Category: NFL

Steelers part ways with Randy Fichtner, 2 assistants

Steelers part ways with Randy Fichtner, 2 assistants
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking up their coaching staff. The team announced offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and assistants Shaun Sarrett and Tom Bradley will not be back following a first-round playoff loss to Cleveland. Fichtner spent 14 seasons with the Steelers and was promoted to offensive coordinator three years ago. Yet Pittsburgh’s offense struggled down the stretch this season following an 11-0 start. The decision to not retain Fichtner could impact whether quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returns in 2021. Roethlisberger and Fichtner have a close relationship dating back to Fichtner’s stint as quarterbacks coach from 2010-18.

Browns get back 3, not top corner Denzel Ward for Steelers

Browns get back 3, not top corner Denzel Ward for Steelers
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns finally caught a needed break when safety Ronnie Harrison, tight end Harrison Bryant and linebacker Malcolm Smith were activated from the COVID-19 list to play in Sunday night’s wild-card game at Pittsburgh. However, the team will not have top cornerback Denzel Ward, who tested positive with the virus last week and isn’t ready to play. The Browns are short-handed for their first playoff game since the 2002 season. Coach Kevin Stefanski and Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio both tested positive this week and can not take part in the game. The Browns have lost 17 straight games at Heinz Field.

Steelers QB Rudolph shows poise in return to Cleveland

Steelers QB Rudolph shows poise in return to Cleveland
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph’s return to Cleveland was a success everywhere but the scoreboard. Rudolph threw for a career-high 313 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 24-22 loss to the Browns while filling in for starter Ben Roethlisberger. Rudolph also exchanged pleasantries with Cleveland’s Myles Garrett afterward. The two shook hands in an attempt to put their ugly 2019 brawl behind them. Coach Mike Tomlin called Rudolph’s performance “gritty.” Rudolph will return to his backup role next week when the Steelers host Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs next Sunday night.

Steelers select T.J. Watt as team MVP for second time

Steelers select T.J. Watt as team MVP for second time
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected outside linebacker T.J. Watt as the team’s Most Valuable Player for a second straight year. Watt is the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons since outside linebacker James Harrison in 2007 and 2008. Watt’s 15 sacks lead the NFL and are one short of the franchise record set by Harrison. Watt’s play has also thrust him into the NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Watt says he’s more proud of being the team MVP because it is voted on by people who see him go to work every day.

Browns trying to shake COVID-19 issues as Steelers await

Browns trying to shake COVID-19 issues as Steelers await
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns’ COVID-19 issues aren’t easing. Cleveland closed its facility and delayed practice for the second straight day after two more players tested positive with the virus. The team’s latest COVID-19 situation has further impacted the Browns’ ability to prepare for Sunday’s big game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win will put the Browns in the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The Steelers are resting several starters, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He’s 23-2-1 in his career against Cleveland. An NFL spokesman said the status for the game has not changed while standard contact tracing continues.

Steelers WR Claypool taking breakout rookie season in stride

Steelers WR Claypool taking breakout rookie season in stride
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool says he’s ready for the playoffs. Claypool’s rookie season began with a torrid start. He scored 10 touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s first 10 games, but hasn’t reached the end zone for five straight weeks. Claypool says his dip in production is a sign of respect because defenses are playing him differently than they were earlier in the season. Claypool and the rest of the AFC North champions finish up the regular season against rival Cleveland.

Steelers to sit Roethlisberger for finale against Browns

Steelers to sit Roethlisberger for finale against Browns
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will sit out the team’s regular-season finale against Cleveland so he can rest for the playoffs. Coach Mike Tomlin says Mason Rudolph will start for the AFC North champions when they face the Browns. There is little at stake for Pittsburgh. The Steelers can finish no worse than third in the AFC. Cleveland, however, will end an 18-year postseason drought with a win. Rudolph started for the Steelers in their visit to Cleveland last year. Cleveland’s win was marred by an ugly fight near the end between Rudolph and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.

Washington releases 2019 1st-round pick Dwayne Haskins

Washington releases 2019 1st-round pick Dwayne Haskins
By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer
Washington has released 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins the day after he committed three turnovers in a loss to Carolina. Haskins started in place of injured quarterback Alex Smith despite being disciplined for violating COVID-19 protocols by partying with several people without a mask. Haskins was 14 of 28 with two interceptions and a fumble against the Panthers before being benched for Taylor Heinicke. Haskins was 1-5 as the starter this season. Coach Ron Rivera earlier Monday said either Smith or Heinicke would start the regular-season finale at Philadelphia with the NFC East title on the line. Washington’s previous regime drafted Haskins 15th overall last year.

Steelers rally past Colts to end skid, lock up AFC North

Steelers rally past Colts to end skid, lock up AFC North
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are AFC North champions. Finally. Ben Roethlisberger overcame a month-long malaise to throw for 342 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the Steelers locked up the division title with a stunningly improbable 28-24 victory. Listless and lifeless for weeks thanks to a three-game losing streak that followed an 11-0 start, Pittsburgh (12-3) somehow got it together over the final 25 minutes against the Colts (10-5). Indianapolis missed a chance to inch closer to a playoff berth when it let a 17-point third-quarter lead slip away.

Colts, Steelers meet while heading in opposite directions

Colts, Steelers meet while heading in opposite directions
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts are surging. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reeling. Still, both teams will have plenty at stake when they meet at Heinz Field. The Colts have won five of six games to move into the lead in the AFC South. The Steelers have lost three in a row since their 11-0 start. Indianapolis can clinch a playoff berth with a win and losses by either Baltimore or Miami. Pittsburgh can lock up the AFC North with a victory but will need its offense to get going. The Steelers are averaging just 16 points a game during their current skid.