in last Sunday's 28-15 win over Miami). But both have earned praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin for the veteran experience and professionalism in execution regardless of assignment that they've demonstrated.

"At the end of the day you gotta do your job," Thielen said. "Our job is, when there's a route called, to get open. When it's block, you block. That's always been my mindset, is to just try to get open and do whatever is asked of me. When you do that, people start to see that. The quarterback sees you getting open. Or, the offensive coordinator sees, 'Alright, even though he didn't get the ball he's getting open.' You just start to work confidence into other people around you.

"At the end of the day I'm trying to get open and get the football, and then you kind of just let everything else play itself out."

The pair has earned more than praise fortheir efforts. Thielen played 48 percent of the offensive snaps on Dec. 7 at Baltimore (only DK Metcalf, at 83 percent, played more among wide receivers) and 58 percent against Miami (trailing only Metcalf's 79 percent). Valdes-Scantling had the third-most snaps at wide receiver against the Ravens (31 percent, tied with Calvin Austin III) and the Dolphins (52 percent).

"I've always wanted to be an all-around receiver, really hone in on everything, every aspect," Thielen said. "Being able to stretch the field vertically, being able to do the intermediate and the choice route, the underneath stuff and really trying to just master as much of that as I can. And blocking is included in that, right? The better all-around receiver you can be, the more you're on the field, the more opportunity you'll get.

"It goes back to when I was a young player. The only way I could get on the field was to be able to block or to be able to do certain things that show that I can help this team in a certain way. You kind of carry that along with you and you know that the more you can do, the more you can be on the field and the more versatile you can be."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Give him your support:Linebacker Alex Highsmith understands the impact he can have in the community.

He knows the platform he has been entrusted with to touch the lives of others.

And he has taken advantage of it, making a significant difference in the communities that matter the most to him.

Through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, he has opened his arms and his heart to three places that are important to him, including Pittsburgh, his hometown of Wilmington, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C., where he played college football.

He uses his work in his foundation to empower the next generation through fitness, education and community.

And that is why Highsmith is the Steelers Club Winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Every team selects a player as the Club Winner for the award, and the overall winner is announced at NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl.

"I am so humbled, honored, and grateful to be the Steelers' nominee for this year's Walter Payton Man of The Year," said Highsmith. "I truly believe that God has given me this platform to be a blessing to others, especially in the communities that I love. Walter Payton is one of the best football players of all time, but his true impact and legacy is felt today through the way he lifted up his community. I'm grateful to be able to make an impact off the field like he did.

"I believe that my purpose in life is to bring glory to God by serving others. He gave me this platform for that reason. To be a light and to serve others through the love of Christ. I love what I get to do on the field, but what I do off the field to make a positive impact in my community will always be most important to me."

Fans can help Highsmith's charity, the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, through Nationwide's Charity Challenge.

Voting for the Charity Challenge runs through Jan. 5, with winner announced on Jan. 7.

Fans have the option to vote online or via X.

- Vote directly at NFL.com/manoftheyear.

- Post #WPMOYChallenge on X along with Highsmith's full name: #WPMOYChallenge Alex Highsmith

- All votes count twice during Double Vote Days on Tuesday, December 16 and Friday, January 2.

- Nationwide will donate $35,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to the nonprofit organizations designated by the first, second, and third-place finishers, respectively.

Thanks for voting:Pro Bowl votes have all been cast by the fans, and three Steelers players are in the Top 10 at their positions.

Receiver Ben Skowronek finished first in special teams. Linebacker T.J. Watt was fifth on the outside, while Connor Heyward also finished fifth at fullback.

The Pro Bowl Games will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco as part of Super Bowl LX week.

The Pro Bowl Games will once again feature a flag football game and other fun, competitive events. Coverage will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the game starting at 8 p.m.

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.