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Key takeaways from Steelers-Broncos: Pittsburgh wins with defense (again) as Bo Nix’s mistakes continue

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Key takeaways from Steelers-Broncos: Pittsburgh wins with defense (again) as Bo Nix’s mistakes continue


Mike Tomlin matched Bill Belichick with his 25th win against a rookie quarterback as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos 13-6 on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.

Pittsburgh’s defense stymied Denver rookie Bo Nix, sacking him twice and intercepting him twice, including on the game’s final play.

Pittsburgh’s offense, with Justin Fields starting in place of Russell Wilson for the second consecutive week, only scored one touchdown, a 5-yard reception from tight end Darnell Washington. But it was enough to get the job done as Pittsburgh improved to 2-0.

The Broncos fell to 0-2 for the second year in a row under Sean Payton.

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Fields shows growth, but offense stalls in second half

What was billed as Wilson’s return to Denver instead turned into another chance for Fields to make his case to remain the starter. Fields managed the game well in the first half, completing 10 of 12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also added 26 yards on the ground. It was one of the better quarterback performances the Steelers have seen in the last several seasons, clearing the low bar set by Kenny Pickett and others.

However, in the second half, the offense struggled to stay in rhythm. The Steelers possessed the ball seven times in the second half. The longest of the seven lasted just five plays. Three times in the second half, the Steelers went three-and-out. The Steelers gained just 62 yards of offense after halftime and picked up just three first downs.

While Fields has continuously shown his dynamic running ability and has continued to improve as a passer, the Steelers still have scored just one touchdown in two games. Whether it’s with Fields or Wilson, Pittsburgh needs to continue to improve offensively. — Mike DeFabo, Steelers beat writer

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Can Pittsburgh cut down on penalties?

Tomlin called penalties “low-hanging fruit” for criticism following Week 1, when the Steelers committed nine penalties for 60 yards. The issues rolled over into Week 2.

On several instances, the Steelers negated big plays because of miscues. In the first half, Fields made a spectacular throw on the run to hit George Pickens along the sideline. However, that play was called back because of a Broderick Jones holding penalty, one of three flags the offensive tackle drew during his lone series on the field. Also in the first half, an offensive pass interference penalty on Van Jefferson wiped out what would have been a touchdown to Pickens. The Steelers finished the day with 10 penalties for 78 yards. — DeFabo

Steelers’ defense is 2-for-2

After holding Atlanta to a single touchdown in Week 1, the Steelers defense turned in another stellar performance in Week 2. The Broncos went three-and-out on three of their first five series. That set the tone, as the Steelers held the Broncos out of the end zone for the entirety of the game.

Even one of Denver’s most productive drives of the day ended with a Steelers highlight when second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. intercepted Nix in the end zone. — DeFabo

How concerning are Nix’s mistakes?

When the Broncos named Nix the team’s starting quarterback in August, they cited his poise and decision-making as two of the major factors in deciding to push the rookie into the QB1 role at the start of his career.

A quarterback’s development is a long-term process, but it’s the nature of Nix’s struggles through the first two games of his career that are concerning. His interception in the back of the end zone in the third quarter was his third of the year, and they’ve all been agonizingly similar. Nix forced the throw off his back foot to his top target, Courtland Sutton, and a defensive back lurking underneath, this time Trice, made the easy pick. It was a mistake that erased Denver’s best chance to get back into the game.

Nix is not solely to blame for Denver’s anemic offensive performance, which includes a 1-of-6 start in the red zone through two games. The protection of a high-priced offensive line has been inadequate. Starting running back Javonte Williams has been unable to reach the second level of the defense consistently. Tight end Greg Dulcich dropped two passes. Payton has been unable or unwilling to establish a consistent rhythm in the running game.

But Nix is making the kind of mistakes — even beyond the interceptions, his accuracy has been subpar — the Broncos were hopeful he’d be able to avoid early in the season. And with two straight road games against defensive head coaches (Buccaneers, Jets) ahead, the road doesn’t get easier. — Nick Kosmider, Broncos beat writer

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Rough outing for Pat Surtain II

Cornerback Pat Surtain II was beat early in Sunday’s game by speedy wide receiver George Pickens, and things never got much better from there for the Broncos star. Surtain was called for three penalties, including a pass-interference call on a deep ball for Pickens that cost Denver 37 yards on a drive that ultimately resulted in a Pittsburgh field goal.

Surtain was also beat deep by Pickens on what would have been a 51-yard gain, but Pittsburgh was called for a holding penalty.

Surtain before the season signed a four-year, $96 million contract that came with $77.5 million in guarantees, a record for a cornerback. One rocky outing doesn’t diminish his standing as one of the best defensive backs in football, but it was indicative of the wholesale struggles Denver had during a home opener to forget. Even on a day when the defense played well — defensive end Zach Allen was particularly impressive — mistakes spoiled progress. — Kosmider

Required reading

(Photo: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)





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Pittsburg, PA

Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

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Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL


Spring football may not carry the same weight as the NFL, but it still offers an opportunity for everyone involved. Fans can satisfy the urge to watch the game they love, while players in the United Football League work to earn another shot at the NFL. No one should expect top-tier play from these teams, but the UFL can still deliver compelling storylines.

Several recognizable names will take the field this spring, including personnel with ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One reason or another, things didn’t work out between the Steelers and these members of the UFL, and that’s why they are attempting a comeback. Pittsburgh either cut them or let them go, and few have heard much from these former members of the Steelers since. The United Football League will see them be thrust back into the spotlight in hopes of landing a shot in an NFL training camp.

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Fans will witness several Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers making a comeback in the UFL

Benny Snell Jr., RB, Louisville Kings

The name Benny Snell Jr. has disappeared from football conversations in Pittsburgh since he left the team in 2022. A fourth‑round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Snell never fully found his footing with the Steelers. He was known as a tough, physical runner who could contribute on special teams, but his role in the NFL rarely extended beyond that.

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Snell struggled to make a lasting impact in Pittsburgh, and the UFL now offers him a chance to rebuild his reputation and revive his professional prospects.

Todd Haley, OC, Columbus Aviators

It has been nearly a decade since Todd Haley left the Steelers after his stint as offensive coordinator. His last NFL role came in 2018 with the Browns, and since then, his coaching career has taken a winding path that has included high school football and spring league opportunities. Haley’s role with the Aviators could provide him with a chance to re-enter the NFL coaching conversation.

Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Birmingham Stallions

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Many had high expectations for Anthony McFarland Jr. when the Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His speed stood out immediately, but he struggled to develop into a complete running back. McFarland now enters his second season in the UFL after a solid stretch of production in 2025. He will need to take the next step and show more consistency this spring.

Tre Norwood, S, Birmingham Stallions

Another United Football League veteran with ties to Pittsburgh is Tre Norwood.

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A seventh-round pick by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Norwood used his positional flexibility to carve out a role early in his career. He now enters his second season with the Stallions after posting modest production last year. If the versatile defensive back hopes to earn another opportunity in the NFL, he will need to make a stronger impact in 2026, particularly by creating turnovers.

Roc Taylor, WR, Columbus Aviators

Fans were hopeful for Roc Taylor after he signed with the Steelers last year as an undrafted free agent. The wide receiver group on the roster lacked depth at the time, but Taylor was unable to make it through training camp. Despite that setback, his talent remains evident, and the UFL may represent his best path forward. Taylor has a valuable opportunity in front of him to take advantage of.



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Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

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Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.


MMA Fighting has PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle fight card and more from UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh on Saturday night.

In the main event, former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen tries to earn another title shot with a win over Bryan Battle, who makes his PFL debut. Eblen (16-1) suffered his first career loss against Costello van Steenis in a PFL title bout in his most recent outing.

Dalton Rosta and Impa Kasanganay clash in a middleweight contest in the co-main event.

Check out PFL Pittsburgh results below.

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Main Card (ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET)

Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle

Dalton Rosta vs. Impa Kasanganay

Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Sumiko Inaba

Alexei Pergande vs. Julio Arce

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Lazaro Dayron vs. Jacob Thrall

Prelims (ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)

Allan Begosso vs. Jack Cartwright

Natan Schulte vs. Jakub Kaszuba

Robert Watley vs. Dakota Bush

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Ernesto Rodriguez vs. Masayuki Kikuiri

Tatiana Postarnakova vs. Elora Dana

Josh Fremd vs. Jarrah Al Salawi

Ethan Goss vs. Fred Dupras



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Pittsburgh has rainiest March in nearly 60 years as flooding causes issues across area

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Pittsburgh has rainiest March in nearly 60 years as flooding causes issues across area


Several areas across western Pennsylvania were hit by flooding as overnight rainfall pushed Pittsburgh past a nearly 60-year-old record.

Pittsburgh has recorded 6.18 inches of rain in March, breaking the record of 6.10 inches, which was set in 1967. The rain caused issues in several communities on Friday, including some in Washington and Westmoreland counties. 

Major road flooded in Washington County 

Communities across Washington County spent Friday cleaning up after flooding from Thursday night’s storms. 

Roads were closed, and ballfields were wrecked because of the rain. Ponds that aren’t supposed to be there could be found all over the county.

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“As long as it rains and the creek is flooded, then the road is flooded,” Ruth Mahoney, the owner of The Glass Place in Cecil Township, said.

Georgetown Road in Cecil Township turned into a lake at the bottom of a hill and underpass. Dispatchers said the driver of a car stuck in the water didn’t have to be rescued or taken to the hospital. The flooding ties up the area as the road connects Interstate 79 to Route 19.

“It’s a main artery,” Mahoney said. “Tons of cars come down here every day.”

North Strabane Township saw more of the same. The Lindenwood Golf Club had some new water hazards on the course on Friday. As the water receded into the Linden Creek, a mess was left behind. 

It was the same story in Houston.

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“When I looked out the window, I was like, ‘woah.’ It’s just rising fast,” said Rogelio Esteris. “My daughter was here playing baseball yesterday because she’s on the softball team and now the field is ruined.”

South Strabane Township had a landslide on Locust Road as well. Mother Nature didn’t take it easy on Washington County. Mahoney said it’s affecting her business. 

“When people call, they want to know how to get here,” she said. “You have to tell them, you can’t come because it’s closed today or there’s a backroad, but they don’t understand how to come on the backroad.”

Mahoney said the water should take about a day to recede. Officers told KDKA the car would have to wait to be towed until the water goes down.

Loyalhanna Creek rises, flooding yards 

As dawn broke on Friday morning and the rain from the previous night began to cease, some residents of Westmoreland County who live close to the Loyalhanna Creek saw flooding around their homes and along their local roads. 

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Paul Faust, who lives in the Darlington area of Ligonier Township, has a small tributary to the Loyalhanna Creek in his backyard, but on Friday, that run was acting less like a stream and more like a moat.

“I was up probably about 5 a.m., and it was high,” Faust said. “But it wasn’t over the bank like this and then the next following two hours it started going up. But that is always how it is after it rains.”

Faust says that he and his wife have a system for when their area floods, including tying down outdoor furniture and moving their cars to the top of their driveway.

Many people that KDKA spoke with in Ligonier Township on Friday who live in low-lying areas said they are used to this type of thing and while this flash flood was unexpected, it was not out of the ordinary.

Some water had already begun to recede by Friday afternoon, but Ligonier Valley Police Chief Michael Matrunics still wanted to urge caution, especially for people driving on side roads that may still be flooded around the township.

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“It might not look it, but it could be deeper than you expect,” Matrunics said. “And keep in mind, if you go past signs that are posted here, you could be cited for that. Also, if emergency services have to come out and rescue you or tow companies, you’re responsible for the cost. And your safety. Let’s put that at number one. So don’t drive through standing water on these bad weather dates.”



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