The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in a unique position this season, facing the paradox of being out-gained in all nine of their games, yet still boasting a solid 6-3 record. In a league where statistics often dictate success, the Steelers are defying the odds. Before the season, there was an anticipation that the Steelers would heavily rely on their formidable defense to keep them in games. The hope was that their offense would do just enough to secure victories.

Photo Cred: LA Times

So far, the team’s performance has closely aligned with these expectations, resulting in notable one-score wins over tough opponents. The triumphs over the Browns in Week 2 and the Raiders in Week 3, in addition to victories against formidable teams like the Rams, Ravens, Titans, and Packers, have showcased the Steelers’ ability to win tight contests. These hard-fought victories highlight the team’s mental toughness and underscore their capacity to deliver when it matters most.

The Steelers are in the playoff picture. Additionally, their position in the AFC North title race adds another layer of intrigue. Pittsburgh is just one game behind Baltimore, a team they’ve already defeated this season. The role of head coach Mike Tomlin cannot be overstated in the Steelers’ success this season. Tomlin’s leadership and strategic acumen have been instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by being consistently out-gained. He has instilled a winning mentality in his team, fostering an environment where players secure victories despite statistical disadvantages.

Photo Cred: SI

In a league where high-powered offenses often steal the spotlight, the Steelers are making a case for the enduring value of a stout defense and a well-coached team. As the season progresses, the Steelers will undoubtedly face challenges in trying to weather the storm and emerge victorious in close games. They will still keep proving that they are a force within the competitive landscape of the NFL. The Steelers are showing us that the final score is the only thing that matters, regardless of the yardage differentials recorded throughout the game.

As the 2023 NFL season unfolds, the Houston Texans are defying preseason odds and emerging as playoff contenders in the AFC. With a rookie quarterback, the Texans have surpassed last year’s win total. Can the Texans’ QB win the MVP? Let’s see how he has entered the conversation.

Photo Cred: SI

The Texans boast a 5-4 record, trailing the division-leading Jacksonville Jaguars by just one game in the highly competitive AFC South. That success highlights C.J. Stroud’s impact center stage. His talent is certainly undeniable. With a completion rate of 61.6%, Stroud has thrown for 2,626 yards and 15 touchdowns, with a mere two interceptions. His poise in the pocket and ability to make clutch plays have set the tone for the Texans’ ascent in the standings. One of the standout features of Stroud’s game is his deep ball ability.

The quarterback has completed 21 of 35 attempts for 696 yards and six touchdowns on throws over 20 yards, not throwing an interception on any deep passes. His 60.0% on deep throws ranks him third-best in the NFL. Stroud’s success extends beyond statistics; it lies in the precision and decision-making skills he brings to the field. His ability to read defenses, make accurate throws, and avoid costly mistakes has been a game-changer for the Texans. In a league where rookie quarterbacks have a steep learning curve, Stroud is showing maturity beyond his years.

Photo Cred: Texans

With each game, he solidifies his place as a star in the NFL. The rookie shows no signs of slowing down. He has the combination of accuracy, poise, and a penchant for making big plays. Stroud has not only met but exceeded expectations! The Houston Texans are firmly in the playoff conversation, and C.J. Stroud is the catalyst driving their unexpected journey to contention. Can a rookie win the MVP award?

In NFL history, certain trades have left teams rueful, haunted by decisions that altered the course of their franchise. Here, we delve into three instances where teams gambled big, only to face the consequences of some of the worst trades in NFL history.

Colts’ 1990 Draft Gamble on Jeff George

In the lead-up to the 1990 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts were in dire need of a quarterback. Their sights were set on Illinois quarterback Jeff George. In a bold move, the Colts orchestrated a trade that would later be second-guessed and scrutinized. The Colts relinquished Andre Rison, Chris Hinton, a fifth-round pick, and a 1991 first-round pick to secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick.

Photo Cred: NFL.com

In return, they received not only George but also a fourth-round pick and an additional conditional pick. Despite George’s impressive physical attributes, including a powerful arm, a distinctive aesthetic featuring a mullet, and an A+ mustache, his on-field performance failed to meet expectations. Winning only 14 of his 49 starts with the Colts, George’s career trajectory saw him play for five teams over a 12-year span.

Jimmy Johnson’s Historic Herschel Walker Trade

Photo Cred: SI

In 1990, Jimmy Johnson, the mastermind behind the Dallas Cowboys’ success in the early ’90s, orchestrated a trade that would become legendary. Walker, along with four draft picks, was sent to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for three first-round picks, three second-round picks, and a handful of players. While the players acquired were not the focal point of the trade, the six draft picks proved instrumental. Johnson utilized these picks to build a Cowboys team that clinched three Super Bowl victories in four seasons. Walker’s tenure in Minnesota was short-lived, rendering this trade arguably the most lopsided in NFL history.

Bears’ Questionable Moves in the 2018 Draft

The Chicago Bears made headlines in 2018 with a series of eyebrow-raising decisions involving both contracts and draft picks. The signing of Mike Glennon to a staggering $45 million contract left fans questioning the franchise’s decision-making. Adding to the spectacle was the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Bears traded away significant assets to move up one spot, selecting Mitch Trubisky out of North Carolina.

Photo Cred: Bears

The Bears sent their first, third, and fifth-round draft picks in 2017, along with a 2018 third-round pick, to the San Francisco 49ers. The move drew criticism from both fans and players, including Glennon himself, who expressed discontent at the Bears’ draft party. To compound matters, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up for Patrick Mahomes eight picks later… This selection has cast a long shadow over the Bears’ draft strategy, as Mahomes has since proven his worth, making the Bears’ moves in 2018 all the more lamentable.

Deshaun Watson’s football season has taken an unexpected turn, as the Cleveland Browns announced on Wednesday that the quarterback will undergo surgery for a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. The injury occurred in the first half of Sunday’s victorious game against the Baltimore Ravens, resulting in a displaced fracture in Watson’s right glenoid.

Photo Cred: CNN

Watson told reporters, “I’m still processing all the information I’ve received since last night. It’s tough. I felt like we were turning a corner to make a real run, and I still believe we will with the guys in this locker room. I just wanted to be physically on the field with those guys.”

Scheduled for surgery next week, Watson remains positive about his recovery, stating, “I’m very confident in the doctors performing the surgery, my rehab, and my determination to come back strong.”

The team expects Watson to return for the start of the 2024 season. This unfortunate injury is a significant setback for the 6-3 Browns, who currently holds the No. 6 spot in the AFC. Watson’s outstanding performance in the recent victory over the Ravens, particularly in the second half, showcased his resilience. He completed 14 of 14 passes with a touchdown, no turnovers, and an impressive 130.4 passer rating despite the injury.

This performance hinted at a potential turning point in Watson’s adaptation to Kevin Stefanski’s scheme, overcoming previous challenges with shoulder injuries and subpar quarterback play that hindered the Browns’ offensive momentum. Unfortunately, Watson’s season concludes after Week 10. Watson was just beginning to regain his form.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Browns General Manager Andrew Berry expressed disappointment, saying, “We are very disappointed and devastated for Deshaun, especially given all that he has battled and gone through medically this season, especially in light of how well he’s played since his most recent injury.”

This marks the second season in a row where the highly-paid quarterback will only have started six games for Cleveland, following a huge trade with the Houston Texans. Last season saw Watson suspended for the initial 11 games, returning with some rust. This year, injuries kept him on the sidelines, as he missed two games earlier in the season. Watson endured another setback after only five pass attempts in Week 7. Despite the challenges, Watson returned in Week 9, playing through injury in Week 10 before the unfortunate end to his season.

In an unexpected turn of events, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen took center stage during a press conference held just a day after the surprising dismissal of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Rather than dwelling on the sudden upheaval, he exhibited remarkable composure. Allen immediately redirected his focus toward the future, recognizing the futility of attempting to alter the past.

During the press conference, he candidly shared the personal toll that Dorsey’s firing had taken on him, expressing a deep sense of personal responsibility. Allen revealed, “I take that very personally. It hurts a lot to see someone you care about go through a situation like that, and to know that if I could have done more, if this offense could have done more, we wouldn’t have to do something like that.”

Photo Cred: SI

The quarterback’s emotional response to the coaching change was evident, as he subtly hinted at the possibility that a more robust offensive performance might have averted the need for such a significant personnel shift. Despite the somber undertones, Allen maintained an unwavering optimism about the team’s capabilities, emphatically stating, “the offense is not broken.” His belief in the unit’s potential to meet playoff-level expectations remains steadfast, even in the face of adversity.

Currently holding a record of 5-5, the Bills find themselves in a precarious position with minimal margin for error. The upcoming clash against division rivals, the New York Jets (4-5), amplifies the significance of each play. Both teams are vying for a pivotal win that could significantly influence their postseason aspirations.

Photo Cred: NFL

As Buffalo gears up to host the Jets this Sunday, Allen’s singular focus is on the future. His determination to lead the team to victory serves as a testament to his resilience and belief in the offense’s capacity to meet the lofty expectations set for a playoff-caliber performance. The stakes are undeniably high, and Allen’s unwavering commitment to pressing forward, despite the recent setback, establishes the tone for a pivotal matchup that has the potential to shape the trajectory of the Bills’ season. In navigating the challenges that lie ahead, Allen emerges as a pivotal figure, both on and off the field, rallying his team and fans alike around the shared goal of playoff contention.