As the Steelers’ players returned to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex yesterday to prepare for their game against the Bengals on Sunday night, the front office kept working the phones on NFL trade deadline day, but in the end, general manager Omar Khan chose not to swing a deal, despite reports that he was looking for a wide receiver. Two possibilities that NFL reporters cited were the Colts’ Josh Downs, but he was traded to the Chiefs, and the Jaguars chose to keep Brian Thomas Jr. rather than trade him.
The Jags did make a couple of deals, acquiring Eagles’ star defensive lineman Jordan Davis, Saints’ d-lineman Davon Godchaux, and Falcons All-Pro safety Jessie Bates. The 49ers traded for Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen.
With the team no longer thinking about possible trades, the focus is entirely on the Bengals, whom the Steelers beat, 30-27 on September 27th. The Steelers and Bengals are both 6-2 and at the top of the AFC North.
Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio says neither the Bengals or the Steelers are the same teams they were in their first meeting.
Angelichio says that while the Bengals are a great offensive team, the Steelers’ offense can do things with the football, and that will help the defense, too.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham says the Bengals are loaded with offensive weapons.
Graham says the Bengal’s Joe Burrow is a beast at quarterback.
One thing that may work in the Steelers’ favor on Sunday…they’re coming off their bye week, so they’re well rested. Cincinnati played on Sunday in Spain, so fatigue may be an issue.
The first practice of the week is today.
