Hey Yinz guys! Over the past few months, you’ve seen GM Omar Khan retool the QB room by adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, hire new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson and engage in trade talks for Brandon Aiyuk. And that was just the offseason. How will all these moving pieces come together? Who knows But one thing is for sure: This is going to be an eventful season full of twists and turns.
At The AthleticsI’ll have you covered all year long. I like to think of a good beat writer as a versatile, three-down runner. I will approach this season looking to provide you with a range of reports, from breaking news that explains the why of the story, to in-depth feature stories that bring you inside the locker room, to film studies that dive into the X’s and O’s. While you may not always agree with my opinions, know that I work every day to bring you unique and engaging stories that keep you informed and entertained.
When you want to go beyond the Steelers, The Athletics will still have you covered. Get The Pulse delivered to your inbox for quick, fun reading about the biggest stories in the NFL and all of sports. Check the app daily — available on iOS and Google — to get personalized news about the teams that matter most to you. And deep into the NFL with Scoop City as insider Dianna Russini and our NFL reporters bring you the inside scoop.
Thanks as always for following along.
Week 1: at Falcons, Sunday, 1 pm ET (Fox)
Here are some stories to get you ready for the season:
Steelers must-reads:
Russell Wilson’s status as Steelers starting QB in question for Week 1
Wilson is listed as questionable on the official injury report after he aggravated his calf Thursday and was limited in practice Friday.
Arthur Smith and the Steelers: a football marriage made in the trenches
By hiring the 42-year-old Smith, the organization hopes to return to its roots and the idealistic vision of itself.
What I see: Najee Harris in a good spot, other observations
The Steelers have overhauled their offense, but one of the holdovers, Harris, could be the key. However, the defense figures to lead the way.
Russell Wilson’s redemption or last ride? A legacy hangs in the balance
Four years ago, Wilson was a unanimous top QB on a Hall of Fame track. Now, he’s fighting for his NFL future with the Steelers.
Injuries add more variables to a young Steelers line full of moving pieces
Injuries have created a mix of possibilities along a young Steelers offensive line to start the season.
Can Van Jefferson be Pittsburgh’s WR2?
With Aiyuk remaining with the 49ers, the Steelers’ best hope behind George Pickens is for Jefferson to recapture his 2022 form.
Acrisure Stadium Guide
(Chris Unger, Ryan Kang, Kevin C. Cox, Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
NFL rankings and insights:
Week 1 Power Rankings
It’s time for a vibration check for every team entering the season.
Quarterback Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1
Aaron Rodgers missed Tier 1 for the first time in the 11th annual survey of 50 NFL coaches and executives. His successor in Green Bay increased.
Like NFL GMs, coaches really feel about the new kickoff rule
More comebacks? Fewer injuries? The NFL thinks so, but, even after seeing it in the preseason, some coaches and GMs still aren’t sold.
NFL agents dish on best (and worst) franchise, Mahomes’ worth and Dak’s upcoming deal
In our sixth annual agent survey, reps offered thoughts on everything from QB contracts to top talent evaluators to ways to improve the NFL.
Intel on all 32 NFL teams, Russ skepticism, Davante Adams trade talk and more
Dozens of NFL executives and coaches are thinking about how the 2024 season will unfold for each team.
Ten bold predictions: Packers win NFC North, but Caleb Williams for MVP?
Plus: Kyler Murray explodes, the 49ers suffer a Super Bowl hangover and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs make history (again).
Hope-O-Meter results: fan rating optimism for all 32 teams
Optimism in the NFL tends to be closely tied to a team’s starting quarterback. So which fanbases are most optimistic in 2024?
Win total projections | Week 1 schedule
(Photo by Russell Wilson: Junfu Han / USA Today)
