#2021 offseason

[fanofspooky]

Scream Queen - Jocelin Donahue

Requested by @kimberly-boggs

[dumbandpoetics]

JOE BURROW JAX @ CIN | September 30, 2021

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

SUMMARY: After receiving a mysterious letter, a woman travels to a desolate island town and soon becomes trapped in a nightmare.

[filmap]

Offseason Mickey Keating. 2021

Drawbridge Highbridge Drawbridge, Halifax River, Ormond Beach, FL 32176, USA See in map

See in imdb

[travisdermotts]

being real, I want the season to end tomorrow for the sake of the players' mental and physical health BUT I'm really really gonna miss them

[vetteldixon]

CHRIS CRONIN 2021 Austrian GP, by Glenn Dunbar

[twobites]

Do you think NP is out of hockey for good ? Seeing as he’s outta the VGK roster…

this is a sens/nucks blog i don't know a thing about vegas

[godefylife]

Second- and third-year NFL players ready to break out in 2023 – Defense edition:

After starting on offense last week, @halilsfbtalk is outlining 8 more young NFL breakout candidates on the defensive side of the ball! #NFL #Footballtalk #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2021 #NFLDraft2022 #NFLOffseason #BreakoutNFLPlayers #NFLTwitter #BroncosCountry

This is the second half of our series on the biggest breakout candidates across the NFL this upcoming season, where we focus on players heading into year two or three. Once again, I’ll start by giving a quick introduction to each player with his collegiate background and time spent in the NFL so far, discuss the strengths of those players and some areas in which they flash certain skills, list a…

[goaliekisses]

woof juicy news day for us pens fans. not only do we have sidney crosby’s Seduction of kyle dubas, now we have this article on Why Hextall Sucks (and how he pissed off even sidney crosby) + some angsty Geno details that i will only relish now that he’s still with us:

Early last summer, at his spacious home in Montreal, Kris Letang finally saw the document that secured his future in Pittsburgh.

No stranger to the multi-page, standard player contract, this one was particularly special. It was his fourth, and probably his last. It contained specific elements Letang and his agent required. One line read “six years.” Another read “$36.6 million.” The line that Letang really loved?: “full no-movement clause.”

Together, those words recommitted Letang and the Penguins, the only NHL franchise he had ever known. At 35, he would finish his career in Pittsburgh.

As word spread last July 7, Letang’s phone blew up. The flood of well-wishers included teammates past and present, various Penguins personnel he’d befriended over his previous 16 seasons, and family and friends. He took only a few calls. Among them: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, his oldest and dearest teammates in Pittsburgh, who were thrilled for him.

Crosby, the Penguins captain and franchise icon, had made it clear to general manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke as far back as the 2021 offseason that he wanted the team to re-sign impending free agents Letang and Malkin so the three veterans and lifetime Penguins could take another shot at a Stanley Cup together.

Would Crosby pressure ownership to sign Malkin and Letang? “I’ve never wanted to be GM,” Crosby said. “I think they know how I feel.”

While the negotiations with Letang took longer and were more difficult than expected, Hextall’s discussions with Malkin had turned dark. Only days before the start of free agency last summer, Letang, Crosby and coach Mike Sullivan worked overtime trying to calm Malkin, who was stewing over lowball early contract offers, limited communication with Hextall and veiled public shots from Burke.

“How bad is it?” Letang asked Crosby about the state of Malkin’s emotions and the negotiations.

“Pretty bad,” Crosby said.

Hextall first irritated Malkin late in the 2021-22 season by offering a short-term contract extension to his agent, J.P. Barry. In the offseason that animosity built as weeks passed without a follow-up conversation from Hextall. On June 17, Hextall told Barry that the team’s offer was “take-it-or-leave-it,” and the next day Burke used those words to characterize the negotiations during multiple media interviews. Not surprisingly, Malkin, a sure Hall-of-Famer, went from annoyed to insulted.

For weeks leading up to and after Letang’s deal was finalized, Malkin stewed at home while Crosby, Letang and Sullivan checked in with him from afar. With no deal in sight, Malkin began speaking to his small inner circle as if his time with the Penguins was concluding.

Hextall fielded daily questions from Fenway Sports Group brass about why Malkin hadn’t yet been re-signed. Hextall was also taken aback by the barrage of calls and texts — from Penguins alternate governor Dave Beeston, from Crosby and Sullivan, from president of business operations Kevin Acklin — after reports surfaced that Malkin would test free agency. He told his agent he wanted to “show Hextall and Burke” by trying the open market.

Malkin had joked during the ’21-22 season that he was “a rich guy,” insisting he didn’t need to worry about money on his next contract. He was having a laugh, but was also somewhat serious. He had taken less than market value on two previous deals with the Penguins and expected that trend to continue on his final NHL contract.

He was about to turn 36. He wanted to play until he was 40. He sought a contract with a no-trade clause. But more than money, he needed the Penguins to show they really wanted him, something he felt was lacking, especially from Hextall. By July 11, 2022, Malkin was convinced he’d already practiced in Cranberry for the last time.

After tucking in their son, Nikita, Malkin and his wife, Anna, sat on their leather couch and looked at a summary sheet of Hextall’s latest offer: four seasons, $24.4 million total, a full no-movement clause.

Malkin was fine with what he read. The sticking point was his bruised feelings.

“They not think I good player,” Malkin wrote in a text message to Crosby.

“They not want me,” Malkin texted to Letang, who had stepped up efforts to console Malkin after signing his deal.

Malkin wanted to stay in Pittsburgh, but he no longer trusted either Hextall or Burke. Crosby and Sullivan intervened. Each spent hours on the phone with Malkin as July 11 became July 12. Careful not to tell him what to do, Crosby and Sullivan implored Malkin to “not worry about those guys” — Hextall and Burke — when making a final decision. Letang, too, jumped into the mix. Together, two-thirds of the Big Three and their coach brought up every special moment, funny story and great time they could remember to remind Malkin what they had built in Pittsburgh. Malkin paced from room to room at his condo in Fisher Island, finally beginning to feel wanted again.

As early morning shifted to late afternoon, Malkin had heard enough to make a decision. He called his agent, Barry, with instructions to re-engage with Hextall and take the offer. Upon calling, Barry was surprised to find a receptive Hextall.

After hanging up with Barry, Hextall bragged to his assistant GM, Chris Pryor, and a handful of staffers, that he “got him on my terms — that’s how you negotiate.” Malkin informed Crosby, Letang and Sullivan that he was staying. When talking to Crosby and Letang, Malkin sounded happy for the first time in a long time.

“We win next year,” Malkin told his friends. “Big year get back Cup.”

also these bits 🥺

After McGinn was put on waivers, he played a memorable final game with the Penguins, blocking shots and setting up Crosby for a dramatic tying goal in the third period. In the locker room afterward, his soon-to-be-former teammates named him player of the game, eliciting a massive roar from the group that could be heard through closed doors.

Hextall traded Teddy Blueger during the same trip. In the middle of a dinner with the players’ fathers, arranged by Crosby at Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, Blueger learned via social media that he had been dealt to Vegas. He and his dad abruptly left the restaurant. Crosby rushed to console his now former teammate and after a few minutes returned to the dinner. “That’s not how we do things in Pittsburgh,” he said. Crosby remained mostly quiet the rest of the night.

…Long after most of their teammates had left the locker room after the demoralizing 5-2 defeat, the Big Three remained.

Malkin was emotional, his voice rising as he spoke. He had been dreaming of his beloved parents, Natalia and Vladimir, returning to Pittsburgh for another postseason run. Instead, they’d stay in Russia.

Letang, in the adjacent corner of the room, spoke thoughtfully and contemplatively. He had been through hell and back all season, and the Penguins’ loss was another blow.

Then there was Crosby, who sits at the center of an arc of connected lockers. The Penguins captain, with gray hairs that seemed to grow more plentiful throughout the season, sat stoically. After finishing interviews, Crosby sat by himself, staring straight ahead before slowly walking out of the locker room.

sorry need to add the header too because i would totally watch this telenovella

[toasttt11]

aunt

September 11, 2021

Hayden walked through the arena for the banquet before the season started and before training even started.

The banquet is supposed to be more formal so Hayden has on a pair of tan trousers, a brown off the shoulder top and brown high top converse, with her hair down straight.

She walked into the giant room in the arena that the team turned into the banquet, she saw many of her teammates already there and a few new faces.

Hayden immediately walked over to Lauren and Connor who were standing with Leon and Celeste.

“Hayden Darling!” Lauren beamed immediately once she saw Hayden walking over to them.

Hayden only got into Edmonton late last night so she hasn’t seen any of them yet.

Lauren immediately pulled Hayden into a tight hug having missed her like crazy over the off season. Lauren and Connor haven’t been able to Hayden during an off season yet besides at the award ceremony.

Hayden smiled back and eagerly hugged Lauren back.

Lauren pulled back firm the hug and smiled at Hayden’s outfit as she had bought it for her, “Congrats Hayden for receiving the A.” Lauren proudly congratulated her again.

“Congrats Hayden!!!” Celeste happily congratulated Hayden again.

Hayden smiled at the two in thanks and hugged Celeste back.

“Hey Leo.” Hayden grinned once she let go of Celeste.

Leon smiled fondly and pulled her into a hug, “Hi Mäuschen.”

Connor waited patiently for his turn to say hi to one of his favorite people, “Hey Rook.” Connor fondly greeted as he hugged her.

“I’m not a rookie.” Hayden playfully protested mumbling in the hug but she knew she was never losing the nickname.

Connor just smiled having no plans to ever stop calling her that.

“Oh have you met Zach yet?” Connor asked Hayden when they pulled away from each other and Hayden shook her head no.

Zach had been traded to the Oilers in the offseason.

“Come on let’s go find him.” Connor walked away with Hayden as Connor brought them over to Zach, who was with his wife and their son talking to both Ryan’s and Ryan H wife.

“Zach!“ Connor called out making the group with Zach turn toward Hayden and Connor, “Zach this Hayden.” Connor introduced them.

“It’s nice to meet you!” Zach kindly spoke to his new teammate shaking his hand.

“Nice to meet you too!” Hayden himself replied back her eyes flickering the young boy curiously.

Zach smiled as he noticed her glance, “This is Theo our son he’s almost a year old and my wife Alannah.” Zach proudly introduced his family.

Hayden shared a smile with Alannah but her attention was focused on the young boy who was in his moms arms staring at Hayden curiously, Theo reached out a hand and Hayden out her hand out and he grabbed her finger smiling.

Zach and Alannah shared a smiling look because Theo is usually more shy with strangers.

Ryan moved over to stand next to his best friend and bumped her gently being mindful that a baby is holding her finger.

Bre and Ryan both smiled seeing Hayden and said their hellos to her as Hayden’s finger was being stolen by the baby.

Zach was actually really excited to be able to play with Hayden he thought it is incredible what Hayden has accomplished and really admired what Hayden is doing in the league.

Eventually after a little while of the four just chatting as Theo happily held onto Hayden’s finger he slowly fell asleep and let go of her hand.

Hayden and Connor said bye with Ryan coming with them as they headed back to Lauren, Celeste and Leon seeing them sitting down at a table with the Nurse’s. Lauren and Celeste seemed to be cooing over the baby.

Hayden gave a small hug to Mikayla and Darnell before sitting down with Ryan and Leon next to her and looking over at the baby, Aiden curiously who was currently in Lauren’s arms.

Aiden was born only shortly after their season ended but everyone had headed home already so the team haven’t met him yet.

“Wanna hold him?” Mikayla offered the younger girl seeing Hayden looking at her son.

Hayden slowly nodded, she really hasn’t been around a lot of small children and hasn’t really ever held a baby before.

Lauren gently set Aiden in Hayden’s arms and it was natural as Hayden held Aiden absolutely perfect, “Is this correct?” Hayden asked not taking her eyes off the baby.

“You’re holding him perfect.” Mikayla reassured sharing a soft look with Celeste and Lauren. Hayden looked absolutely adorable with the baby in her arms.

Lauren of course took a few sneaky photos as Hayden held Aiden.

“He’s adorable.” Hayden softly spoke smiling gently at the baby who was watching her curiously.

“He’s all Mik.” Darnell smiled fondly at his youngest teammate holding his first born son. He was telling the truth, Aiden is an identical copy to Mikayla.

“Hayden look up for me.” Mikayla asked softly holding up her phone to take picture of Hayden holding Aiden.

Hayden smiled at the camera holding Aiden gently but firmly in her arms.

Hayden focused back on Aiden completely after the picture and did not even realize dinner was being served until Mikayla offered to take him back so Hayden could eat.

“It’s okay you can eat i can hold him.” Hayden kindly reassured knowing Mikayla and Darnell probably don’t get a lot of warm meals because someone has to watch the baby and she did not mind waiting so they get to both eat their food warm.

Mikayla flashed a relieved look and a thankful smile at Hayden, it still surprises her at times how truly kind Hayden is to everyone.

Aiden made a cooing sound making Hayden awe softly and he sucked on her hand making her laugh glad she had washed her hands before she saw either of the babies.

Hayden just held Aiden in her arms for the rest of the event sneaking a few bites of food in but really to caring because he had her full attention the entire time.

“Aunty Hayden.” Lauren smiled as she watched Hayden and knew Hayden was going to become every child of the Oiler’s now and future favorite.

Mikayla and Celeste smiled agreeing with Lauren, Hayden is going to be an amazing Aunt as she already is with Aiden and she just met him.

“Aunty Hayden.” Mikayla agreed knowing that’s what her son will call Hayden.

[annieqattheperipheral]

natemac offseason interview!! 24:20 - 37:10

with off-camera Maggie cameo! he literally gets up and walks offscreen while on a live national interview bc she's chewing on a bone😂 he's so comfy, casual and quite chatty

So many good stories from the avs 22 cup win and bts of players getting their families to each playoff city

Rehashing that "i haven't won shit in 9 years" post 2021 playoffs quote

Always appreciate how easily and openly nate talks about feelings and chatting openly with teammates about stress and emotions. Knows he's an idol to kids and lives up to it💕

And ofc sid talk *oprah gif* he & sid recently went on a golf trip and were talking team canada lines and pp's for next year on the course

Introduced his new partnership with cizzle brands and their cwench hydration drink kinda weirdly but earnestly and the former hockeys jived with it bc that's the biz

Much Andy O'Brien mentions bc of it

[filmap]

Offseason Mickey Keating. 2021

Florist 121 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, USA See in map

See in imdb

[meameagirl]

Little rant bear with me, I just finish crying in a bathroom. Bear with me .

I don’t get this team.. how we this bad when we have a QB who playing MVP levels and can’t be in that talk bc the team let him down. Like how. I know things need to be change. Coaches all sides. I get worry that Chase would decline whatever offer they give him. You have one the best WR in nfl and insane talent QB who can do 4 to 5 TDs and loses. Chase who catches insane TD and Tee. And our defense fails us. Look at Joe.. he a fucking broken man. How much he gonna take b4 he cracks. You have insane QB WR and good ass RB. A kicker who just can’t make his fucking kicks.

Today that press conference was hard, he look broken, and he need this week off badly. Something need to change. Maybe we need a whole ass new playbook. More build better. Both sides. We need a good draft this offseason. And please sign your good players and stop being cheap!!

Like you after not give Joe men bc you want to keep him on the team for 5 years 4 now. I understood team

Need a QB and QB need his best WRs. How long before he just gonna ask for a trade? Do we really need any Joe career to be he good and his team just sucks ass. I don’t want him to leave. He work well over there. Zac you did bring us to the SB. I give you my respect but this year there none. We need a new defense coach. Defense just not clicking.

Those comment Joe said about fans how we support them and other thing he said. Love that he can still say things like this after a lost.

Just I’m broken I wasn’t expecting this season to be like this. Not even 2021 and 2022 was great. Last year can’t say much bc he was injury. I’m done. I’m gonna just stay up most the night thinking. Look of broken man gosh it hard.

[godefylife]

Second- and third-year NFL players ready to break out in 2023 – Offense edition:

It's that time of the year again! - @halilsfbtalk reveals his second- and third-year NFL breakout candidates, starting on the offensive side of the ball! 💫 #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2021 #NFLDraft2022 ##BreakoutNFLPlayers #NFLOffseason #NFLTwitter

After talking about the veteran NFL players changing places, extensively discussing the athletes entering the league via the draft and then pointing out the biggest needs for each team over a two-part series, I went back to watching a bunch of guys who have recently entered the fray and who I believe are bound to emerge as more household names in 2023. In particular, this exercise is aimed at…

[oosaoosaoosa]

The Essential USWNT Friendship Series: Kelley and Sonnett

Who you are: a person who has stumbled across this post because you are gay, and/or someone who wants to get into the women's world cup and the USWNT but whose fandom experience requires knowledge of the Narratives And Friendships

What this isn’t: an endorsement of being weird to players in public spaces (in real life or comment sections, or on unlocked Twitter accounts)

What this is: a (hopefully) comprehensive collection and explanation of the (public!) friendship between two fan-favorite members of the 2023 WC squad

I know I’m missing stuff and it’s likely I’ll come back to add to this! Every time I try to add anything to this post the draft editor throws me an error message so consider this a part one. Please note this is a sideblog 🫶🏼

EMILY SONNETT

29 (as of the beginning of the  2023 Women’s World Cup)

Born in Virginia, but raised in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia 

Attended the University of Virginia, graduated with a degree in Sociology 

Was originally a midfielder, later converted to defense. Primarily plays centerback, but can play fullback on either side, and defensive mid

She is a Sagittarius (this is important)

KELLEY O’HARA

34 (as of the beginning of the  2023 Women’s World Cup)

Born and raised in the southern suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia

Attended Stanford University, graduated with a degree in science, technology and society with a focus in environmental engineering

Was originally a forward (and in fact won the Hermann Trophy as college soccer’s top player, as a forward) but converted to play fullback on either side 

She is a Leo (I told you it was important. Twin fire signs 🔥)

THE BASICS

Sonnett’s first cap was against Brazil on October 25, 2015–she started and played all 90 minutes as a centerback (beside Becky). Kelley was on the bench. 

On Feb 15, 2016 they played together for the first time! They both started against Puerto Rico and Kelley scored!

Kelley was a good mentor to Sonny immediately, her little Georgia peach padawan

They didn’t appear to really get close until winter 2016-2017, when they trained together in Atlanta during the offseason and started to hang out in a smaller group and one on one 

Eventually they played on the same team (Washington Spirit in the 2021 and 2022 seasons) and won a championship together! (2021)

It was Kelley's first NWSL playoff run and her first championship, but Sonny's second championship (she won with the Thorns a few years before)

Kelley scored the game-winner in the championship final, in overtime, as a header. She does not typically score, much less with her head (she is like 5'4'' on a good day). It was insane.

------------

PRE-SPIRIT

Once they were friends they were BEST FRIENDS. Kelley loves to annoy Sonnett and has since day one. Couples massage!!, training together with Moe Brian

Typical rookie/vet prank but cuter because they're besties: BOO!

They drink coffee together: Sonnett Sunday, theee Kelley O'Hara,

Sonny is secretly an artist (seriously, she can draw): Lactose Tolerant Cow

They dance together so much. Seriously, so much (bonus Rose). In the car, anywhere.

They hype each other up: Snacks at the beach, blue on navy, flexin, cutest sports girl ever, Sonnett is an undercover singer,

Even their friends have pointed out their similarities. Are they the same or are they the same?

The 2019 World Cup parade was deeply chaotic: please beer and god they drank nonstop idk how they survived, they also napped on the plane back from france with pinoe and ashlyn

they help each other out: cold towel, guest coach kelley,

They threw out the first pitch for the Braves after the World Cup (with Mal, whose husband Dansby played for the Braves at the time)

They also made an appearance at an Atlanta United game together

They were chaotic in every team picture, X,

they took on the Tokyo olympics together (feat many teammates)

they were extremely annoying in the BFF quiz while Kelley and Alex tried to win (link to the BFF quiz episode below in required viewing section)

THE SPIRITS

Sonny's e-bike is their bike, not her bike, but sometimes they biked together too

More coffee adventures, in DC this time, X + X

Mentoring rookies, but this time together

When half the Spirit got COVID in 2021 and had to quarantine at a hotel in Portland, somehow they did not get tired of each other

Exploring restaurants together

Taking pictures of each other (they called each other Rick and Morty for a while which I try to forget), & with their bikes, & with matching orange beanies, more matching orange beanies

more dancing and celebrating, even celebrating carli as a duo, celebrating moving onto the nwsl final

getting jumpscared by their own rookies...together this time

being stinky and sweaty together and generally chaotic

cheering on the braves together on kelley's couch, being very loud and annoying

celebrating the spirit championship together, X + X + schwasted dancing with Kelley's girl together, doing a tiktok with Trinity and the trophy, making memes out of their championship cellies

showing off their championship rings together and celebrating the CBA signing at Audi together

they went to DC pride with the spirits

they developed this weird euopean cheek kissing thing

clowning in huddles together and doing tiktoks with the kids

Being annoying on the player's pod they recorded with Trinity and Andi (link to the pod below in the required watching section)

Still hyping each other up, of course: nice kick!, sonny's soft spirit fingers

POST-SPIRIT

Kelley took a pic of her abs when she got cleated at the CONCACAF tournament in 2022 and in solidarity, Sonny nearly took her shirt off

still taking lots of pictures and videos of each other, mostly Kelley. (I'm putting this in post-Spirit because although we didn't know it yet, Kelley already knew she was leaving DC)

Kelley literally left the Atlanta airport during her layover to hang out with Sonny on her birthday

loving on their Spirit rookies together, even after Kelley was off to NJ, +1 (Trinity's first goal in the 2023 WWC Send-off game)

celebrating Mal's wedding together with Andi and Rose

bringing each other up in every conversation

Being annoying about Taylor Swift

Sonnett almost killed Kelley within the first 30 seconds of them playing against each other for Gotham and the Reign and Kelley thought it was hilarious

OTHER PHOTO DUMPS / COLLECTIONS

Georgia girls

Glued together in Tokyo

More Spirits shenanigans

NT Camp besties

Kelley's visit to Portland in 2019

Hyping each other up in Instagram comments

General camp/NT shenanigans including the infamous "you're so wiggly" video

2019 WC Parade ridiciulousness

More coffee! Plus a cookie (and a "cookie")

MISC PHOTOGRAPHS THAT I JUST HAVE LYING AROUND

more of Kelley mentoring rookie Sonny on the NT

Kelley and Sonny in Atlanta in 2016 or 2017 (I don't remember exactly, I also cropped Moe Brian out of this but it was 800 years ago, sorry Moe)

A moment caught in the background of a post-2019-final celebration picture

Pre-2021 NWSL championship moments: not impressed with someone's pregame speech, Sonny wore 6 for the Spirit so they were neighbors, something Sonny was saying with her mouth full was very interesting to Kelley ,

Some more Spirit NWSL championship moments: they can't believe it, Kelley was beside herself, tongues out for the gals, I would pay to know what Kelley said here, another moment where I would love a transcript,

REQUIRED VIEWING

Kelley's episode of Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy, where a few of her best friends surprise her with an appearance, including Sonny, Allie Long and Alex Morgan

The BFF Quiz Championship, moderated by Sonnett

The Player's Pod with Sonnett, Andi Sullivan, and Trinity Rodman

1v1 with Kelley O'Hara (pre-camp 2023 WWC)

Throwing the first pitch out with Sonnett, Kelley and Mal

[w1ldthoughts]

AJ’s Analysis- Week Three Preview⚡️: Chargers (2-0) at Steelers (2-0)

Disclaimer: I am a Chargers fan so this will obviously be biased BUT I have been a football fan for the last 12 years and absolutely love dissecting the game and making comments so I figured I would give this a try! Please feel free to make comments and let me know your thoughts in my inbox!

Players to watch

Los Angeles

#10 Justin Herbert QB- Oregon- Year 5🩵

14/20 and threw for 130 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception last week. Suffered a high ankle sprain but did finish out the game and has played through more pain so I would be surprised if he didn’t gut it out and play tomorrow.

#27 JK Dobbins RB- Ohio State- Year 5

Leading the NFL in rushing yards. Looking to add to his recent dominance this week.

#26 Asante Samuel Jr. CB- Year 4

Haven’t heard his name much yet this season (7 total tackles, one assisted) so I’m sure he’s due for a breakout game. Played in all 17 games last year with 63 total tackles and 2 picks.

Entire Offensive Line

My brothers might be in for a long-ish afternoon and with a quarterback who’s mobility is sure to be limited if he plays so keep an eye on them and what the pressure looks like. Good luck to them.

#70 Rashawn Slater LT

#75 Bradley Bozeman C

#76 Joe Alt RT

#77 Zion Johnson LG

#79 Trey Pipkins III RG

Will Brenden Rice make his debut this week and how will the WR room do?

Steelers

#2 Justin Fields QB- Ohio State- Year 4

First year as a steeler after being kicked to the curb by the Chicago bears this past offseason to draft Caleb Williams and take away most of our offensive weapons like Keenan Allen and Gerald Everett. But moving on, he deserved better and I hope Pittsburgh is a wonderful fresh start for him.

Went 13/20 last week throwing for 117 yards and one touchdown. Dual threat QB who rushed for 1,143 yards in 2022 so we need to watch out for that too.

#22 Najee Harris RB- Alabama- Year 4

Has yet to score a touchdown this season so we should keep it that way. 17 carries for 69 yards last week but did have a 1000 yard rushing season last year with 255 carries, 1,035 yards and 8 touchdowns.

#14 George Pickens WR

Also has yet to score a TD this season. Two catches for 29 yards last week but had 63 catches for 1,140 yards and 5 touchdowns last year so I would keep an eye on his production tomorrow as they continue to open up their offense.

#97 Cameron Heyward DT- Ohio State- Year 14

He is only on here because I am messy. Last time these teams played Cam basically used Justin’s body to stand up and it looked like he punched him in the stomach. Seven tackles so far this season, 33 tackles and 2 sacks last season in 11 games played.

*Here is the 2021 play for reference*

#90 TJ Watt LB- Wisconsin- Year 8

Six Pro Bowls. Four time DPOY finalist, one win. Four time First team all-pro. 3 seasons leading the league in sacks and tied for most sacks in one season with 22.5. 7 tackles and 2 sacks on the season so far. Will be an issue and make his presence known.

#39 Minkah Fitzpatrick S- Alabama- Year 8

Four Pro Bowls. Three time first team all-pro. NFL interceptions co-leader in 2022. 14 total tackles, no picks so far on the year.