Steelers 6-2 at Midseason • Watt Through His Mother’S Eyes

INSIDE: Steelers 6-2 at midseason • Watt through his mother’s eyes

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FROM THE EDITOR | BOB LABRIOLA Steelers look like complete team

DETROIT — This was the kind of game they have lost in the past. A game on the road, against a middling oppo- nent, coming on the heels of a couple of significant victories against teams they either were trying to catch in the standings, or were established rivals, or both. They either weren’t good enough, or deep enough, or mature enough to do what was necessary to prevail in those kinds of situations. But on this day in Detroit, they were. They were Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster played a starring good enough, deep enough, mature enough, role on a night when the Steelers needed resilient enough to get out of Ford Field with a 20- contributions from all parts of their roster. 15 victory over the Lions that sent them into their Digest Photo/TAYLOR OLLASON bye with a 6-2 record at the midway point of the 2017 regular season. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty, and as this group of Steelers takes stock in themselves individually and as parts of units during this week off, they will find plenty to improve upon, plenty they will have to improve upon to end up being what they want to be once February rolls around. Those areas are some of the same ones that have dogged them since this all started back on Sept. 10. Red zone offense might be chief among those. The Steelers arrived here for this game ranked 30th in the league after converting only 42.3 percent of The Steelers defense may have allowed 482 this roster, but what also was on display was a their 26 red zone possessions into touchdowns, total net yards, but the Lions never crossed the maturity to fight through some of the issues that and it’s doubtful that ranking improved much after goal line in five trips into the red zone, and they had tipped the balance against them in similar they were 1-for-3 against the Lions. That this also were 0-for-3 in goal-to-go situations with one games like this in the recent past. The tendency can offense could be so bad at scoring touchdowns of those possessions ending with a sack by Tyson be to blame losses in games like this to lapses in with the talent it is able to put onto the field at the Alualu on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. preparation, to failures of coaches to treat these positions that typically are responsible for getting Le’Veon Bell was held under 80 yards rushing, opponents as seriously as others. the ball into the end zone defies explanation. Antonio Brown had only 70 yards receiving, and The reality is that there is no difference in prepa- There are theories, of course, but they’re only Martavis Bryant was inactive, but picking up the ration. Practices and meetings are just as thorough, theories. Maybe Vance McDonald becomes the slack were JuJu Smith-Schuster, with seven catches attention to detail is preached just as intensely, mis- blocking/receiving tight end who’s critical in that for 193 yards, including a 97-yard touchdown, and takes are identified and corrections are attempted. area of the field, the kind of tight end the Steelers Jesse James, who had two timely catches for 42 Mike Tyson always claimed that everyone has a haven’t had since Heath Miller retired. Maybe there total yards. plan until they get punched in the mouth, and the has been too much energy expended on making One of the things Mike Tomlin said about this maturity these Steelers seem to be developing the perfect play-call. Maybe things need to be sim- group all the way back in mid-August was that it comes in the ability to take a punch and not lose plified to enhance the possibility of better execu- would be a team in development into the regular their sense of purpose. tion. Or maybe it’s just a matter of a receiver who’s season, and that development progressed nicely A dropped pass in the end zone on the game’s wide open in the end zone catching the ball when over the first half of the schedule. There used to be opening series is only a setback instead of a death it hits him in the hands, which is what Eli Rogers a specific recipe the Steelers would follow to lose knell. Giving up chunks of yardage doesn’t neces- didn’t do on the game’s opening possession the kind of game they won here, and it involved red sarily lead to points allowed. Bad red zone offense against Detroit. zone failures plus some turnovers plus some can be mitigated by good red zone defense. A pos- Matthew Stafford passed for 423 yards, and the untimely defensive lapses plus the stars not playing itive outcome in a particular game doesn’t have to Lions consistently were able to exploit the area of like stars. be traced back to the performances of a few select the field down the sidelines in between the corner- But while this group experienced all of those individuals and only those select individuals. back and the safety. Maybe that gets fixed by allow- things to varying degrees against the Lions, it also The 2017 Steelers are at the midway point of ing cornerbacks Artie Burns and Joe Haden to play compensated by getting some star-caliber contri- their season, and at 6-2 they are in control of their more man-to-man, but in the meantime the Steelers butions from other individuals and with units mak- division and sit atop the AFC, but even more signif- mitigated the damage by being extremely stingy on ing up for lapses in one area with excellence in icant is that despite their imperfections they are possession downs, with the Lions converting only 2 another. more of a complete team now than they were eight of 14 third- and fourth-down situations. Certainly that speaks to the depth and talent of weeks ago.

STEELERS DIGEST • 3 ON THE COVER

VOLUME 30 • NUMBER 7 (679) Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster gets away from the Detroit defense on his way to a franchise-record 97-yard touch- NOVEMBER 18, 2017 • $4.95 | down reception in the 20-15 victory against the Lions. INSIDE Cover Photo/KARL ROSER STORY LINES 7 Steelers-Lions game coverage 15 Steelers-Bengals game coverage 23 Breaking down the Bryant issue 24 T.J. Watt: A family affair VOICES 3 Bob Labriola 5 Coach Mike Tomlin 21 Just My Opinion DEPARTMENTS 31 Steelers Stuff 33 Steelers roster 35 Community Spotlight 38 Coming Up NEXT ISSUE The next issue of Steelers Digest will be print- ed Nov. 20 and will include complete recaps of the games against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans as well as analysis on all the latest developments involving the team.

THOMAS N. CURTIS, Publisher ANDREW E. COHEN, Managing Editor BOB LABRIOLA, Editor ARMANDO MATO, Creative Director ALAIN POUPART, Associate Editor JIM WEXELL, Associate Editor TERESA VARLEY, Assistant Editor KARL ROSER, Photographer BILL DALEY, Design & Composition ANNE MARIE FLORENCE, Customer Service STEELERS DIGEST subscription information 1-800-334-4005. STEELERS DIGEST is a member of the Professional Football Publishers Association. STEELERS DIGEST (USPS 003-803) (ISSN 1044-2855) is published twice a month Sept. through Dec., Monthly Feb., April/May, July and August by Steelers Digest, J.V., at 53 Curtiss Parkway, Miami Springs, FL 33166, (305) 594-0508. Periodicals postage paid Miami, Florida and additional mailing offices. Annual subscription rate in USA 12 issues/$49.95. Newsstand rate of $4.95 per issue. Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited without permission from the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to STEELERS DIGEST, P.O. Box 526600, Miami, FL 33152-6600. WATT’S UP: Rookie T.J. Watt has had plenty to celebrate during his rookie season with the Steelers, and his journey to STEELERS DIGEST is the official magazine of the Pittsburgh the NFL probably wouldn’t have happened without the support of his family. See story, page 24. Digest Photo/TAYLOR OLLASON Steelers, and is published by Curtis Publishing Company. COACH’S CORNER | MIKE TOMLIN Breaking down the Detroit victory, and thoughts on the defense and Le’Veon Bell

Man, anytime you get an opportunity to come from behind in a hostile environment and you get it done, you’re happy and excit- Le’Veon Bell is a unique athlete who can handle a ed about it. It’s a growth opportunity and heavy workload, but the Steelers also have to make sure he doesn’t become overworked. hopefully if we move forward, we can use tonight’s experience in that way. Digest Photo/KARL ROSER I can’t say enough about the effort. We weren’t perfect, obviously, but, boy, we showed fight, resiliency, individually and col- Q. Whenever any of your coaches lectively. The guys just made the necessary is asked about monitoring plays. They uplifted one another. We had sig- Le’Veon Bell’s carries, they nificant red zone stops on defense. When we always pass the buck to you and needed it most on offense, we had that enor- say it’s your call. What are the mous play on third down to JuJu (Smith- things you would consider in Schuster). Guys just really ate it up and deciding if a player like Le’Veon kicked in, in all three phases. They are to be is being overused? congratulated for that. We tip our cap to Detroit, they were a A. It’s about the individual player. I’ve game bunch. We knew that they would be. learned through experience at this level that This team is awesome at coming back and I these are unique guys. There are no cookie- think they broke the NFL record last year. It cutter answers to any of these things in terms starts at their quarterback; he (Matthew of how to deal with people, particularly at the Stafford) gets better as the game goes on. running back position. Le’Veon is a unique You can’t trick him forever and he really chal- guy, a unique athlete. He’s a unique person- lenged us tonight. We’re thankful to get the ality, and so how I handle him might be differ- victory. ent than how I’d handle someone else. It’s It’s great to go into the bye; obviously we’ve got ly, and I’m very clear. The couple of collective definitely different than how I handled a number of guys down and a number of guys games we’ve been able to put together, we’ve had Rashard Mendenhall or some of the other guys I’ve missed tonight. We had guys go down in the game. strong practice participation. We’ve had young coached. I’m comfortable with our usage of him Chris Hubbard went down with a concussion, Mike guys practicing and getting in-helmet perspective because of the relationship I have with him, and the Mitchell went down with an ankle and Sean Davis on play. That aids them in performance. knowledge I have of him as an athlete and a foot- went down, but I think he was able to return. We’re ball player. He’s highly conditioned. He’s a tremen- going to need this bye week to get right in several Q. Do you find you have to temper the dous competitor, he’s uniquely competitive even in ways. Obviously, we need to continue to work to hype, maybe be a little bit of the bad an industry that’s laced with people who are ultra- get better and analyze what we do, normal bye cop when a unit, like your defense, is competitive. He’s uniquely durable. There are a lot week procedures. But just from a health stand- being praised as it has been lately? of things that weigh into the decision-making that point, I think it’s an appropriate time. I say that, but A. They know the truth. We talk openly enough make me comfortable with his usage. It might be I haven’t been in a bye that I didn’t like or think was about how we’re doing that they know how we’re different if it was someone else. the appropriate time. doing, and you can’t fool them in that regard. Q. In the past, you’ve used the phrase, There have been times where the outside world Q. How would you assess the develop- “protect someone from himself.” Do thinks we’re playing poorly and we’re not, so they ment of your defense to this point in don’t beat themselves up. So it’s reasonable to you have to do that with him? the season? expect those guys to understand that when the A. All the time, but that’s a responsibility that I A. I think they’re generally moving in the right outside world thinks they’re playing great, and they welcome. When we put James Conner in at the end direction. A big element of it is continued continu- may know that they’re not, that they keep their feet of the game against Cincinnati, Le’Veon was chirp- ity as we move forward. We’ve had guys, a splatter- on the ground. We just have to continually go ing as he came off the field. That’s just Le’Veon. ing of guys, miss time here and there. T.J. Watt through this process, and not only on defense but He’s a tremendous, tremendous competitor. The missed a little time. Stephon Tuitt has missed some in all three phases as a football team: prepare, play, awesome thing people should know about him is time. We’ve had guys miss quite a bit of practice evaluate, grow, repeat process. That’s what it’s that he’s the same way at practice. That just does- time. That affects growth and development. We’ve about for us, and it’s been a been the process for n’t come out of him in the stadium. It could be a been clean in that area in recent weeks, and I think us in recent weeks in terms of prep, play, and eval- Thursday practice, and if we’re competing, he’s in that’s as big a component of their collective matu- uation of that play, and then making the necessary the middle of it. He loves that element of the ration as anything. People ask me about it informal- growth adjustments. game.

STEELERS DIGEST • 5

Steelers 20, Lions 15

COME BACK HERE: Defensive lineman Tyson Alualu wasn’t about to let quarterback Matthew Stafford get away once he got his hands on him on a fourth-and-goal in the third quarter. Digest Photo/KARL ROSER

STEELERS DIGEST • 7

INSIDE THE GAME | STEELERS 20, LIONS 15 Steelers’ record: 6-2 • One year ago: 4-4 WHAT WENT RIGHT • The Steelers defense responded to Ben Roethlisberger’s first-quarter interception with a three-and-out that was punctuated by a sack of Matthew Stafford by Cam Heyward. Following the punt, the Steelers took over at their own 45-yard line with 3:52 remaining in the first quarter. • The Steelers took a 10-6 lead with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 5-yard run by Le’Veon Bell with 4:10 left in the second quarter. The big play on the drive was a 44-yard completion to Antonio Brown, who came back to make a play on a slightly underthrown ball on a third-and-9. Ben Roethlisberger also converted a previous third down with a 7-yard pass to Justin Hunter. • It was fourth-and-goal at the Steelers 1-yard line, and the Lions decided against a fifth field goal attempt by Matt Prater. But Tyson Alualu sabo- taged the strategy by sacking Matthew Stafford for a 1-yard loss, and the Steelers took over on downs and protected their 13-12 lead with less than five minutes left in the third quarter. • The offense picked up the defense by taking the ball and going 98 yards in three plays to extend the lead to 20-12 with 3:01 left in the third period. But it was less a scoring drive than it was a spectac- ular play by JuJu Smith-Schuster. He took a short pass from Ben Roethlisberger and outran the Lions secondary for a 97-yard touchdown on a third-and- 9 play from the Pittsburgh 3-yard line. • It wasn’t so good that the Lions moved the Le’Veon Bell scored the Steelers’ first touchdown with a 5-yard run late in the second quarter. Digest Photo/TAYLOR OLLASON ball right down the field on the possession following Smith-Schuster’s long touchdown play, but once again the Steelers defense stiffened and kept yard field goal tied the game with 7:50 left in the Brown converted a third-and-12 with a 15-yard the Lions out of the end zone. This time the Lions first quarter. catch-and-run, and then Jesse James managed to settled for a 19-yard field goal from Matt Prater • The Steelers’ second possession ended with a hang on to a short pass and turn it into a 32-yard that made it a 20-15 game with 12:54 remaining. turnover, when Ben Roethlisberger’s pass for gain on the next play. Faced with a third-and-1 at Antonio Brown was intercepted by free safety the Lions 23-yard line, Le’Veon Bell ran into the WHAT WENT WRONG Glover Quin at the Detroit 17-yard line. The line of middle of the line and appeared to have the first scrimmage on the turnover was the Lions 44-yard down before losing a fumble that Glover Quin • The Steelers received the opening kickoff and line, and the Steelers got there via completions of 18 recovered at the Lions 21-yard line. moved smartly down the field. The first play was a yards to Smith-Schuster and 10 yards to Jesse James • The Lions took advantage of the Steelers’ sec- fake bubble screen that turned into a down-the- sandwiched around a 3-yard run by Le’Veon Bell. ond turnover and moved into position for a fourth field pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster for a 41-yard gain • The Lions took a 6-3 lead on a 37-yard field Matt Prater field goal, this one from 34 yards out, to the Detroit 34-yard line. Le’Veon Bell carried on goal by Matt Prater with 9:11 left in the second to take a 12-10 halftime lead. Throughout the first three of the next four plays and gained 18 yards to quarter. The big play on the Lions’ 39-yard scoring half, the Lions were successful completing passes in set up a third-and-2 from the 16-yard line. Ben drive was a 33-yard pass from Matthew Stafford to the area between Joe Haden and Mike Mitchell, Roethlisberger had Eli Rogers wide open in the end Marvin Jones that came on a busted coverage. and a 34-yard completion to T.J. Jones was the big zone, but Rogers dropped the ball, and the • Detroit answered the Steelers’ touchdown play on that possession. Steelers had to settle for a 34-yard Chris Boswell with a 51-yard Matt Prater field goal that made it • The Steelers defense opened the second half field goal and a 3-0 lead with 12:12 left in the first 10-9 with 2:14 remaining in the first half. The big with a three-and-out that was clinched when Tyson quarter. play on the drive was a 25-yard completion to T.J. Alualu batted down a Matthew Stafford pass on • The Lions answered the Steelers’ field goal Jones on a play where the ball was delivered down third down. After the punt, the Steelers seemed to with one of their own that came at the end of an the sideline in between cornerback Artie Burns and score a touchdown on a 9-yard pass to Antonio eight-play, 45-yard drive, with most of the yardage safety Mike Mitchell. Brown, but he was flagged for offensive pass inter- coming on a 43-yard pass to Marvin Jones on a sec- • The Steelers’ second turnover of the game ference. The Steelers settled for a 34-yard field ond-and-14 that happened after Matthew Stafford cost them a chance to build on their 10-9 lead in goal from Chris Boswell that gave them a 13-12 was flushed out of the pocket. Matt Prater’s 48- the final minute of the second quarter. Antonio lead with 9:21 remaining in the third period.

STEELERS DIGEST • 9 vs. Detroit

JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER WIDE RECEIVER JuJu Smith-Schuster finished with seven catches for 193 yards (27.6 average) and a touchdown, but when those numbers were broken down further his contribution to the victory took on a greater signif- icance. Chief among the big plays he turned in was a 97- yard touchdown on a catch-and-run that came on a third-and-9 from the Steelers 3-yard line late in the third quarter. He also had a 41-yard catch-and-run on the Steelers first offensive snap, and then he caught a 4-yard shovel pass to convert a third-and- 1 with 1:29 remaining to send the Steelers into victory formation.

Digest Photo/KARL ROSER INSIDE THE GAME | BY THE NUMBERS - vs. DETROIT

Career sacks for Cameron Heyward Years since the Steelers last after he brought down Matthew were 6-2 at the halfway Stafford in the first quarter. That tied him with Brett Keisel for third for a mark. Those 2011 Steelers 6 30 Steelers defensive lineman since went on to finish 12-4. sacks became an official stat in 1982.

JuJu Smith-Schuster’s 97 touchdown was the longest offensive play in the NFL 16 since Week 1 of the 2016 season Career touchdown passes when Drew Brees and Brandin of 60 yards or longer for Cooks of the New Orleans Saints Ben Roethlisberger, who connected for a 98-yard touch- extended his team record with down against the Oakland his 97-yarder to JuJu Smith- Raiders. Schuster against Detroit.

JuJu Smith-Schuster’s 193 receiving yardage was 6 the second-highest for a Steelers Touchdown passes of 90 yards or rookie behind only the 205 yards more in Steelers history. JuJu gained by Jimmy Orr on Dec. Smith-Schuster joined Mike 13, 1958. Wallace (95 yards), Martavis Bryant (94), Dwight Stone (90), Bobby Shaw (90) and Mark Where JuJu Smith-Schuster’s Malone (90). 3193 receiving yards against Detroit ranks in the NFL this season. Only DeAndre Hopkins (224 yards in Week 8 and Amari 12 Cooper (210 yards in Week 7) Quarterbacks who have passed had more. for 400 or more yards against the Steelers. Matthew Stafford joined Boomer Esiason (1987) as Yards gained by the Lions on the only ones to reach that 6their 10 offensive plays in a plateau without throwing for a goal-to-go situation. Digest Photo/KARL ROSER touchdown. Third-down conversions 2 for the Steelers when they killed the final 1:54 after their last goal-line stand.

STEELERS DIGEST • 11

INSIDE THE GAME | STEELERS 20, LIONS 15 JuJu surprises himself with big play

By JIM WEXELL

Associate Editor JuJu Smith-Schuster wasn’t going to get caught once DETROIT — One heck of a week for JuJu he got into the open field on his 97-yard touchdown, Smith-Schuster called for one heck of an even though he and his teammates didn’t think he had exclamation point. that kind of breakaway speed. And the rookie receiver came through in Digest Photo/KARL ROSER record fashion. Smith-Schuster not only matched the “In Madden, my speed is like 82 or 83,” 1 longest play from scrimmage in the 84 ⁄2-year Smith-Schuster said of a rather mediocre history of the Pittsburgh franchise, his 97- game rating for wide receivers. “I was think- yard touchdown catch was the key play in the ing they were going to catch me, and next Steelers’ 20-15 win against the Detroit Lions thing you know I pulled away and got the and sent the Steelers into their bye week with touchdown.” a 6-2 record, tied for best in the AFC. Was he tired? And to think it all started with teammate “Yeah, I was tired,” he said. Martavis Bryant saying he was better than But he wasn’t too tired to celebrate. Smith-Schuster on a social media account “Today we had a lot of free time, so I that could have sent the team into a spiral. decided I had to get a chain,” Smith-Schuster Smith-Schuster said he’s still friends with explained of his touchdown celebration. “So Bryant, but by then another problem had I went to Home Depot down the street, arisen: JuJu’s bike had been stolen. bought a chain. If I scored, my celebration JuJu doesn’t have his driver’s license and was going to be a bike thing, so we had that needs his bike to travel to and from the prac- spinning bike (on the sideline) to keep mus- tice field. So the city rallied around the 20- cles warm, and as soon as I scored I went to year-old, found his bike, and a few days later the bike with the chain and locked it up. gave him an ovation at a hockey game. “It was fun. I got my bike back. I’m locking JuJu Mania will no doubt hit a new high it up this time, and with my boys we celebrat- after his performance in Detroit. His 97-yard ed.” touchdown catch broke Mike Wallace’s 95- But one series later, Smith-Schuster yard previous record for longest completion in and you’ve got to encourage that. What happened dropped a third-and-7 pass that gave the ball back team history, and also tied Bobby Gage’s 97-yard this past week happened and you have to encour- to the Lions, who then gave it back on a fumble by run in 1949 (on a fake punt) for longest play from age him, and encourage the other guy, too. We’re Golden Tate. The Steelers later needed their fourth scrimmage in team history. in this together.” goal-line stand of the game to preserve the win. Smith-Schuster’s play occurred on third-and-9 Winning certainly makes coming together much “He was beating himself up over the drop,” said with the Steelers backed up and clinging to a 13-12 easier, and so it appears that a child is leading Roethlisberger. “To me that was encouraging. He lead late in the third quarter as the home crowd them. could have sat in there and thought, ‘I had a great was filling the Ford Field dome with ear-splitting What was the key to what may have been the game. I had a big play. I made all these big plays.’ noise. biggest play so far of the Steelers’ season? But he was dwelling on the one he didn’t make that Ben Roethlisberger hit Smith-Schuster in stride, “Missing Jesse (James) on the play before,” may have sealed it. So for him to show that much and he outran Quandre Diggs and then skipped Roethlisberger said of his second-down pass that maturity, and to care, be that selfless and be team- away from a diving Glover Quin at the 5-yard line sailed over the head of the open tight end. first, that’s what I like to see most.” to go in for the score. But Roethlisberger explained the record-setting Smith-Schuster is becoming the toast of But it never looked like Smith-Schuster was play on the next snap: Pittsburgh, but he won’t even be able to drink going to make it. “They gave us a coverage where the safeties along with fans for another three weeks when he “I thought he was going to get caught twice,” split wide, 22 man. JuJu had something similar to turns 21. said Mike Mitchell. that earlier in the game and he tried to juke the guy Not that it’s stopping the Southern California “Everybody on the field was moving in slow-mo, and give him an out move and then go up. I told native from enjoying life in a distant land. man,” said Artie Burns. “I thought they were going him, ‘Listen, next time you get that look, if it’s a 22- “Oh, I love it here, man,” he said. “This is my backwards. I don’t know if my mind was just going type man, beat him with speed. Just get down second home. I think the fans are amazing. With fast or they were moving slow.” there.’ And that’s what he did. I threw it over the the bike being stolen, the people in Pittsburgh “He kept looking back,” said guard Ramon top and I told him I didn’t know he had that much helped me get it back and it shows a lot. I love this Foster. “I didn’t think he was going to get away. I’ll speed. He said he didn’t either.” city. I love the fans. I love the people. I love my just say I’m glad he did. I’m happy for that kid. That Smith-Schuster’s 40 time at the NFL combine teammates.” kid is playing football, just playing simple football was 4.54, but the rookie uses another gauge. The feelings are clearly becoming mutual.

STEELERS DIGEST • 13

Steelers 29, Bengals 14

GAY’S BIG PLAY: Cornerback William Gay contributed to the Steelers’ dominating second-half defensvie performance when he intercepted Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton. Digest Photo/KARL ROSER

STEELERS DIGEST • 15

INSIDE THE GAME | STEELERS 29, BENGALS 14 Steelers’ record: 5-2 • One year ago: 4-3 WHAT WENT RIGHT • The Steelers took the opening kickoff Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster gave the Steelers a 14-7 and went 75 yards in nine plays, with the lead in the second quarter when he scored on a 31- touchdown coming on a 7-yard pass to yard touchdown pass. Antonio Brown. But before that had a chance Digest Photo/TAYLOR OLLASON to happen, the Steelers got some nice contributions from JuJu Smith-Schuster and Rosie Dalton to Brandon LaFell as he was cutting Nix. On the first third down of the drive — a across the middle of the end zone. To get third-and-5 from the Pittsburgh 30-yard line there, the Bengals used a 25-yard run by Joe — Ben Roethlisberger completed a short Mixon on a second-and-10, and then a 16- pass to Le’Veon Bell, who ended up gaining yard pass to A.J. Green that converted a 23 yards thanks to persistent downfield third-and-5. blocking by Smith-Schuster on cornerback • Instead of rock-‘em, sock-‘em, the Darqueze Dennard. Then it was Nix who dug game developed into a shootout by the mid- safety George Iloka out of the hole that Bell dle of the second period. The Bengals ran through for 11 yards for a first-and-goal answered the Steelers’ touchdown that had at the 9-yard line. given them a 14-7 lead with a touchdown • On the Bengals’ opening possession, drive of their own that covered 75 yards in 12 they moved the ball to a third-and-9 from the plays and ended with a 1-yard pass to Tyler Cincinnati 48-yard line. Andy Dalton dumped Kroft on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. off a short pass to tight end Tyler Kroft, who Other big plays on the drive were a 21-yard was trying to escape the tackle of Mike Hilton completion to Alex Erickson on a third-and-8, when Ryan Shazier came up and stopped him and then a 17-yard run by Joe Mixon down to cold after a 6-yard gain. The Bengals punted. the Steelers 10-yard line. • Following the Bengals touchdown that • On the one hand, it was a 10-play, 75- tied the game, 7-7, the Steelers needed just 2:18 to march 75 yards to retake the lead on yard drive that ended with a 22-yard field a 31-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger to goal by Chris Boswell that gave the Steelers JuJu Smith-Schuster. On the drive, a 17-14 lead with 1:50 remaining in the first Roethlisberger also completed a 10-yard half. On the other hand, it represented a pass to Eli Rogers and a 28-yard pass to failed red zone possession. The big play on attempt on the first play of the fourth quarter, their Vance McDonald to finish 3-for-3 for 69 yards and a the possession was a short pass to Le’Veon Bell defense bailed them out. On third down, T.J. Watt touchdown on the drive that ended with the that turned into a 42-yard gain after he juked line- sacked Andy Dalton to force the Bengals to punt. Steelers owning a 14-7 lead with 12:52 remaining in backer Vincent Rey in the open field, ran past safe- • The Bengals had a first-and-10 at their 45-yard the second quarter. ty Shawn Williams and stiff-armed cornerback Dre line with 11:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, and • The Bengals offense went three-and-out on Kirkpatrick to the ground. The Steelers had a first- they were looking to cut into their 26-14 deficit. On their possession that followed Chris Boswell’s first and-goal at the 6-yard line, but then Bell lost 1 first down, Bud Dupree blew past running back Joe field goal, and the Steelers responded with a yard, a pass to Martavis Bryant gained 3 yards, and Mixon and got his hands on Andy Dalton before seven-play, 71-yard drive that ended with another then a third-down pass for Antonio Brown was Tyson Alualu cleaned up the sack for an 11-yard red zone field goal, this one from 24 yards that incomplete. gave the Steelers a 20-14 halftime lead. Ben loss. Then on third-and-21, Dupree and Alualu ran • The Steelers extended their lead to 23-14 with Roethlisberger completed 4 of 6 for 33 yards on a textbook T-E twist, and Dupree sprinted past 7:23 remaining in the third period, but it came via the drive. guard Trey Hopkins to sack Dalton for a 13-yard another field goal following a failed red zone pos- • Joe Haden’s first interception as a member of loss. session. Le’Veon Bell carried eight times for 35 the Steelers came midway through the third quar- • Fourth-and-7 from the Pittsburgh 40-yard line yards on the drive, and Ben Roethlisberger com- ter with the Steelers holding a 23-14 lead. On a with 6:53 remaining in the game. The Steelers line pleted 1 of 2 for 19 yards. But on third-and-1 from second-down play, Andy Dalton threw to A.J. up in punt formation, but the Bengals leave gunner the Bengals 19-yard line, Bell was tackled behind Green, but the ball was bobbled and Haden some- Darrius Heyward-Bey uncovered. Reacting to the the line for a 4-yard loss by Michael Johnson. situation, Robert Golden took a direct snap and how came up with it before it hit the ground at the Boswell then came on to kick the 41-yard field goal. lofted a pass that Heyward-Bey caught for a 44- Cincinnati 40-yard line. Three plays later, Boswell • The Steelers were faced with a fourth-and-1 yard gain to the Bengals 16-yard line. Three plays kicked his fourth field goal, from 49 yards, to from the Cincinnati 38-yard line. Ben after that Chris Boswell kicked a 25-yard field goal, extend the lead to 26-14. Roethlisberger handed the ball to Terrell Watson, and the Steelers lead was 29-14 with 5:14 left in the • A second takeaway, also an interception, who originally was ruled to have gained the game. came on the Bengals’ ensuing possession, this one yardage necessary for a first down. But Marvin also off a tipped ball, and this one by Will Gay. It Lewis challenged the spot of the ball, and his chal- came on a third-and-4 from the Cincinnati 44-yard WHAT WENT WRONG lenge was upheld, and Cincinnati took over on line, and Andy Dalton’s pass was intended for Josh • With 10 seconds left in the first quarter, the downs at their own 38-yard line with 14:57 remain- Malone. Bengals tied the game, 7-7, via an eight-play, 53- ing in the fourth quarter with the Steelers holding a • When the Steelers failed on that fourth-and-1 yard drive that ended with a 6-yard pass from Andy 26-14 lead.

STEELERS DIGEST • 17 vs. Cincinnati LE’VEON BELL RUNNING BACK In the victory against the Bengals, the Steelers offense ran 68 plays for 420 total net yards, and Bell finished with 38 touches (35 carries and three receptions) for 193 yards from scrimmage (135 yards rushing and 58 yards receiving). Those totals represent these percentages: Bell was involved in 56 percent of the Steelers’ offensive plays in the game and gained 46 percent of the yards. Bell is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week. Also considered were Ben Roethlisberger, T.J. Watt, Antonio Brown, Chris Boswell, Joe Haden, Bud Dupree, Cam Heyward, Tyson Alualu, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and the duo of Robert Golden and Darrius Heyward-Bey for the connection on a pass from punt formation. Digest Photo/KARL ROSER

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Steelers players with a reception of 25 yards or more: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Le’Veon Bell, 4 JuJu Smith-Schuster and Vance McDonald.

JuJu Smith-Schuster’s touchdown catch 3made him the first player in NFL history with three TD receptions before his 21st birthday.

Rushing yards for Le’Veon Bell, 134 making him the first Steelers run- Digest Photo/MIKE DRAZDZINSKI ning back with back-to-back games with 125 or more yards since 2007 (Willie Parker).

179 Consecutive second-half Steelers drives 4 that ended with a failed conversion on 11 third-and-1 or fourth-and-1. Yards allowed by the Steelers in the second half. Yards allowed by the

Steelers, tied for Passer rating for Ben 154.4Roethlisberger in the first 1 fourth-fewest in the half. A perfect rating is 158.3. First down by the Bengals in the second half. Cincinnati series. 3 Catches for Cincinnati wide receiver A.J. Green, his lowest total of the season. Green’s Field goals by Chris Boswell, one 41 receiving yards also represented a season low. shy of his career high set Dec. 18, 5 2016 — also against Cincinnati.

STEELERS DIGEST • 19

JUST MY OPINION | JIM WEXELL Alualu, Hargrave, Hubbard

From the notebook of a sportswriter who’ll echo the quarterback in saying that going into the bye week 6-2 feels really Tyson Alualu (94) had good reason to celebrate after good: his sack on fourth-and-goal.

• No, I’m not on the team, but the fact I Digest Photo/KARL ROSER don’t have to explain over the next two weeks why the coordinators, coach and gen- eral manager won’t be fired is always a bit of Schuster dropped a perfect pass on another a relief. third down. Le’Veon Bell cost the Steelers at • Not that the Steelers played all that well. least three points with his fumble after gain- They continued their season of spits and ing a first down at the Detroit 22 late in the coughs that won’t result in narrow wins first half. So that’s at least 11 points the against better teams. Steelers frittered away. • But to get out of Detroit with a win when • Did the offense do anything right? Well, you’re A) not playing well, B) injured and C) Ramon Foster pancaked A’Shawn Robinson playing a bye-rested home team that’s starv- to open the door on Bell’s 5-yard touchdown ing for a win is certainly an accomplishment. run. • Key pieces were clearly missing for the • “I was killing that guy,” Foster said of Steelers, but one of them, Stephon Tuitt, was Robinson, who nearly caused an end-of- replaced by one of the star players in this game brawl. “That’s why he was so mad at game. Tyson Alualu stepped into the defen- the end. He shouldn’t have talked (junk). It sive line and continued to show why he just was the first couple plays of the game. He might be the best reserve the Steelers have just kept going when he should have just had up front since John Banaszak and Steve kept quiet. Right away he said ‘You’re not Furness were biding their time behind the Steel • Give credit to Sean Davis and Joe Haden, too, that good.’ I’m like, ‘OK, but I’ve been here doing Curtain some 42 years ago. for critical pass breakups during those goal-line this for a while. We’ll see.’ From that point on I pro- • Alualu made two key plays in the second half, stands. ceeded to kick his (butt).” the first was a deflection of a Matthew Stafford • The Lions’ offensive line is a weakness, and • Chris Hubbard was also flawless as a replace- pass on third-and-6 after the Lions took the kickoff. that no doubt played into the strong play of the ment for Marcus Gilbert at right tackle, and if the A shanked punt was followed by a 38-yard field Steelers’ defensive line, but the alleged weakest O-line had stats like tackles and sacks and pass goal that gave the Steelers the lead for good at 13- link, former Steeler Brian Mihalik, didn’t give up a breakups, we would have evidence that Hubbard 12. sack. played as well as Aluala. • The eighth-year vet later sacked Stafford on a • And I don’t understand why James Harrison • Gilbert’s return will be welcomed, and doubly fourth-and-goal play from the 1-yard line, and three didn’t get one snap against Mihalik, a 6-foot-9 mis- appreciated because Hubbard can resume his role plays later JuJu Smith-Schuster scored from 97 match for the 6-foot master of leverage. as a tight end in the Steelers’ big boy package that yards away for a 20-12 lead. • All wasn’t a bouquet of roses for the defense, Bell enjoys so much. • When Alualu wasn’t making game-turning which gave up 411 yards passing, had a 15-yard • Bell will also appreciate the post-bye return of plays, his linemates, Javon Hargrave, Cameron unnecessary roughness penalty tacked onto an 18- the team’s best blocking tight end, Vance Heyward and L.T. Walton were. Heyward had the yard gain, and committed two penalties to nullify a McDonald, who also sat out of the game. only other sack for the Steelers. It occurred on a Haden interception on a critical third down late in • The other key piece who was missing from this third down and gave him the team lead with five the game. game was, of course, Martavis Bryant, who was sacks this season. The Detroit-born Walton pres- • And the missed tackles ... yoi, the missed tack- benched for criticizing a teammate and putting sured Stafford into what appeared to be a fumble les. Hard to believe the defense kept the Lions out personal stats before wins. Mike Tomlin gave the but was ruled an awful incompletion. Hargrave of the end zone, but it did. quote of the night when asked if he assumes Bryant stopped a third-and-goal play at the 1-yard line and • “You don’t want that to keep happening,” will fit right back into the lineup. “I don’t,” Tomlin also used the center as a weapon to smash into Heyward said of the scorching via the airways. “But said. Stafford on a fourth-down play at the 8-yard line to Stafford is a high-paid quarterback for a reason.” • Roethlisberger pointed to the mistakes made stop yet another Lions foray deep into the red • It’s not as if the offense bailed the Steelers out. on plays involving Rogers, Heyward-Bey and Bell, zone. Ryan Shazier almost turned Hargrave’s pres- A wide-open Eli Rogers dropped a touchdown pass and credited the win to the way each was able to sure into a pick-six but he forgot to take the ball that cost the Steelers four points, and bounce back. with him. Roethlisberger overthrew a wide-open Darrius • Perseverance. The good teams use it to win on • Point being, the defensive line, without one of Heyward-Bey in the end zone that cost the Steelers a bad day. The bad teams, the cursed teams, the its best players, was the key to keeping the Lions another four points. Roethlisberger also overthrew Lions, find ways to lose. It’s in their blood. Just like out of the end zone all night. JuJu Smith-Schuster on one third down, and Smith- winning is getting into the blood of these Steelers.

STEELERS DIGEST • 21

Breaking down Bryant issue

By BOB LABRIOLA Editor “Before I get into outlining Detroit and Martavis Bryant has been frustrated in the early part of the 2017 season, but it’s the way he expressed that what’s going on with the elements of that frustration that did not make Coach Mike Tomlin matchup, I did want to take a little time to happy. talk about Martavis Bryant and his situation Digest Photo/KARL ROSER …” And so it began, Mike Tomlin’s news con- ference Oct. 24 at the UPMC Rooney Sports consumption. I don’t believe that’s appropri- Complex, with the Steelers coach going on ate. I believe that’s one of the reasons he and to highlight the weekly sideshow du jour, as I are having this discussion. It’s OK to want he continued with … more playing time and to want to be a cen- “… Just to provide great clarity and tral reason why we’re successful, provided maybe answer any questions you guys might you relay that in an appropriate way. Social have. I really have no desire to sit up here media is not the appropriate way.” with a catcher’s mitt and field questions Throughout this season, Bryant has about Martavis and his social media habits, to worked hard in practice each day, and during be quite honest with you.” games he has been a willing and enthusiastic As everyone is aware, Bryant is the blocker in the running game. But his produc- Steelers’ former No. 4 draft pick who was tion in the passing game hasn’t been up to suspended for a year and missed all of the his expectations, with only two of his 18 2016 season for violating the league’s drug catches going for 25 yards or longer, and policy, and after being reinstated by with his statistics during the last three games Commissioner Roger Goodell he was third on on the decline. the team through seven games in 2017 with While Bryant caught a season-best five 18 catches for 234 yards (13.0 average) and passes against Jacksonville on Oct. 8, his one touchdown. average on those was just 4.2 yards apiece; Because he caught 50 passes for 765 yards the next week in Kansas City, he had two (15.3 average) and six touchdowns during the receptions for 27 yards; and against the 2015 regular season, and then another 14 Bengals he had one catch for 3 yards. On one balls for 183 yards (13.1 average) and one occasion vs. Cincinnati, Bryant was open in touchdown in the two playoff games that followed, preparation and overall readiness in getting ready the end zone only to have Ben Roethlisberger his agent apparently was getting impatient with for this opportunity vs. the Detroit Lions really takes throw incomplete to Antonio Brown; and on a deep Bryant’s role in the offense. Following the Steelers’ precedence. They’re coming off a bye. I’ll visit with route he had inside leverage only to have the ball win in Kansas City, it surfaced that “a source close (Bryant) at some point, and when I do I’ll rain down thrown to the outside. to Bryant” revealed the receiver was unhappy and my judgment and we’ll move forward. He’s a good “It’s irrelevant whether his gripe is legitimate,” seeking to be traded, and then in an Instagram guy to work with in the building and has been. said Tomlin. “The means by which he’s going about post following the win over the Bengals, Bryant We’ve been very clear about this process of getting it is inappropriate. It creates situations like this, reiterated his desire to be traded and had some re-acclimated to us. It’s not an easy one, but he has where I’m wasting time out of my day fielding unflattering things to say about rookie JuJu Smith- worked diligently. I like his approach, but he said questions from you guys. That’s why it’s an issue. I’ll Schuster. some things when he’s not around us that are discuss the particulars regarding his role with him, “We’ve invested a lot in Martavis since we draft- somewhat of a distraction. And I say ‘somewhat’ as it should be. Not with you.” ed him,” said Tomlin. “He’s not available via a because we’re having to field questions about it, In his final comments on Bryant, Tomlin seemed trade. We’ve invested a lot. We’ve covered a lot of not because it’s high on my damn agenda. But to offer a ray of hope. ground. It’s obvious we still have more ground to because I am fielding questions it is somewhat of a “Like I’ve said repeatedly, I acknowledge he’s cover with him because we’re having a conversa- distraction, and so we’ll deal with it as such and going through a process in getting re-acclimated to tion about him that’s not football-related. But we move on.” professional ball,” said Tomlin. “It happens when have (invested a lot). He’s done a lot in the period After the report following the game in Kansas you sit out for an extended period of time. He’s of time he’s been here in terms of improving, not City, Bryant met the media and denied he was been getting progressively better. He had a great only as a player but as a man, but we still have a seeking a trade, said he was happy to be here, etc., week last week of practice, and usually when that ways to go.” etc. On the day after the win over the Bengals, happens it’s only a matter of time before it shows Tomlin then added, “He was out of bounds with Bryant wasn’t at the UPMC Rooney Sports up on the field.” some of his actions in terms of the things he said on Complex because he was sick and had a doctor’s UPDATE: On the Wednesday before the game in social media. It will be dealt with, appropriately so. appointment. Detroit, Bryant said Tomlin told him he would be That ball is in my court. I haven’t visited with him When asked what type of discipline he might inactive against the Lions. Bryant said he was yet. To be quite honest with you, I haven’t visited hand down, Tomlin said, “I’m going to leave that informed he isn’t playing against the Lions because with him yet because I’ve had bigger fish to fry. The between he and I. I don’t believe that’s for public of “social media.”

STEELERS DIGEST • 23 WATT’S UNBREAKABLE BOND WITH MOM

24 • STEELERS DIGEST By TERESA VARLEY • Assistant Editor The Watt family has been tight from the beginning, with parents John and Connie always supporting T.J. and his older brothers, J.J. and Derek (in group photos), in all of the sports they played, including their first love, hockey.

After talking with Connie Watt for even just a When reminded of the story, her son could do never saw a Disney movie but they had every ball few minutes, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. nothing but smile, knowing that is just the way his known to mankind in their hands before they were But even when it comes to the most dedicated mom, and dad John, have always been. 2 years old.” of parents who are always there for their kids, this “They were everywhere,” said T.J. “I think that Before football, though, came hockey. The three definitely tops it all. story sums it up.” loved playing the sport, but it was time-consuming, Connie Watt, the mom of Steelers No. 1 draft ◆◆◆ oftentimes separating the family and taking away pick and starting right outside linebacker T.J. Watt, Being the youngest of three boys, there wasn’t the precious time they enjoyed being a complete as well as Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and much doubt that T.J. would play sports the minute family unit. Chargers fullback Derek Watt, has always believed he could. “We were all over the place,” said T.J. in being there for her children, when they were “The other two were already doing it, and he “Everyone who is affiliated with hockey growing up growing up and now. pretty much always wanted to do whatever they knows how much travel and commitment it takes. That meant hours and hours at sports prac- were doing,” said Connie. “He would go to their There were times we would be in different coun- tices and games, including hockey practice, practices and watch. My husband was a coach, so tries. My mom would be in Canada with J.J., my which just happened to be the Watt brothers’ he would just always be there hanging out. He dad would be in New York with Derek, and I would first love as kids. And it meant being there no would always be wherever they were and doing be at home with my grandparents. It got hard for matter what the circumstance, no matter when whatever they were doing. my family.” practice was. “They all started playing football when they A tough choice had to be made. Yes, they loved “After T.J. was born, on the drive home from the were in fifth grade. That is when you can start in playing hockey, but family always came first in the hospital we headed straight to a hockey rink,” said Pewaukee. That is when you could wears pads and Connie. “J.J. had a practice, so we went straight to helmets. He would be out playing in the yard long the hockey rink to be there for that.” before that of course too. I tell people my kids See WATT, page 27

STEELERS DIGEST • 25

WATT | FROM PAGE 25

Watt household and there was no way something was going to get in the way of that. “We would do everything we could to be there,” said Connie. “That is why they stopped playing hockey, because we were always separated. We decided that we liked being together as a family more. So when J.J. was 13, and T.J. was 8, we stopped hockey. They loved hockey but we could- n’t do it. It was too much time apart.” While the family time was the right decision, it wasn’t an easy one at the time for T.J. “I was so mad because I was finally on the select team, the travel team,” he recalled. “That was the year we decided to walk away. I haven’t laced them up since.” Things worked out OK, though. With hockey out of the picture, football became the focus. “Football was their second love,” said Connie. “They absolutely lived for it. People asked my husband if he played football in college like the boys and he tells them he didn’t love it like the boys. You have to absolutely love it to go to all the practices, and the games and everything.” ◆◆◆ Family. When Connie says it comes first, she truly means it. Her boys mean the world to her, and she would do anything, go anywhere, and sacrifice any personal joy, for their happiness. “My mom is literally superwoman,” said T.J. “No one will ever truly understand what she has done for my two brothers and I. To raise three sons in itself is an accomplishment, but to have three NFL football players is a whole new level. We would not be here without her love and support, and my dad too, always being there for us. We have been through our share of ups and downs, with injuries and all; they have always been there and been the backbone of this family.” Both parents worked, but there was balance. John Watt was a firefighter, and his schedule of working 24-hour shifts allowed for days off, days where he handled the normal household tasks of grocery shopping and preparing meals. But it was always a team effort, with the boys having chores and responsibility. “We had a good team effort trying to get things Above: T.J. loves spending time with family, accomplished,” said Connie. “The kids knew from including his grandmother Chris Walczak (left) and his great-grandmother Sophie Musial the time they were little if we were going to be at (right), who is a young 100 years old. Right: their practices and games supporting them, which The Watts love the holidays, and going out they wanted us to be, they had to all chip in and do and picking pumpkins was a fun family tradi- chores. tion for everyone, which included some jok- “I just always say it takes a family. We are all ing around with T.J., John, Derek and Connie. making the mess, we all clean up. It was fun. We had a chore chart. They would each unload the dishwasher and each do their section. T.J. would be

See WATT, page 28

STEELERS DIGEST • 27 WATT | FROM PAGE 27

sitting on the countertop and J.J. would be passing said I don’t know who we are feeding, but my bill is headed off to college, all three of them playing things to him to put away. They each had to clean reflecting more children than I have. And they said, football at the University of Wisconsin. bathrooms, things like that. It was important for us no your kids are eating double lunch. I was like are “In college we said we were the meals on to instill that the household doesn’t run automati- they actually eating it, and they told me they were. wheels,” said Connie. “We would go up on cally, or that the parents should do all of the work. “Then they would come home from school and Saturday and have a cooler with all of the meals It didn’t take that much time out of your day in have a meal and then about 8 at night my husband prepared and packaged for them. We would have order to help make a huge difference. Then we and I would return to the kitchen and make anoth- fruit that they could just toss in their backpacks, would have quality time together. We would do er full meal. They weren’t ever having frozen pizza and we brought the food up for the most part. family game night. It was important to have that or anything. It was always a big meal at 4 and 8 at “We taught them to cook too. It’s a crucial part bond and family unit.” night.” to their success, making sure you sleep well and eat When it came to preparing meals, the herculean The older the boys got, the more they appreci- well. They really don’t compromise that.” effort was definitely shared by both parents. ated what their parents did, what it took to put ◆◆◆ “It was not easy at all, but we loved it,” said those meals on the table, and how it helped get Injuries. It’s a part of football, but a part nobody Connie. “There would be coupons for steak on them where they are today. ever wants to think about. For fans, it makes them sale. On my way to work I would pass two stores, “I would go to school and ask kids what they cringe to see their favorite player get hurt. Image because you could only use one coupon each time, had for breakfast and they would say cereal,” said what it does when it’s your kids it happens to. and I would get as much as I could find. I would go T.J. “I would say, you didn’t get an omelet like I The Watt family has experienced injuries, more to work, and people would give me their coupons did? Every day they would cook omelets, pan- than they would like. and I would stop on the way home. I would do it all cakes, whatever I wanted. We were fed well to “People asked me years ago, isn’t it hard to over again the next day for about a week. The make sure we grew up big and strong. We would watch your kids play football?” said Connie. “I butcher finally said something to me and I said it eat breakfast, lunch, two or three dinners a night. would say, no, my kids train hard, they eat right, would hopefully last two months, but in reality We went through a couple of gallons of milk a they sleep right, and they take care of themselves. would only last about a month. week at least. I was never worried. “The kids would eat a hot breakfast in the morn- “I didn’t realize how special that was until I grew “And then they got hurt. Even when T.J. and ing. That was always important to me. I had that up. They wanted to see us excel. They knew what it Derek got hurt in college, they had surgery within a growing up and I couldn’t imagine sending them took to get us to where we wanted to be before we week of each other, and my husband and I moved off to school without that. I would make them could even envision it. I think that is what I am so up to Madison for a month and lived with the kids peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to have as a thankful for. They kept us accountable. They knew in a hotel, took them to class, cooked for them snack at 10 a.m. By second grade they were eating what we wanted and how to get us there.” every day, and that bond grew even deeper. double lunches at school. I called the school and Providing meals didn’t stop when the boys “Seeing T.J. get hurt earlier this year, it was hard.

“I tell people my kids never saw a Disney movie but they had every ball known to mankind in their hands before they were 2 years old.”

28 • STEELERS DIGEST College football Saturdays at the University of Wisconsin meant Connie and John being on hand to support both T.J. and Derek, and J.J. when he was there as well.

I know how much they work, and nobody can plan California one week for Derek’s game, watching watching the games on television, went to Denver that. I am glad his injury was short.” T.J. and J.J.’s games on a computer. Then on the on Monday to Derek’s game, then to Pittsburgh She even admitted that when T.J. first started way to the game we had to transfer the game to on Wednesday, then Houston for a meeting, then playing in the NFL, like any mom, she worried. That the phone and computer from a hotspot. We try to back to Pittsburgh. We have gone all over. I could didn’t last long after her “baby boy” had two sacks do what we can. be one of those people when you look up an air- in the season opener in Cleveland. “It’s still hard to believe all three of them are in line and see where they fly and there are lines all “I was thinking in the first game, is he going to the NFL.” over the place, well, that could be us in where we be OK? These guys are huge,” said Connie. “Then The Watts always try to be there for everyone, have gone during a football season.” in the first game he tears it up.” but it can’t always happen. T.J.’s first regular season The Watts absolutely love the holidays and the ◆◆◆ game was the same day that J.J. returned to the tradition that comes with it, and this year that tra- Connie has a different relationship with each of field after missing last season with back surgery. A dition is going to mean football, football and more her sons, and with T.J. being the youngest, there is decision had to be made, and they headed to football. Derek’s Chargers play at Dallas on a bond that has grown stronger and stronger as Houston. Thanksgiving Day, the Steelers play Sunday night at time has passed. “T.J. knew we were really, really torn,” said Heinz Field against the Packers, and the Texans “When the other two left, the bond got even Connie. “He understood. We were at the game have a Monday night game at Baltimore, a game stronger,” said Connie. “You have to balance that against the Giants, the preseason game, which was they will only go to if J.J. travels. and don’t be the overbearing mom where you are his first one. We always want to be there for all of When it comes to Christmas, they will at least the only one home, I am going to be all about you. them, but it’s tough.” get to spend time with T.J. and J.J., as the Steelers You have to give them their space. We tried to And always being there can be exhausting, but play in Houston on Christmas Day. learn that balance of the close relationship. they never complain. “We even debated going to New York on “It was challenging when he was the last one “Last year we flew to Atlanta in the morning for Christmas Eve for Derek’s game, but with the win- home and we would be traveling to J.J.’s game. Derek’s game at 4 p.m. and had to race out because ter weather and holiday travel we figured it would The guilt would be horrible. There were times the game was going into overtime and we had to be too much.” where it tugged at the heartstrings of figuring out catch a flight to go to Houston because there was a ◆◆◆ where you should be, letting the kids know we love game the next day,” said Connie. “That was wild. Our When T.J. first arrived in Pittsburgh his parents them all equally, and trying to balance it.” friends came with us. They were like, you are crazy. came to help him find a house, get settled and just The balance hasn’t gotten any easier. With her We told everyone we were going to race out and feel comfortable in his surroundings so all he had to sons all over the country, decisions have to be made, hope to make it to the airport in time. We had rented do was focus on football. some of those altered now with J.J. on injured a car and then couldn’t find the car in the structure. reserve after suffering a season-ending leg injury. We had to run up a couple of ramps to find the car. “It’s challenging,” she said. “We were in “This year we were in Wisconsin on a Sunday See WATT, page 30

STEELERS DIGEST • 29 WATT | FROM PAGE 29

“We did that with all of the kids,” said Connie. “Our first thing is always get them settled, get them happy. All of that plays a role in how they play on the field. It’s difficult to be transplanted. I have never done that. My husband and I grew up in the area where we live and raised our kids. To be completely transplanted, we wanted to make sure they are settled and happy.” Instead of purchasing a house, T.J. decided on a new build. It’s been a learning process for him, one that he couldn’t get through without the help of family. “I am not doing any of this on my own,” said T.J. “I ask my mom how anyone is doing this on their own, managing money, time, trying to find a house. I don’t know how anybody does this on their own. To have them come out and check on the house whenever they want. They are retired, so they come out whenever. It’s an eight- hour car ride, or a two-hour flight. To have them so close is great. I can go to the house and look at it and my dad knows what is right or wrong; I don’t. They don’t stop and I love having them around.” T.J. calls his mom on a regular basis, rather a daily basis, to check in, share what is happening in life, and just catch up on things. “We talk daily,” said Connie. “Some people say to me, that’s not normal. And that is OK. We are not normal. We are a pretty unique family and I will take that. It’s very special. It can be the littlest thing. He is a goofy kid, he is a funny kid. I want to keep that going. I know it’s hard to be away, “I FaceTime my mom probably once a day. I am hard to be away from your girlfriend and family. In the constantly texting her,” said T.J. “She truly is one of morning I will send him something, maybe a quote my best friends. My mom is a special woman. We ”Our first thing is always for the day, or, ‘Smile, it’s a great day.’ We definitely have only grown closer as I have grown older talk every day. Even the same with my husband. My because I can understand the sacrifices she has get them settled, get them husband will joke, ‘I am going to stop calling you made. She never stops. I am like, ‘Mom please, sit because you didn’t call me back.’ down and relax.’ She will be like, ‘This needs done, happy. All of that plays “My kids write me letters, send me texts. It’s and that needs done.’ I will tell her, let me cook you very special the way he treats me. He always says I a meal. a role in how they play love you, every phone call.” “For her birthday I got her a spa gift certificate. Those talks are something both treasure, and I told her that was the only way I can get you to not on the field.” they are talks that continue to make the bond even do anything and treat yourself. stronger. “She is an incredible woman.”

30 • STEELERS DIGEST STEELERS STUFF By TERESA VARLEY

Bell wins AFC honor Conner’s courage Running back Le’Veon Bell was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in earns him another honor the Steelers’ 19-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs Rookie James Conner was honored by in Week 6. someone he always admired when he Bell carried the ball 32 times for a season-high received the Courage Award at the Jerome 179 yards and a touchdown. He added three recep- Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation “Caring tions for 12 yards, for a total of 191 yards from for Kids” dinner. scrimmage. “It really was an easy decision to select “The offensive line did a great job of controlling him with what he has overcome,” said those guys up front,” said Bell. “We came in with a Bettis. “What he has been able to do and good game plan, we executed that game plan. accomplish in such a short period of time, They got me to the second level, allowed me to the way he has been able to motivate peo- execute on the second level, make some plays on ple and inspire people. He does nothing the second level. Other than that we came in but show courage.” expecting to run the ball and we stuck to that game Conner was a running back at the University of Pittsburgh two years ago, battling an MCL injury that plan and we got the win.” had him sidelined for the season. While going through rehab, he started to notice some abnormalities, This was the fourth time Bell has rushed for over most notably swelling in his face when he was lifting weights. 150 yards in a regular season game. Bell also broke He knew something wasn’t right, but he didn’t know what. He never could have imagined how bad it a tie with Franco Harris for the most regular season was. On Thanksgiving Day in 2015 he would be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. games with at least 150 yards from scrimmage in Conner fought back to return to the field for Pitt’s first game in 2016, and then went on to be drafted team history with 13. This was the third time Bell by the Steelers. has won AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, Despite his courage and the battle he fought, he was humbled to be honored by Bettis. previously winning it Week 14 in 2014 and Week 14 “It’s awesome to get this award from Jerome,” said Conner. “Watching Jerome Bettis growing up, I of 2016. always looked up to him. Now playing for the same team, the same position. “It’s a great honor to be honored by him. It’s prestigious.” Sensabaugh a ‘Point of Light’ Conner’s doctor, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Dr. Stanley Marks, also was honored at the dinner with Coty Sensabaugh and his wife Dominique were the Humanitarian Award. honored for their community service at Points of Light’s 2017 Tribute Awards at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. Points of Light is a nonprofit organization Dominican Republic in partnership with tion, which benefits KidsVoice, the Boys & Girls inspired by former President George H.W. Bush Soles4Souls, and with other family members and Club of Western Pennsylvania, the American and is the world’s leading volunteer service organi- friends, to serve children and adults by giving away Cancer Society, and Blessings in a Backpack. zation. The Tribute Awards honor those who new shoes, with almost 600 pairs distributed to “Cam came from a football family. He under- embody the vision of “a thousand points of light” many who have nothing. They made a similar trip to stood what his dad, Craig Heyward, did as a col- that President Bush addressed. Haiti earlier this year. lege player at Pitt and as a professional football The Sensabaughs created Sensabaugh Mission “We wanted to do a little something different player,” said Steelers assistant head coach John Moon, a nonprofit enterprise committed to fighting and we both are extremely giving and believe in Mitchell. “He has been around football. He knows global poverty, and work with Soles4Souls to give blessing others,” Sensabaugh said shortly before what it takes to be a good football player. He shoes to those in need, as well as Food for the making the trip. “Dom actually did a mission trip knows what hard work is. He isn’t selfish. The thing Hungry. to the Dominican Republic when we were in col- I like about Cam since he has been here, he came “My wife and I do some things in the communi- lege and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She had been with an attitude of whatever it takes I am going to ty, we feel it’s very important,” said Sensabaugh, doing some research and found Soles4Souls. We be a good football player.” who was humbly shy talking about the honor. “We decided to partner with them and they’ve been Heyward made a commitment to make a differ- believe in sowing seeds in others because a lot of great.” ence in the community, and he is doing just that on people sowed seeds in us when we were kids, a regular basis. whether it be family members or people who were Heyward always giving back “You never know how you are going to affect outside of our family. We just believe in paying it Cameron Heyward was joined by current and kids’ lives, but the more opportunities you provide, forward.” former Steelers teammates and coaches at his third the more you get involved in, you can really hit The Sensabaughs showed their commitment to annual Steel & Steaks dinner to benefit the home,” said Heyward. “You never know what giving back immediately after they were married in Heyward House Foundation. someone’s situation is, but if you continue to care 2016. Instead of a honeymoon, they went to the The event is the main fundraiser for the founda- and give back, you can change a life.”

STEELERS DIGEST • 31

STEELERS ROSTER (Listed numerically by position; as of Oct. 29)

FJ6GI:G768@H DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

NO. NAME HT. WT. EXP. COLLEGE NO. NAME HT. WT. EXP. COLLEGE 79 Javon Hargrave 6-2 305 2 South Carolina State 3 Landry Jones 6-4 225 5 Oklahoma 91 Stephon Tuitt 6-6 303 4 Notre Dame 5 Joshua Dobbs 6-3 216 R Tennessee 93 Daniel McCullers 6-7 352 4 Tennessee 7 Ben Roethlisberger 6-5 240 14 Miami (Ohio) 94 Tyson Alualu 6-3 304 8 California 96 L.T. Walton 6-5 305 3 Central Michigan RUNNING BACKS 97 Cameron Heyward 6-5 295 7 Ohio State

26 Le’Veon Bell 6-1 225 5 Michigan State LINEBACKERS 30 James Conner 6-1 233 R Pittsburgh 44 Tyler Matakevich 6-1 235 2 Temple 39 Terrell Watson 6-1 240 1 Azusa Pacific 48 Bud Dupree 6-4 269 3 Kentucky 45 Roosevelt Nix 5-11 248 3 Kent State 50 Ryan Shazier 6-1 230 4 Ohio State 54 L.J. Fort 6-0 232 3 Northern Iowa WIDE RECEIVERS 55 Arthur Moats 6-0 246 8 James Madison

10 Martavis Bryant 6-4 211 3 Clemson 56 Anthony Chickillo 6-3 255 3 Miami (Fla.) 11 Justin Hunter 6-4 203 5 Tennessee 90 T.J. Watt 6-4 252 R Wisconsin 92 James Harrison 6-0 242 15 Kent State 17 Eli Rogers 5-10 187 3 Louisville 98 Vince Williams 6-1 233 5 Florida State 19 JuJu Smith-Schuster 6-1 215 R USC 84 Antonio Brown 5-10 181 8 Central Michigan DEFENSIVE BACKS

88 Darrius Heyward-Bey 6-2 210 9 Maryland 21 Joe Haden 5-11 195 8 Florida 22 William Gay 5-10 187 11 Louisville TIGHT ENDS 23 Mike Mitchell 6-1 221 9 Ohio 24 Coty Sensabaugh 5-11 187 6 Clemson 81 Jesse James 6-7 261 3 Penn State 25 Artie Burns 6-0 197 2 Miami (Fla.) 85 Xavier Grimble 6-4 261 2 USC 27 J.J. Wilcox 6-0 212 5 Georgia Southern 89 Vance McDonald 6-4 267 5 Rice 28 Sean Davis 6-1 202 2 Maryland 29 Brian Allen 6-3 215 R Utah OFFENSIVE LINEMEN 31 Mike Hilton 5-9 184 1 Mississippi

53 Maurkice Pouncey 6-4 304 8 Florida SPECIALISTS 65 Jerald Hawkins 6-6 305 2 LSU 4 P Jordan Berry 6-5 195 3 Eastern Kentucky 66 David DeCastro 6-5 316 6 Stanford 9 K Chris Boswell 6-2 185 3 Rice 57 LS Kameron Canaday 6-4 245 1 Portland State 67 B.J. Finney 6-4 318 2 Kansas State 71 Matt Feiler 6-6 330 1 Bloomsburg (Pa.) INJURED RESERVE 73 Ramon Foster 6-5 328 9 Tennessee LB Keion Adams 6-2 245 R Western Michigan CB Antonio Crawford 5-10 184 R West Virginia 74 Chris Hubbard 6-4 295 4 UAB CB Greg Ducre 5-10 183 3 Washington 77 Marcus Gilbert 6-6 330 7 Florida C Mike Matthews 6-2 300 1 Texas A&M 78 Alejandro Villanueva 6-9 320 3 Army CB Cameron Sutton 5-11 188 R Tennessee

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By TERESA VARLEY Assistant Editor Rock Steelers Style, the team’s annual fashion show, had the staples of “Football, Family & Fun” this year, and definitely checked all of the boxes and then some. Steelers players and their families hit the runway at Stage AE, showing off their own personal style, as well as all the latest fashions, from game day attire to formal wear, and everything in between. The evening began with arrivals on a Steelers- themed version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a style lounge that featured an appearance by Santonio Holmes, who announced his retirement from the NFL recently, as well as all of the latest Steelers fashions. But the reason everyone was there, let’s be honest, was to see the players on the runway. And they didn’t disappoint. It was a combination of New York Fashion Week meets game day, and it worked per- fectly. “It’s a little bit of a change-up,” said Marcus Gilbert, one of the show’s co-captains along with Stephon Tuitt. “It’s out of our comfort zone. The The Steelers’ annual fashion show, which this year had the theme of “Football, Family & Fun,” was co-chaired by Art Rooney and guys are so confident in what they wear and want his wife Greta.Digest Photo/KARL ROSER to show it to the fans. It’s football all of the time, but why not have fun and show that deep down we really are male models and can pull certain clothing looks off?” About the male model thing, yes, Gilbert was joking. But his fashion sense is no joke. “I like dressing up and showing a different side of myself,” said Gilbert. “I think that is why Mr. (Art) Rooney chose me as one of the co-captains. It’s a tremendous honor. To be recognized as one of the guys who has swag on the team means a lot. “Big man swag is in style right now and we are out to prove that. I think we are the most fashion- able guys on the team. You see a lot of our big guys show our swag.” Big man swag might be the trend for the offensive line, but for Tuitt, his fashion sense is just a little bit different. “I don’t have one,” laughed Tuitt. “I do my best. I am one of the co-captains, so I had to represent somewhat. I didn’t want to let people down.

See FASHION, page 36

STEELERS DIGEST • 35 FASHION | FROM PAGE 35

“But when it comes to fashion on this team, I am to, Nike game jerseys, along with an array of fash- were in Kiya Tomlin’s Uptown Sweats line and the dead last. Dead last. If not last, then I am close to ions from the Steelers Pro Shop. kids wore Outerstuff. dead last. But I am good with it.” Pittsburgh area artist Natalie Shugars sang her “I like dressing up and showing a different side of The show, which was chaired by Art and Greta featured song, “I Love Black and Gold,” and was myself,” said Gilbert. “I think fashion speaks of how Rooney and Mike and Kiya Tomlin, might seem like joined on stage by Jerome Bettis and Holmes, people carry themselves in everyday life. I also think it’s just about fashion, but there is a far deeper and it included a tribute to late Steelers it’s fun to give fashion tips to a couple of the guys. I meaning. All proceeds benefited the UPMC Sports Chairman Dan Rooney, a touching way for all to think some of these guys need help. I am here to give Medicine Concussion Program and the Cancer show their love for the man who meant so much my two cents and show what I can bring to the table.” Caring Center, two charities that have a long rela- to the organization. From the looks of things, his “two cents” paid off. tionship with the Steelers. Then for a few minutes you felt like you were at The players all represented on stage and stepped it “That is the most important thing for us,” said Heinz Field and the defense was on the field as up big time in the “This is Our Style” finale, with the Gilbert. “We are so blessed. We want to give back. “Renegade” blasted through the speakers. But rookies styled by Tuxedo Junction, several players As much as we can give back and make an impact let’s just say the routine that came with it was like styled by Surmesur, and others showing off their per- on people’s lives, that is what people remember, us nothing you would see on the field. The Iron City sonal style with designs from their own wardrobes. showing we care about our community, our fans, Aerial, an acrobatic entertainment company based “This is a great family event,” said Tuitt. “All of and want to see everybody do well.” out of Pittsburgh, put on an incredible show, sus- the families are here and we all have a good time. I Two guys who did pretty well were Arthur Moats pended from above the stage, while the Pittsburgh love to see the guys who think they can do it and and Markus Tucker, who did a piano duet that just Ballet Theatre Corps de Ballet stayed more can’t, like me. It’s fun to see the guys come out with stunned the crowd. grounded with their classic performance. their families, everyone all dressed up. It’s a great And then, it was on to the fashions. The “Family & Fun” aspect featured players opportunity to get pictures taken for the year with The “Football” side of things got rolling with the wearing attire from the Steelers Pro Shop and your family, and see all of the families mingle and players and families in a style they are accustomed MODA Pittsburgh, while the wives and girlfriends be together like we are every day.”

36 • STEELERS DIGEST Diegst Photos/TAYLOR OLLASON and KARL ROSER

STEELERS DIGEST • 37 COMING UP

Sunday, Nov. 12 2017 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE PITTSBURGH AT INDIANAPOLIS Sept. 10 at Cleveland W, 21-18 Sept. 17 Minnesota W, 27-9 Time: 1 p.m. Site: Lucas Oil Stadium Sept. 24 at Chicago L, 17-23 (OT) Television: CBS Oct. 1 at Baltimore W, 27-9 Series record: Steelers lead 22-6 (including Oct. 8 Jacksonville L, 9-30 playoffs) Oct. 15 at Kansas City W, 19-13 Last meeting: 2016 at Indianapolis; Steelers 28, Colts 7 Oct. 22 Cincinnati W, 29-14 Series trend: The Steelers have won the last Oct. 29 at Detroit W, 20-15 four meetings, and the average margin of victo- Nov. 5 Bye week ry in the last three games was 24.3 points. Nov. 12 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.* Scouting report: This has been a difficult season for the Colts, to say the least, and the Nov. 16 Tennessee (Thur.) 8:25 p.m. biggest reason obviously is the absence of quar- Nov. 26 Green Bay 8:30 p.m.* terback Andrew Luck. The former first overall Dec. 4 at Cincinnati (Mon.) 8:30 p.m. pick had yet to play a down through Week 7 Dec. 10 Baltimore 8:30 p.m.* after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery and there was no clear timetable for a potential Dec. 17 New England 4:25 p.m.* return this season. Former No. 3 New England Dec. 25 at Houston (Mon.) 4:30 p.m. quarterback Jacoby Brissett was acquired in a Dec. 31 Cleveland 1 p.m.* trade and has been starting ahead of journey- Thursday, Nov. 16 *-Game subject to flex scheduling man Scott Tolzien. Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton led the NFL in receiving yards in 2016, but hasn’t TENNESSEE AT PITTSBURGH had the same degree of success without Luck. Time: 8:30 p.m. SNEAK PEEK The Colts were 2-5 after seven games, with their Site: Heinz Field only victories against the two teams that hadn’t Television: NBC, NFL Network won to that point — the Browns and 49ers. Series record: Steelers lead 45-32 (including Worth noting: This will mark the fourth consec- playoffs) utive season the Steelers face the Colts. Last meeting: 2014 at Tennessee; Steelers 27, Titans 24 Series trend: This has been a close series, with the teams splitting the last 12 meetings. Each of the last three games was decided by seven points of less. Scouting report: The Titans were a chic pick to win the AFC South this season and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2008, but it has been an up-and-down season so far. The good news is that Tennessee found itself in a three-way tie for first in its division through Week 7 and can count on one of the most dynamic running back tandems in the league with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is having his worst statistical year since entering the PACKERS VISIT — The Steelers will play the second NFL as the second overall pick in 2014. The of four consecutive prime-time games Nov. 26 when defense, run by longtime Steelers coordinator they host the Green Bay Packers, minus quarterback Dick LeBeau, is led by lineman Jurrell Casey. Aaron Rodgers. Brett Hundley has taken over for the Worth noting: The Steelers are facing the Titans Rodgers (broken collarbone), but this clearly isn’t the for the first time in three years after a stretch of same team without him. Rookie running back Aaron seven consecutive seasons with a game against Jones had 100-yard games against Dallas in Week 5 Tennessee. and against New Orleans in Week 7.

38 • STEELERS DIGEST