Pittsburg, PA

Steelers QB Justin Fields Blasts Broncos on Behalf of Russell Wilson

Published

2 months ago

September 16, 2024

Steelers QB Justin Fields Blasts Broncos on Behalf of Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are twisting the knife after delivering a fatal blow to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. With Russell Wilson watching from the sideline, Steelers quarterback Justin Fields led his team to a 13-6 victory over Sean Payton, Bo Nix, and the Broncos.

After Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly delivered a “petty” game ball to Wilson and two other former Broncos players, Fields stood at the podium and sent Payton and company a message on behalf of Russ, and in no uncertain terms.

“I think we all know Russ got did dirty last year, so I know he couldn’t play today in this game, but it was awesome getting that win for him. He got a petty game ball,” Fields said via Sports Illustrated.

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The Broncos released Wilson earlier this year, incurring an $85 million dead-money charge to the salary cap, which crippled Payton’s ability to build the roster. Wilson took a one-year deal with the Steelers for basically the veteran minimum; the Broncos are paying him tens of millions of dollars to play somewhere else.

Payton promptly turned to the NFL draft, identifying Nix as his ideal quarterback of the future and immediate replacement for Wilson. The Broncos drafted Nix at No. 12 overall and after vanquishing Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in an open competition this summer, was named the day-one starting quarterback, becoming the first rookie to start the season-opener since John Elway in 1983.

Meanwhile, Wilson beat Fields in Pittsburgh’s QB competition, but a lingering calf injury has sidelined him since the season began. The air was promptly let out of the Broncos-Steelers ‘revenge’ tropes when Wilson didn’t get the start on Sunday.

Fields delivered a pedestrian 117 yards passing and a touchdown in Denver, which was enough to fend off the Broncos thanks to Payton’s sputtering offense. Denver managed just six points, as Nix was picked off twice — including a brutal red-zone interception for which Payton seemingly co-blamed Courtland Sutton.

The Steelers got the better of the Broncos, and Payton has now failed to deliver results in all of the ‘revenge’ games he’s been pitted in since becoming head coach. He’s got two more such tilts this year, so if the best predictor of the future is the past, it’s not looking good.

The Steelers are now 2-0 and can enjoy the “petty” trappings of a 13-6 win over a team with $80M in dead money that is weaning a rookie quarterback. For Payton and his coaching staff, it’s back to the drawing board with a Week 3 road trip to Tampa Bay next up on the docket once the dust settles on Sunday’s ignominious display .

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Pittsburg, PA

Wisconsin storms back against Pittsburgh to win Greenbrier Tip-Off

Published

6 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Wisconsin storms back against Pittsburgh to win Greenbrier Tip-Off

The Wisconsin Badgers are the 2024 Greenbrier Tip-Off champions.

Wisconsin, ranked No. 19 in the nation, improved to 7-0 by coming back from a double-digit deficit to defeat Pittsburgh (6-1) 81-75 Sunday evening in West Virginia. The comeback completed a sweep of the showcase, having defeated Central Florida in their first game of the tip-off on Friday afternoon.

John Tonje led the Badgers with 33 points. The star guard was 11-of-19 shooting and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. It’s his second 30-point game of the season; his first was a 41-point explosion in Wisconsin’s win over then-No. 9 Arizona on Nov. 15.

Pittsburgh jumped out to a 20-8 lead nearly 10 minutes into the first half before the Badgers clawed back to within 34-27 at the half.

In the second half, Pittsburgh kept the Badgers at bay, leading 50-45 with 12:22 to go before Wisconsin went on a run and grew a lead to 71-64 with 4:15 remaining.

The Badgers have scored at least 79 points in all seven games this season, which is a program first.

Up next: Wisconsin vs. Chicago State, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. CT.

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Pirates Prospect Wins Bronze Medal With Team USA

Published

14 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Pirates Prospect Wins Bronze Medal With Team USA

A busy fall for Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Termarr Johnson has come to a close.

Team USA wrapped its run in the WBSC Premier12 with a 6-1 win over Venezuela to win the bronze medal on Saturday. They also beat Venezuela 6-5 in the Super Round of the Premier12 on Friday and wrapped up the tournament going 2-2.

Chinese Taipei shut out Japan in the championship game 4-0 to win the Premier12 and hand them their first loss in international play since 2019. Team USA lost to Japan 9-1 and Chinese Taipei 8-2.

Johnson went 1-4 with one run scored and a walk and one strikeout on Saturday. After grounding out in his first two at-bats, the Pirates’ left-handed hitting middle infield prospect singled to center field with one out in the top of the sixth inning. He stole second base, then came around to score with two outs on an infield single from Tampa Bay Rays left-handed hitting outfield prospect Chandler Simpson to extend Team USA’s lead to 3-0.

Team USA went 5-4 in the Premier12. In the previous Premier12, the US finished in fourth place.

Johnson struck out and walked in his next two at-bats. The Pirates’ No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 75 prospect in baseball hit .310/.414/.429 with one home run and two RBIs in nine games. He also walked six times and struck out nine times.

Before playing in the WBSC Premier12, Johnson played in the Arizona Fall League. The left-handed hitting prospect batted .250/.444/.475 with one home run and four RBIs across 11 games for the Scottsdale Scorpions. He also walked 14 times and scored nine runs.

Johnson, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft by Pittsburgh spent time with High-A Greensboro (110 games) and Double-A Altoona (14 games) in 2024. He batted .237/.366/.386 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in his 124 games played.

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates

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Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season

Published

22 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season

02:46

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The holiday season began in Pittsburgh on Saturday night with the city’s popular Light Up Night event.

Thousands crowded Downtown streets to ring in the holidays.

The iconic Highmark Christmas tree was lit along with trees at the City-County Building and PPG Place. A new light show on the Sister Bridges was also unveiled.

“It’s just a magical time of the year,” said Nicole Ambrogio.

She brought her kids to see the Highmark tree lit up.

“It almost gives you that Times Square-like feeling,” said Melissa Iaquinta. “It was amazing. The fireworks are always an added touch, and it’s beautiful.”

Vendors also filled Market Square, along with caroling and drumming.

“This is my first Light Up Night. It’s honestly amazing. I love all the music,” said Pietro Pucci. “It’s really magical; it’s like a winter wonderland come to life.”

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