The Steelers are getting stronger and ready for the rest of the football season. Zach Frazier and Nick Herbig are back, just in time to help the team. New players Mike Williams and Preston Smith are also fitting in well with everyone else.
Zach Frazier’s recovery is a big deal for the Steelers.
Frazier is a key player for the Steelers, especially after being out since Week 6. Back then, he was working with quarterback Justin Fields, but now he’ll be snapping to Russell Wilson. His performance before his injury was impressive, ranking high among centers in the league. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith even said that Frazier doesn’t seem like a rookie anymore. That’s a big compliment!
There were rumors about the Steelers wanting Tyler Boyd from the Titans, but it didn’t happen. Boyd grew up near Pittsburgh and had an amazing high school career there. He signed with the Titans instead. Mark Kaboly shared on The Joe Starkey Show that some Steelers players didn’t want Boyd because of past issues during his time with the Bengals.
Kaboly mentioned that it wasn’t Coach Tomlin who objected to Boyd joining the team, but rather a player with influence. This shows how personal dynamics can affect team decisions. Despite this, the Steelers have successfully integrated other players like Patrick Queen, indicating that Boyd’s situation was unique.
At mid-season, ESPN recognized several Steelers for their outstanding performances. Coach Mike Tomlin is leading as a candidate for Coach of the Year, thanks to the team’s strong defensive stats. Beanie Bishop Jr. also got a nod as a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year, which is surprising given his earlier struggles.
Barnwell’s pick for Defensive Player of the Year isn’t TJ Watt, despite his impressive contributions to the Steelers’ defense. Instead, Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson got the nod, sparking some debate among fans. Watt still has strong stats, including forced fumbles and tackles for loss, making him a formidable player.
Watt’s fans might not agree with Barnwell, but it’s clear he’s a significant force on the field.