Pittsburgh Review

Dave Kitlak from Uhrichsville, OH, inquired about Miles Killebrew's role on the Steelers. Killebrew has played 56 snaps on special teams and none on defense through three games in 2024. Over the past three seasons, he logged defensive snaps: 44 in 2021, 13 in 2022, and 111 in 2023.

Mark Ledvina from Marion, IA asked about onside kicks during the middle of a game. According to NFL.com: "Gone are the days of surprise onside kicks. Teams are now only permitted to onside kick in the fourth quarter when trailing and must be declared to the officials prior to attempting them."

Gayle Dye from Houston, TX wanted clarification on a delay-of-game penalty against the Steelers' defense. Keeanu Benton mimicked the Chargers' snap count, resulting in a penalty for delay of game.

Vince Scotti from Columbia, SC commented on a comparison between Justin Fields and Steelers quarterbacks. The comparison was drawn with Mike Kruczek as neither had played before filling in due to injury. Ben Roethlisberger's winning streak was noted but his first action came after relieving Tommy Maddox.

Scott Baete from Sioux Falls, SD addressed why Najee Harris wasn't allowed to score at the end of a game. He emphasized that attempting to score could lead to unnecessary injuries and would be disrespectful.

Gio Calabro from Egg Harbor Township, NJ sought an opinion on the best defensive backs in Steelers history between Mel Blount and Rod Woodson. Blount played his entire career with the Steelers with better statistics due to longevity; Woodson also had an impressive career but played for multiple teams.

Timothy Eshelman from Lewisburg, PA noticed changes in how inter-conference games are televised. The NFL's latest contract allows network flexibility, leading to non-traditional broadcasts such as Cincinnati vs Carolina on FOX and Minnesota vs Green Bay on CBS.

Stefan Pisocki from Wilmington, DE observed DeMarvin Leal playing outside linebacker during a game. Leal previously played this position when T.J. Watt was injured and has been training for it since then.

Erez Bab from Sea of Galilee, Israel asked about RPO vs play-action and passer rating vs QBR. RPO allows for run or pass based on defense alignment while play-action is strictly passing after faking a run. Passer rating is publicly calculable whereas QBR's formula is proprietary to ESPN.

Patrick Charles from Willmar, MN questioned why there wasn't more discussion about the Steelers' defense holding an opponent to minus-5 yards for an entire half. Statistics showed that Pittsburgh limited the Chargers significantly in their recent game with notable comparisons provided by Michael Bertsch of the team's PR department.