Steelers Daily Rundown: Underdog Mentality, Media Moves, and Major Questions Ahead of Ravens Clash
As the Steelers prepare for a pivotal Week 14 showdown against the division-leading Ravens, the odds-and the analysts-aren’t exactly in their corner. According to NFL.com’s latest preview, nine out of ten experts are backing Baltimore to take the win. And the sportsbooks agree: Pittsburgh enters the game as a 5.5-point underdog, with a +215 money line and a projected total of 43.5 points, per DraftKings.
That’s not exactly a vote of confidence, but if there’s one thing this franchise has built its identity around, it’s thriving when counted out. The question is: can they do it again?
Russell Wilson Dials Into the Broadcast Booth
While the Giants enjoy their Week 14 bye, former Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is stepping into a new role-this time behind the desk. Wilson will appear as a guest analyst on CBS Sports’ The NFL Today this Sunday.
It’s a notable shift for the 37-year-old, who was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career earlier this week. With a résumé that includes 10 Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl ring, and a Walter Payton Man of the Year award, Wilson certainly has the credibility. Whether this is a one-off appearance or the beginning of a post-playing career in media, it’ll be worth watching.
Simms: Rodgers Taking Over the Playbook?
Chris Simms isn’t mincing words when it comes to Aaron Rodgers’ influence on Arthur Smith’s offense. Speaking on This is Football with Kevin Clark, Simms suggested that Rodgers has essentially “hijacked” the offensive scheme.
“The offense has been hijacked by Aaron Rodgers to a degree,” Simms said. “He hijacks a lot of plays, so it’s really hard to figure out what Arthur Smith calls or doesn’t call.”
That’s a bold claim, but it speaks to the broader challenge of blending a strong-willed, veteran quarterback with a new offensive coordinator. If the play-calling hierarchy is unclear, it’s no wonder there’s inconsistency on the field.
Orlovsky on Lamar: “Lack of Execution”
Over in Baltimore, Dan Orlovsky is raising concerns about Lamar Jackson’s performance heading into the Steelers game. The ESPN analyst noted that Jackson’s play this season has been tough to evaluate, citing a “lack of execution and high-level ability.”
It’s a surprising critique considering the Ravens’ position atop the AFC North, but Orlovsky’s point may be less about stats and more about consistency. When Jackson is locked in, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league. But when the execution falters, so does Baltimore’s offensive rhythm.
J.J. Watt: “Steelers Gotta Figure It Out”
J.J. Watt kept it simple but sharp during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, saying, “The Steelers gotta find a way to figure it out… Pittsburgh just seems like the same situation year after year.”
That sentiment hits home for fans who’ve seen this team ride the rollercoaster of midseason slumps and offensive stagnation. The defense continues to do its part, but the offense has to start pulling its weight-especially with playoff implications on the line.
Sherman Rips Pickens’ Effort
George Pickens is under fire after a lackluster showing in the Cowboys' 44-30 loss to the Lions. Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman didn’t hold back during Amazon’s postgame coverage, calling out Pickens for what he saw as a disengaged performance.
“Throughout the game, especially late in the game, [Pickens] just looked uninterested in playing football,” Sherman said. “If you’re going to be a superstar… you can never be disengaged.”
Sherman pointed to a late-game slant route where Pickens appeared to cruise through the motion, failing to attack the ball or show urgency-despite being the top target with CeeDee Lamb sidelined. It’s a tough look for a player with elite talent but growing questions about consistency and effort.
Around the Steel City: Headlines You Shouldn’t Miss
- Quarterback Watch: There's growing chatter about whether the Steelers should give Will Howard a look under center. With the offense sputtering, it’s a question worth asking.
- Rodgers’ Role: Will Aaron Rodgers take more snaps under center against the Ravens?
That wrinkle could change how Arthur Smith’s offense functions-if he's calling the shots at all.
- Injury Bug Bites Again: Pittsburgh’s secondary took another hit this week with two new injuries. Depth will be tested against a Ravens team that can stretch the field.
- Field Conditions at Acrisure: A new NFL-NFLPA rule could impact how the grass is managed at Acrisure Stadium. That’s more than a landscaping note-it could affect footing and player safety.
- New Faces, New Places: Adam Thielen is settling into his new surroundings in Pittsburgh. His veteran presence could be key as the offense searches for stability.
- Lamar’s Status Uncertain: Jackson missed practice due to injury, and his status for Sunday remains up in the air. That storyline could swing the entire matchup.
- Highsmith Honored: Edge rusher Alex Highsmith has been named the Steelers’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. A well-deserved nod for a player making an impact on and off the field.
- Slay Sidelined: Bills CB Darius Slay won’t suit up this week and is reportedly considering retirement. That’s a blow for Buffalo’s secondary as they make their playoff push.
- Mock Draft Buzz: A new mock draft has the Steelers targeting a promising quarterback prospect. It’s early, but the front office appears to be exploring all options.
With the Ravens looming and the AFC North picture tightening, the Steelers are staring down another defining moment in their season. Underdogs or not, this team has the talent-and the urgency-to flip the narrative. But it starts with execution, effort, and maybe a little bit of soul-searching.