The latest edition of “Asked and Answered” addressed a range of questions from Pittsburgh Steelers fans, focusing on team history, player statistics, NFL rules, and current season developments.
One question concerned whether the Steelers have ever worn white jerseys at home. The response explained that in the earlier days of the NFL, there were no strict rules about jersey colors. The Steelers sometimes wore white at home, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s when it was common for teams to do so. A specific example cited was Chuck Noll’s first game as head coach against Detroit on September 21, 1969, where the Steelers wore white jerseys and won their only game of a 1-13 season. Since the merger with the AFL in 1970 and the move to Three Rivers Stadium, the team has worn black jerseys at home.
Another fan asked if quarterbacks or receivers receive statistical credit for yardage gained on defensive pass interference penalties. The answer clarified: “No. That yardage is considered penalty yardage and is not credited to any individual players, as far as NFL official statistics are concerned.”
A question about why some late-season NFL games start as “TBD” was also addressed. It was explained that this scheduling allows for meaningful games in later time slots by preventing early results from making subsequent games irrelevant.
Joey Porter Jr.’s absence from the Pro Bowl Games prompted a discussion about his performance. Matt Williamson’s statistic was quoted: “Joey Porter Jr. has played 1,444 consecutive coverage snaps without allowing a touchdown, the longest active streak among cornerbacks and more than twice as long as the next closest streak. His last touchdown allowed was in Week 8 of 2023. Porter has made a play on the ball on 21.5 percent of his targets this season, the 5th-highest rate among cornerbacks with at least 50 targets, helping him to allow a 53.8 percent completion percentage (15th-lowest).”
Regarding roster moves during this season—particularly at cornerback, wide receiver, and safety—the explanation given pointed to injuries as a major factor leading to frequent acquisitions rather than changes in draft strategy.
On player equipment rules, it was noted there is no requirement for players to wear mouthpieces during games: “There is no rule requiring players to have a mouthpiece, or to wear it during play.”
The process for determining AFC North Division champions in case of identical records between teams like the Steelers and Ravens depends on division record tiebreakers.
Questions about free agency revealed that Pittsburgh did not pursue Derrick Henry due to having Najee Harris already established after being drafted in 2021.
The discussion also touched upon whether fourth-down stops should count statistically as turnovers; while such plays are automatically reviewed like turnovers under replay rules, they are not included in official takeaway/giveaway stats.
A final inquiry discussed defensive strategies regarding attempts to force fumbles versus making tackles outright. The response emphasized that creating takeaways is now central to NFL defense due to rule changes favoring offenses.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ rich history includes honoring key figures through their Hall of Honor program official website, celebrating six Super Bowl championships official website, engaging with fans through museum exhibits official website, and maintaining longstanding ties with both their city and league since their founding by Arthur J. Rooney Sr. in 1933 official website.
