For the Steelers and Rodgers, the new normal is abnormal

The headline — Report: No meeting scheduled or expected between Steelers, Aaron Rodgers – NBC Sports — landed like a splash of cold water for a fanbase that has been living in limbo for months. If you were hoping for a tidy, cinematic “welcome back” moment in Pittsburgh this weekend, reality served something messier: stop-start negotiations, mixed signals from reporters and insiders, and a veteran quarterback who seems intent on keeping his calendar and his options open.

The Rodgers-Steelers story has never been normal. But the awkward, publicly visible pauses and reverse-scoops we’re seeing now feel like the new normal — and that abnormality matters for how the team prepares, how fans cope, and how the roster will be built between now and the start of mandatory OTAs on May 18, 2026.

The context you need

Last season Aaron Rodgers arrived in Pittsburgh as a late free-agent addition and helped the Steelers reach the playoffs. Expectations were immediately elevated, and the idea of a short-term reunion in 2026 made sense on paper: veteran QB, experienced coach in Mike McCarthy, and a roster that still had youth waiting behind a potential bridge starter.

But Rodgers’ offseason behavior has been consistent with his past pattern: public ambiguity, selective availability, and an emphasis on keeping freedom of movement. NBC Sports’ ProFootballTalk reported Rodgers himself saying there have been no “progressive conversations” with Pittsburgh — and now, according to Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly, “there is no meeting scheduled or expected between Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers” this weekend. Those two facts feed one another: public comment creates speculation, speculation pressures teams to respond, teams get cautious, and the cycle repeats. (nbcsports.com)

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s internal calendar is real. OTAs start May 18 and the draft and roster planning process moves quickly after that. The Steelers can wait — they did last year — but waiting carries risk. It compresses decision windows, complicates quarterback coaching plans, and limits the front office’s ability to shop or pivot if Rodgers declines to sign.

Report: No meeting scheduled or expected between Steelers, Aaron Rodgers

That exact phrase has become the latest drumbeat for two competing narratives.

• Narrative A: Rodgers is playing hard-to-get for leverage and personal comfort. He wants to avoid being tethered to mandatory offseason work, or he’s weighing other suitors. Rodgers has a history of pacing his decisions and wanting terms that protect playing-time freedom and personal flexibility. (nbcsports.com)

• Narrative B: The Steelers are learning the cost of patience. Waiting for a marquee veteran can disrupt roster development (think young quarterbacks like Will Howard or Mason Rudolph) and create holes elsewhere if resources are tied up or contingency plans aren’t enacted early. Recent public statements from team insiders show growing organizational friction about timetables. (nfl.com)

Neither narrative is strictly wrong. The line between prudent flexibility and organizational paralysis is fine — and this moment exposes how tightrope-like the relationship has become.

Why this limbo matters beyond headlines

Short-term drama fuels clicks, but the operational effects matter more. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Quarterback room chemistry: Young QBs need clarity. If Rodgers signs late (or not at all), the Steelers might enter training camp with a rotating plan that complicates development and depth management.

• Roster construction: Waiting on a veteran can prevent the team from making early decisions in free agency or the draft, particularly if there’s a belief Rodgers will be in town. That affects offensive line upgrades, receiver contracts, and defensive adjustments.

• Coaching narrative: Mike McCarthy’s reunion storyline with Rodgers is tempting, but coaching staffs prefer predictable workloads. Uncertainty about the starter’s availability changes practice planning and playbook installation.

• Fan and cultural perceptions: Fans crave certainty. Repeated false starts or ambiguous reporting erode trust in front-office communication and leave supporters oscillating between optimism and frustration.

All of that is amplified by Rodgers’ celebrity status — his decisions resonate in ways that a typical roster move might not. When the quarterback of your team is also a cultural lightning rod, every delay becomes a story.

What the Steelers can do next

There are three pragmatic routes Pittsburgh can choose, each with trade-offs:

1. Continue to wait and keep the door open for Rodgers, while quietly building contingency plans (sign a short-term veteran or draft/develop a QB). This is a balanced approach but requires disciplined resource allocation.

2. Pivot decisively — sign a different veteran or commit to a young QB — and move forward publicly. This reduces drama but risks regret if Rodgers later opts to stay.

3. Use the leverage: publicly set firm internal deadlines and let Rodgers decide. That’s high-risk from a PR perspective, but it forces clarity.

None are ideal. The team’s decision will reveal how much weight it places on short-term playoff dreams versus long-term roster health.

What to watch next

• Any new travel or meeting reports involving Rodgers and Steelers executives. Even small scheduling shifts will reshape the narrative.

• Official roster moves around the OTA start date (May 18, 2026). If Pittsburgh signs another veteran QB or makes a trade, that’s a clear sign they’re preparing to move on.

• Rodgers’ public comments. He has historically used media appearances to signal intentions in a controlled way.

These markers will give the clearest signal that the “new normal” is shifting back toward something less chaotic.

A few takeaways from the saga

• The Rodgers-Steelers situation proves top-tier free agents can create structural uncertainty for teams.
• Patience is a strategy, but it isn’t free — it costs decision windows and can hurt development.
• Media cross-talk (different reporters offering conflicting timelines) amplifies chaos; the truth often lands somewhere between hype and deflation.

My take

This is less about Aaron Rodgers or the Steelers individually and more about how modern roster-building and celebrity intersect. Teams once operated in quieter channels; now, every possible conversation can be amplified and misread. The “new normal” — open-ended timelines, conditional visits, and public hedging — is uncomfortable, but it’s the reality of a league where talent, brand, and bargaining power collide.

If I had to bet, Pittsburgh will preserve the option to reunite with Rodgers while quietly hedging. That’s pragmatic, if emotionally unsatisfying. Fans won’t get neat closure overnight — but the best outcome would be a clear, documented decision that lets the team move forward one way or the other before OTAs begin on May 18, 2026.

Sources

• Aaron Rodgers: There have been no “progressive conversations” with the Steelers — NBC Sports (ProFootballTalk).
  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/aaron-rodgers-there-have-been-no-progressive-conversations-with-the-steelers

• Insider refutes claims about reported Aaron Rodgers, Steelers meeting — Yardbarker.
  https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/insider_refutes_claims_about_reported_aaron_rodgers_steelers_meeting/s1_13132_43820712

• Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on future, likely won't before draft — NFL.com.
  https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-have-not-received-word-aaron-rodgers-future-likely-won-t-before-draft

When critics nod and fans cheer: unpacking "NFL Draft Expert Assesses Pittsburgh’s Draft Haul – Steelers Depot"

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 10-player draft class is complete — a class that prompted a lively piece titled "NFL Draft Expert Assesses Pittsburgh’s Draft Haul – Steelers Depot" and plenty of second-guessing across social feeds. That Steelers Depot article captures the most salient expert takes, and it’s worth walking through the hits, the hair-raising moves, and what the new faces (led by Iowa’s Gennings Dunker) actually mean for Pittsburgh’s immediate roster and longer-term identity.

Transitioning from reaction to context, let’s look at how the experts framed the haul, why particular picks mattered, and what to expect when training camp opens.

What experts praised and worried about

• Experts celebrated the Steelers’ ability to address multiple immediate needs without mortgaging the future.
• Day 2 additions and the third-round snag of Gennings Dunker were repeatedly framed as win-now moves: Dunker projects as a physical, technically polished interior lineman who can help protect and create running lanes early.
• Some analysts flagged the Drew Allar selection (a noted early-round quarterback talent) and other high-upside picks as aggressive, borderline bold choices given Pittsburgh’s draft position and depth chart.
• Overall grade consensus leaned positive: many outlets gave the class solid marks for balancing immediate roster fits and developmental upside.

Those points reflect what Steelers Depot summarized from the expert roundups — a mix of high praise for positional value and cautious notes about long-term fit. (steelersdepot.com)

Why Gennings Dunker mattered (and why experts liked him)

Gennings Dunker’s slide into Pittsburgh’s lap at No. 96 stirred smiles. Experts highlighted:

• Proven tape from Iowa’s line play and experience starting multiple seasons in a pro-style system.
• Positional versatility: while listed as a tackle at times, Dunker projects as an interior guard in many NFL schemes — a natural fit for a Steelers unit that values toughness and positional flexibility.
• NFL readiness: scouts noted his technique, physicality, and the relatively short transition required to move inside.

That combination is the kind of mid-round value that draft analysts look for. If he settles quickly into the rotation, Dunker could become a Day 1 contributor — exactly what Pittsburgh wanted from a third-round pick. (steelersdepot.com)

The bigger Steelers draft picture

• The Steelers finished with 10 selections, using them to address offensive line, receiver depth, secondary pieces, and a quarterback with upside. External coverage emphasized that Pittsburgh blended need-based picks with upside players who can grow into larger roles. (steelersdepot.com)
• Experts who graded the Steelers’ draft repeatedly mentioned depth creation: adding linemen like Max Iheanachor (reported first-round pick), receivers to expand an already healthy corps, and defensive prospects to refresh rotation depth.
• Trade activity around certain picks (including moves to acquire higher third-round positioning) factored into some analysts’ evaluations: when a team trades up, expectations shift — and the Steelers’ moves signaled they wanted to land specific targets rather than settle. (ffsn.com)

Transition: now that the picks are in, how should fans realistically temper expectations?

What to expect in Year One

• Immediate contributors: Look for interior linemen like Dunker to compete for snaps early. The Steelers’ offensive line situation and Dunker’s college résumé point to a real chance at early playing time.
• Development projects: Some later-round picks will likely follow normal rookie curves — special-teams snaps, rotational duty, and a development focus in year one.
• Quarterback timeline: If Pittsburgh did take a quarterback with future starter traits, expect an extended evaluation period. Teams that draft quarterbacks outside the top 10 often plan for multi-year development while leaning on veterans in the short term. (steelersdepot.com)

A few tactical moves that drew expert attention

• Trading for third-round positioning suggested targeted drafting rather than opportunistic picks.
• Emphasis on offensive line and receiver depth play to a clear strategic priority: protecting the passer and giving offensive weapons to whoever leads the team.
• Experts noted Pittsburgh’s penchant for players with strong college-level technique and character traits consistent with the franchise’s identity — physical, disciplined, and coachable. Those intangibles often sway mid-round grades. (steelersdepot.com)

What critics will keep an eye on

• Immediate impact vs. long-term upside: Will these picks win now, or are they investments for seasons two and three?
• Roster churn: Pittsburgh has a history of retooling through the draft; fans should watch how quickly rookies move into starting roles.
• Injury and adaptation risk: Especially for players moving inside on the line, the transition to NFL strength and speed is the true test.

Transitioning into perspective: the draft is one weekend, but player evaluation is much longer.

Final thoughts

The “NFL Draft Expert Assesses Pittsburgh’s Draft Haul – Steelers Depot” framing captures both the optimism and measured skepticism that follows every draft. Pittsburgh’s 2026 class checks several boxes: immediate positional help, multiple players with clear developmental paths, and a few swing-for-the-fences moves that could pay off big.

If Dunker becomes a stable starter on the interior and a couple of later picks carve out roles, this draft will look prescient. If a few high-upside selections stall, critics will be loud — but that’s the draft’s nature. For now, Steelers fans can reasonably expect a bolstered line, more receiving depth, and a rookie class that should generate competition and energy in training camp and beyond.

Quick takeaways

• The Steelers prioritized offensive line and receiver depth while adding a mix of NFL-ready and developmental prospects.
• Gennings Dunker represents clear Day-1 rotational potential with a short path to starting snaps.
• Experts generally graded the haul positively, noting Pittsburgh balanced need and upside without overpaying for picks.
• The real verdict will arrive in training camp and Year One performance; rookie progression matters more than draft weekend headlines.

Sources

• NFL Draft Expert Assesses Pittsburgh’s Draft Haul – Steelers Depot
  https://steelersdepot.com/2026/04/nfl-draft-expert-assesses-pittsburghs-draft-haul/ (steelersdepot.com)

• Pittsburgh Steelers Select Iowa OG Gennings Dunker In Third Round Of 2026 NFL Draft – Steelers Depot
  https://steelersdepot.com/2026/04/pittsburgh-steelers-select-iowa-og-gennings-dunker-in-third-round-of-2026-nfl-draft/ (steelersdepot.com)

• Here’s How Experts Graded Steelers’ Full 2026 Draft Class – Steelers Depot
  https://steelersdepot.com/2026/04/heres-how-experts-graded-steelers-full-2026-draft-class/ (steelersdepot.com)

• Steelers.com: A look at the Steelers 2026 Draft Class
  https://www.steelers.com/news/a-look-at-the-steelers-2026-draft-class (steelers.com)

• Drew Allar, Daylen Everette and Gennings Dunker drafted by Steelers in 3rd round of NFL draft – CBS Pittsburgh
  https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/drew-allar-steelers-third-round-picks-nfl-draft/ (cbsnews.com)

The end of an era and the next play: who should the Steelers hire after Mike Tomlin?

The Rooney family just flipped the script on a franchise that has been startlingly stable for decades. Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down after 19 seasons — announced January 13, 2026 — suddenly makes the Pittsburgh Steelers one of the NFL’s rare open head-coaching jobs. If you love Steelers football, this feels like both a hinge moment and a déjà vu: rare, risky and full of possibility.

Why this matters: the Steelers haven’t hired a new head coach since 2007, and they’ve had only three head coaching transitions in nearly six decades. The choice now will say a lot about whether Pittsburgh wants continuity, a reset, or a blend of the two.

What follows is a readable guide to the candidate types being discussed, the priorities the front office should weigh, the hazards involved, and my take on the smartest direction for the franchise.

Quick snapshot of the situation

• Mike Tomlin stepped down on January 13, 2026 after 19 seasons and a Super Bowl title; the Steelers begin their first coaching search since 2007. (reuters.com)
• Because Tomlin resigned while still under contract, Pittsburgh retains his rights and could receive compensation if he returns to coaching before his contract ends. (reuters.com)
• Early chatter around candidates centers on three broad types: young NFL assistants, seasoned coordinators and familiar AFC North names who know the division’s DNA. (steelersdepot.com)

Why this hires matters more than a typical offseason move

• Stability is part of Pittsburgh’s brand. The Rooney family runs an organization that historically values continuity, identity and culture. Replacing a 19-year steward is not a cosmetic swap — it’s a cultural inflection point.
• Roster reality will shape the pick. The Steelers have defensive stars, cap considerations, and quarterback uncertainty. Whoever gets the job must balance short-term competitiveness and the longer rebuild or retooling that might be necessary.
• Optics and fit matter in Pittsburgh. Ownership wants a coach who matches the city’s gritty identity and can navigate a passionate fanbase and demanding regional media.

The categories of candidates you’ll hear about

• Young assistants and rising coordinators

  • Why they appeal: energy, modern schemes, player relatability and long runway. Pittsburgh fans remember the impact of Cowher and Tomlin — both hires aimed at injecting youth and edge. Names like promising defensive coordinators or scheming NFL assistants fit this mold. (steelersdepot.com)
  • Upside: potential franchise-altering leadership, new ideas, ability to connect with younger players.
  • Risk: inexperience managing staff, game-day choices and heavy media scrutiny.

• Established coordinators and former head coaches

  • Why they appeal: experience running game plans, staff management and in-season problem solving.
  • Upside: less of a learning curve and greater predictability in Year One.
  • Risk: potential lack of long-term ceiling or resistance to adapt to Pittsburgh’s specific roster needs.

• AFC North or regional familiar faces

  • Why they appeal: knowledge of divisional rivals, familiarity with the terroir of the league’s toughest division and what it takes to win here.
  • Upside: hit-the-ground-running advantage and credibility in the rivalry-heavy environment.
  • Risk: baggage from previous rivalries, and sometimes lineage doesn’t translate to organizational chemistry.

What the Steelers should prioritize when they interview candidates

• Vision for the quarterback position
  • The Steelers’ quarterback future is crucial. The coach must present a realistic plan for either developing a young QB or maximizing an experienced one — and be honest about timelines.
• Defensive identity plus adaptability
  • Pittsburgh’s identity has been defense-first for decades. New leadership should preserve a hard-nosed approach while being flexible schematically to modern offenses.
• Culture and player development
  • The Rooney family and front office like culture-fit hires. Priority should be placed on a coach who develops talent and communicates well with veterans and rookies alike.
• Staff-building ability
  • Hiring the right assistants will be as important as the head coach. Look for candidates who can attract quality coordinators and retain key position coaches.
• Ownership relationship and patience
  • This franchise historically allows its coach time to build. The ideal hire respects that timeline while promising progress and accountability.

Potential pitfalls the Steelers must avoid

• Chasing a headline name over fit
  • It’s easy to get swept up in media favorites and betting odds. Fit matters more than flash.
• Overvaluing short-term results
  • A hire made to “win now” without a sustainable plan could backfire, leaving the team in limbo for seasons.
• Ignoring staff/room continuity
  • Wholesale staff turnover can destabilize roster development. Preserve useful institutional knowledge where possible.

Timeline and process realities

• Expect a concentrated interview cycle. With Tomlin leaving mid-January, the Steelers and rival teams will move quickly during the coaching carousel, conducting multiple interviews and weighing college and NFL candidates alike. (reuters.com)
• Because Tomlin is under contract, teams considering him would need to negotiate with Pittsburgh; for the Steelers, that preserves leverage and continuity options if Tomlin changes his mind.

Who’s being talked about (illustrative, not exhaustive)

• Young defensive coordinators and assistants linked to modern, aggressive defenses.
• Established coordinators with strong track records in run-defense and pass-rush scheming.
• College coaches with ties to the region or a track record of developing pro-style systems.
• Local and AFC North-connected names who know the division’s temper and rivalries. (steelersdepot.com)

My take

Pittsburgh should favor a coach who blends the best parts of Tomlin’s tenure — cultural steadiness, competitive toughness and player-first leadership — while bringing fresh schematic ideas. That means:

• Prioritize candidates who can show both a clear plan for the quarterback situation and a defensively sound, flexible philosophy.
• Lean toward a leader who has a record of developing coaches and players rather than someone who demands a roster makeover out of the gate.
• Be unafraid to take a calculated risk on a younger coordinator if he shows concrete leadership experience, or choose a seasoned coordinator who embraces a multi-year building plan.

This is a rare kind of decision for a rare franchise. The right hire won’t just be about Xs and Os — it will define how the Steelers present themselves to a new era of NFL play and scrutiny.

Final thoughts

Change is uncomfortable, especially in a place where coaches become almost institutional. But transitions are also opportunities to sharpen identity and correct course. Whoever the Rooneys and Omar Khan pick will inherit a proud roster, a tough division and a fanbase that expects grit. The smartest hire will be the one that balances Pittsburgh’s legacy with a credible roadmap for the next five years.

Sources

• Art Rooney II, Steelers begin first coaching search since 2007 — Reuters.
  https://www.reuters.com/sports/art-rooney-ii-steelers-begin-first-coaching-search-since-2007–flm-2026-01-14/ (reuters.com)

• Mike Tomlin not planning to coach in 2026, even amid interest from other teams — CBS Sports.
  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mike-tomlin-coaching-in-2026-rumors-interest-steelers/ (cbssports.com)

• Steelers head coach candidates who make sense — Steelers Depot.
  https://steelersdepot.com/2026/01/kozora-steelers-head-coach-candidates-who-make-sense/ (steelersdepot.com)

If the Steelers Catch Fire in January, the AFC Is in Trouble

The sight of Acrisure Stadium going feral after a turnover is something else — and after the Pittsburgh Steelers forced six of them to beat the Indianapolis Colts, former cornerback Aqib Talib didn’t mince words. “If we let them get the number three seed or the number four seed and they get to be in Pittsburgh for these home games? The AFC gonna be in fucking trouble,” he said on The Arena. That line isn’t just hot take theater — it taps into a real, old-school truth about Pittsburgh football: a turnover-hungry defense, passionate crowd, and cold-weather home-field edge can derail the best offenses.

Below I unpack why Talib’s warning matters, what happened against Indianapolis, and whether the Steelers are a legitimate playoff threat or still too boom-or-bust to be feared in January.

The hook: one game, big implications

• A 27-20 win over the AFC’s top seed (the Colts) doesn’t just move a record — it changes narratives.
• Pittsburgh’s defense, long criticized for inconsistency, forced six turnovers and had five sacks — the kind of game that makes veteran commentators picture playoff chaos.
• Turnovers are the great equalizer. Ask any coach: you can be outgained and still win if you take the ball away.

What happened in Pittsburgh (quick context)

• On Sunday at Acrisure Stadium the Steelers turned a flashy Colts offense inside out by creating six turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles, plus a muffed punt recovery) and generating five sacks. The Colts still outgained Pittsburgh by a large margin, but the turnover margin (and points off turnovers) decided the game. (steelers.com)
• Pittsburgh held Jonathan Taylor to just 45 rushing yards on 14 carries and used timely pressure to rattle Colts QB Daniel Jones into mistakes. The Steelers scored 24 points off turnovers. (steelers.com)
• Aqib Talib’s reaction — a blunt message to the rest of the AFC — came after watching that performance and picturing postseason Pittsburgh, where noise, weather and a restless crowd magnify mistakes. (steelersdepot.com)

Why Talib’s warning has teeth

• Turnover-dependent defenses can look average most weeks and elite in the postseason. In playoff football, possessions shrink and mistakes are punished. A team that generates takeaways — especially with a pass rush that can turn safe throws into turnovers — is inherently dangerous.
• Acrisure Stadium (cold, loud, hostile) amplifies defensive advantages. Visiting offenses trying to execute a timing-based passing game are more likely to slip up late in the year when weather and crowd noise increase.
• Pittsburgh’s roster still has proven playmakers — pass-rushers who can flip a game, and young defensive backs like Joey Porter Jr. who can make splash plays. When those elements align, the Steelers look like a classic playoff spoiler. (nfl.com)

But there’s a cautionary asterisk

• The Steelers’ identity this season has been volatile: when they win the turnover battle they win, when they don’t they lose. That’s not a resume that inspires predictable postseason success. Consistency matters in January. (steelersdepot.com)
• Turnovers are, by nature, streaky and sometimes random. You can’t bank on forcing six giveaways every week. Opposing coaches will game-plan for ball security, screen out the rush, and adjust protections to minimize splash plays.
• A few elite squads (think Chiefs, Bills, or others) pair high-octane offenses with disciplined ball security and can neutralize a hot defense with sustained drives and clock control.

How the rest of the AFC should think about Pittsburgh

• Respect the threat: if the Steelers earn a home playoff game, they’re not a team to take lightly. A pass rush and takeaways can swing a wild-card game fast.
• Don’t overreact: one signature defensive outing doesn’t reshape a season. Teams that prepare and execute fundamentals — protect the ball, win the line of scrimmage, and avoid risky throws — can blunt Pittsburgh’s best traits.
• Matchups matter: cold-weather home games favor defensive, physical clubs. Teams that rely on timing routes and gadgetry are more vulnerable; teams built to run and possess the ball should feel better.

A few strategic adjustments opponents might make

• Prioritize ball security: clean exchanges on handoffs, conservative play calls on early downs, and tight punt coverage to avoid muffed kicks.
• Quick, decisive throws to neutralize the rush and get the ball out before pressure forces errors.
• Run-game emphasis to chew clock and limit the Steelers’ opportunistic chances.

What this means for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes

• If the Steelers can tighten up the base fundamentals (less reliance on random turnovers and more consistent pressure without giving up explosive plays), they become a scary postseason club.
• If they remain streaky — brilliant one week, leaky the next — they’re more likely to be a first-round headline than a deep contender.

My take

I love Talib’s confidence because it names a real dynamic: certain defenses become exponentially more dangerous in playoff atmospheres. Pittsburgh has the pieces to be that kind of team, but the difference between “spoiler” and “contender” is consistency. For now, the Steelers are a plausible January nightmare for teams that stroll into Acrisure expecting clean execution. They’re not a guaranteed wrecking ball — but they’re a matchup opponents can’t afford to underestimate.

Notes worth remembering

• Turnovers won’t save you every week; they tilt games but don’t substitute for steady execution.
• Home-field intensity is a multiplier in cold-weather cities — getting the seed that keeps playoff games in Pittsburgh could matter more than it looks on paper.
• One high-profile win can shift perception quickly; the challenge for the Steelers is to make it a pattern rather than a moment.

Sources

• Former Player Warns NFL About Letting Steelers Host Home Playoff Game: AFC Will Be In 'Trouble' — Steelers Depot. https://steelersdepot.com/2025/11/former-player-warns-nfl-about-letting-steelers-host-home-playoff-game-afc-will-be-in-trouble/ (steelersdepot.com)

• Colts’ six turnovers hand Steelers a 27-20 win — NBC Sports (game recap). https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/colts-six-turnovers-hands-steelers-a-27-20-win/ (nbcsports.com)

• Steelers defeat Colts, 27-20 — Pittsburgh Steelers (game recap). https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-defeat-colts-27-20 (steelers.com)

• Slumping Steelers defense shows 'fight,' forces six turnovers in win over Colts — NFL.com (Associated Press). https://www.nfl.com/news/slumping-steelers-defense-shows-fight-forces-six-turnovers-in-win-over-colts (nfl.com)