Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets X-Factors: Can Russell Wilson surge offense to win?
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will welcome the New York Jets for Sunday Night Football this week, and with a change at quarterback coming down the pipeline on top of that, it seems like the Steelers will have the spotlight on them. The Jets just made a huge trade for Davante Adams, and the hope is that the star wide receiver can spark the offense even more, especially since the Jets now sit at 2-4.
With that being said, here are the two X-Factors for this matchup:
Jets X-Factor: Garrett Wilson
I am picking the other top Jets wide receiver as the X-Factor here, mainly because the Steelers’ focus will almost certainly be on Adams himself. Adams is the superstar and the guy with Rodgers’ trust, and so Joey Porter Jr. will be tested out there. However, Garrett Wilson is a one-on-one cheat code that could create significant issues for the Steelers from the slot. His matchup against Beanie Bishop is one that is terrifying, and he is easily the best second wide receiver Pittsburgh has seen this year.
Wilson and Rodgers’ relationship has not come super naturally just yet, but those are two talented people that make you respect them. In particular, what happened against the Colts with Josh Downs makes this a very concerning matchup for the Steelers. If Wilson goes off, even if they hold Adams down for the most part, Pittsburgh will likely be giving up multiple third down conversions from that slot, just like they did against the Colts.
Steelers X-Factor: Russell Wilson
There is no overthinking this one, and the Steelers have a lot of matchups to watch on both sides of the ball. The biggest one not mentioned here is center Ryan McCollum against Jets star Quinnen Williams. Zach Frazier being out is a huge hit for the Steelers in this game. Yet, Russell Wilson remains the forefront of the argument. Can the deep ball pop against a talented defense with a battered secondary?
The Jets will rightfully sell out to stop Najee Harris, who could get some success against them. New York has missed the most tackles in the NFL against running backs this season, and were just carved up by Ray Davis. Wilson, if he can supplement Harris with quality play-action passing and keep the negative plays, especially sacks, to a minimum, can engineer Pittsburgh to a win in what looks like a very winnable game on paper.
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The Penguins return home for a three-game homestand as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at PPG Paints Arena. Doors opens at 6 PM and the puck drops at 7 PM.
Tonight, the Penguins are proud to partner with UPMC to host Healthcare Heroes Night to honor healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to keep our cities and communities safe. Game presented by UPMC.
It’s also Dollar Dogs Night. Smith’s hot dogs will be just $1 at participating concession stands. Limit 4 hot dogs per person, per transaction. Offer available while supplies last and cannot be combined with other discounts.
This game will be available to watch on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can listen to the game on 105.9 The X and on the Penguins app.
Team Records: PIT (21-14-9), TBL (28-13-3)
Pittsburgh has points in eight of its last 11 games against Tampa Bay (7-3-1). Going back further, the Penguins have points in nine of their last 13 games against the Lightning (8-4-1). Pittsburgh is 3-1-1 in its last five home games against Tampa Bay, and are 7-3-2 in their last 12 home games versus them. The Penguins have wins in four of their last five home games (4-1-0).
Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Steelers release inactive list for Texans playoff game, including two young players
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their inactive list for the Houston Texans, and it has no surprises on it with the team fully healthy.
Running back Kaleb Johnson and wide receiver Roman Wilson remain inactive. The Steelers gave both chances to prove what they could do, but they have been inactive for the last few weeks after the team shortened its rotation.
Meanwhile, offensive lineman Jack Driscoll remains inactive. Driscoll is the ninth offensive linemen on the roster, and the team is fully healthy at that position, meaning that he will not play.
Quarterback Will Howard remains the emergency third quarterback. Since returning from injured reserve earlier this season, Howard has remained in that spot behind Mason Rudolph and Aaron Rodgers.
Cornerback Tre Flowers was elevated off the practice squad but is inactive. The Steelers did the same thing last year when wide receivers Scotty Miller and Jamal Agnew.
Flowers played in one game for the Steelers this year before being released and re-signed to the practice squad.
Lastly, the have made outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon and interior defensive lineman Logan Lee inactive. Moon was signed off the Panthers practice squad once T.J. Watt was injured. Lee had been active over the last few weeks when the Steelers faced run heavy teams.
Pittsburg, PA
Curtain Calls: Pittsburg Community Theatre unites behind powerful musical ‘The Color Purple’
Based upon Alice Walker’s novel, this epic tale with book by Marsha Norman follows Celie, a young woman who despite unbelievable hardship embarks on an intense personal journey over the course of 40 years.
Thanks to composers Brenda Russel, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, the musical enjoys a dynamic score of jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African music.
Tanika Baptiste directs the musical with Jon Gallo as music director and Carla BaNu Dejesus creating the choreography.
For a complete cast listing, go to pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org/color-purple.
“The Color Purple” runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 8 at the California Theatre on 351 Railroad Ave. in Pittsburg, then Feb. 13-22 at the Campbell Theater on 636 Ward St. in Martinez. To purchase tickets, go to tickets831.com (California Theatre) or campbelltheater.com (Campbell Theater).
Berkeley: An improbable love story, not to mention music that pulls you in and won’t let you, go highlights February at Berkeley Playhouse.
Whether you’ve seen the movie (which won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original song) or the Tony Award-winning musical, you know how mesmerizing and just plain fun “Once” can be. As the musical captivates your heart, you are reminded how powerful music can be and how complicated relationships often are.
Set in Dublin, an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant, who is an accomplished pianist, meet and find a connection through their love of music. Over the course of one week, both sparks and chords fly.
As their friendship evolves into a complicated love story, their chemistry leads them to a new level of songwriting. The gorgeous melodies played throughout add another level to their relationship and a love that only happens once.
“I’ve always loved ‘Once’ because it digs into something I think about a lot: what music really is and how it connects us as human beings,” said Director Josh Marx. “I loved the movie ‘Once’ when I first saw it — and then the Broadway production pulled me in even deeper, especially the way it evoked a sense of community; similar to drinking a pint of Guinness in an Irish pub while patrons play music together. For Berkeley Playhouse’s production, we’re looking to put something truly special together; each actor plays their own instrument (sometimes more than one!), and we want to create an unforgettable experience that capitalizes on the amazing talent that we’re bringing into the room.”
Jake Gale (Guy) and Gillian Eichenberger (Girl) play the lovestruck couple calling upon their instrumental skills as well as acting talents. Other cast members include Michael Barrett Austin (Billy) and Dyan McBride (Baruska).
“Once” runs Feb. 20 through March 8 at the historic Julia Morgan Theater on 2640 College Ave. in Berkeley. For tickets, call 510-845-8542×351 or go to tickets.berkeleyplayhouse.org.
Orinda: Vacant for the past year without the hustle and bustle of various performing arts events, the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater in Orinda finally has a new tenant. East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) announced a 15-year lease of the nine-acre property at 100 Gateway Blvd. to the nonprofit Siesta Valley Foundation (SVF)
SVF hopes to preserve the EBMUD watershed and revitalize its impressive amphitheater. According to the foundation’s website, they will program projects that “reduce fire risk, restore habitat and protect water quality” while also offering live music, theater, film and dance events. The agreement lists approximately 40-50 events, which in addition to the performing arts would include an EBMUD native plant and bird garden and Watershed Community Center for public education and environmental literacy.
“EBMUD looks forward to seeing this agreement preserve the watershed, revive a regional arts landmark and generate sustained community and financial value,” said EBMUD Board President Marguerite Young. “This unique site will once again be a vibrant East Bay destination.”
I, for one, hope Young is right. I’d love to be back in that beautiful valley enjoying a live performance.
The foundation’s operating partner Siesta Valley Bowl plans to run the facility as a mixed-use performing arts center with a tentative date of April for its first events. Ultimately, the group hopes to build an indoor facility that will allow programming year-round.
For more information, go to siestavalley.org.
Martinez: Onstage Theatre is auditioning for the outrageously fun “The Rocky Horror Show” Feb. 27 and 28 at The Campbell Theater on 636 Ward St.
Dianna Schepers directs with Shelly McDowell as choreographer and Adam Green as musical director. Rehearsals begin in late August with performances Oct. 30 through Nov. 22.
For more information, go to campbelltheater.com/auditions.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.
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