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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

For the second straight year, the Steelers will have a completely different QB room than the year prior to start a season. 2024 Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph out 2025 Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Kyle Allen out

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Got to say the Steelers putting their chips in the basket of waiting on a 41-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers coming off one of his worst seasons perfectly sums up where this franchise is at.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Darius Slay allowed 6.1 yards per target in 2024, per PFR. That was his best mark since 2018. Do have concerns about the age but great guy to have in a locker room and in the CB room.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

EPA per dropback rank on throws of 20+ air yards in 2024 (via TruMedia) Russell Wilson: 1st in NFL Aaron Rodgers: T13th in NFL Just something to think about with the Steelers having a WR group of DK Metcalf and George Pickens.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Great fit for Najee Harris. Have my opinions on the Steelers picking Najee in the 1st round of 2021 and his skillset but you can’t take away that he ate a ton of carries & had crazy durability doing so. Never missed a single game. Great leader, too. Rooting for him in L.A.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

The thing with Justin Fields leaving the Steelers is they could have had him as their starter. But they chose to sit him after a 6-game audition. And then they tried to act like they could fall back on him prior to free agency. Never agreed with how it was handled but hope for the best for him.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

If Dan Moore Jr. had a nickel for every time a Steelers fan tweeted that he should be replaced, he would have $82 million. Honestly, happy for him.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Okay I thought Dan Moore Jr. was going to get crazy money but I didn't think he was going to land INSANE money! Wow.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf and George Pickens is going to be better than reality TV.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

What kind of fever dream have I been in the last two days that Aaron Rodgers might be throwing passes to DK Metcalf with both wearing Steelers' jerseys.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Dan Moore Jr. is going to make a fortune 💰

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

If enough people migrated over here, I would never go back to that dumpster fire of a site.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Most Receiving Yards on Throws of 25+ Air Yards Since 2019: 1. Tyreek Hill - 1833 2. A.J. Brown - 1650 3. DK Metcalf - 1639 HOME-RUN HITTER FOR THE STEELERS.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Only 4 WRs have more 30+ yard receptions since 2019 than DK Metcalf. Davante Adams - 54 Tyreek Hill - 52 Justin Jefferson - 51 A.J. Brown - 49 DK Metcalf - 45 A big-play addition to the Steelers.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Yards per Reception Since 2022 George Pickens: 16.3 (1st in the NFL) DK Metcalf: 14.2 (T9th in the NFL) Pickens & Metcalf. This Steelers’ passing game is seriously explosive.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

Also I have about -5% confidence that the Steelers could create a QB-friendly & sustainable offense for Sam Darnold to thrive in even if he did sign here.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

This really feels like the Steelers just trying to jumpstart the “no, guys, we really tried” once Justin Fields signs elsewhere & they are left picking between other QB options.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

I couldn’t think of a real reason this entire time why Justin Fields would forgo testing the market & re-sign with the Steelers before free agency. Especially with the way 2024 went down & the messaging of either wanting him or Russ back, never treated as the #1 undisputed guy.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Matthew Stafford coming to the Steelers would put them in this phase of trying to replace their former franchise QB.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

From 2014 to 2024, the Steelers only drafted one player who ended up becoming a First-Team All-Pro for them: • T.J. Watt (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023) That's the entire list. One player.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

I can't find it within myself to feel too outraged that the Steelers let their DBs coach go after constant communications issues down the stretch while also banging the table to part ways with the OL coach because of issues with that unit. Maybe that's just me, I don't know.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

The Eagles have rebuilt two Super Bowl winning rosters & coaching staffs while the Steelers still largely struggle to let go of coaches unless their contracts are expiring (or they’re Matt Canada). To no surprise, the Steelers have 0 playoff wins in that span.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

George Pickens had more drops in 2024 (6) than he had in his first two seasons combined (5), per PFR. Also crazy to see how much Pickens’ drop rate rose this season (also PFR) despite being known for his hands. 2022: 3.6% 2023: 1.9% 2024: 5.8%

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

That postseason record…once upon a time.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

No words to describe the Steelers’ offensive line the last time they made a Super Bowl appearance.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

The Steelers on 1st down this season ranked: • 25th in total EPA on carries (via TruMedia) • T26th in yards per carry • T27th in rushing success % Feels like this offense failed at reaching most of the goals they publicly set out from last offseason.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Someone start making the photoshopped edits of Cooper Kupp in a Steelers’ jersey.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Zach Frazier was 1 of 9 centers in 2024 to surrender 1 sack or less (min. 900 blocking snaps), per PFF. Great start for the Steelers' rookie in Year 1.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Russell Wilson had a -0.12 EPA per drop back over his last 6 starts with the Steelers, including playoffs, per TruMedia. For comparison, Kenny Pickett had a -0.15 EPA per drop back in 2023 with the Steelers. Glad for what Russ brought but this should be a one-and-done journey.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Wanted to see what Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes' combined numbers vs. the Steelers, including playoffs: 16-4 record 70.5% completion rate 6001 passing yards (300.1 yards/G) 52 TDs 6 INTs Franchise tradition to get cooked by the league's best QB it seems.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Steelers re-sign Fields to a bridge deal & draft mobile QB at some point seems like the most likely way forward. Keep swinging until you’re in position to take a top QB or comfortable enough in the class to move up for your guy (Bills, Allen & Chiefs, Mahomes). This is the way.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

I'm curious how the Steelers manage to make people believe in 2025 considering their options appear to be: • Bring back the QB who lost his last 5 starts • Bring back the QB the coach decided to sit for the guy who lost his last 5 starts I'd go with Fields, but what a mess.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady have represented the AFC in the Super Bowl in 8 of the last 9 years. From one dynasty to another. 2025: Mahomes 2024: Mahomes 2023: Mahomes 2022: Burrow 2021: Mahomes 2020: Mahomes 2019: Brady 2018: Brady 2017: Brady

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

JuJu Smith-Schuster having the Chiefs' longest play of the night during the AFC title game in the year 2025. Kansas City is such a well-oiled machine, it's crazy.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Imagine what I would have thought if you told me in January 2024 that Kenny Pickett would be headed to the Super Bowl next year.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Steelers in Defensive EPA per Play In Regular Season 2020-2024 (TruMedia): T1st Steelers in Defensive EPA per Play In Postseason 2020-2024 (min. 2G): 20th of 23 teams Seems pretty clear this defense runs out of gas come January, probably because the offense can't be relied on.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer & defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is the most Jerry Jones thing ever. We need this.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Most 2-point attempts from 2015-2016 1. Steelers - 20 2. 4 teams tied - 10 Remember that phase where the Steelers were ultra aggressive with 2-point attempts? Wish they never got away from that identity.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Cameron Heyward should have been a finalist for DPOY. Dominant season at age 35. Would have had him over T.J. Watt as a finalist to be honest.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

All the teams with zero playoff wins since the 2017 season: - Steelers (0-5) - Bears (0-2) - Dolphins (0-2) - Panthers (0-1) - Cardinals (0-1) - Raiders (0-1) - Broncos (0-1) - Jets (0-0) Steelers the only one with more than 2 appearances there.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

Don’t know how the Steelers sell 2025 will be different to fans hungry for playoff wins if they bring back Fields as the starter since he was sat down for the veteran QB they likely let walk. I say that while thinking Fields is the top realistic pick. Just shows the lack of good options available.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

Most Turnovers In The Playoffs Since 2018: Lamar Jackson - 11 (8 GP) Tom Brady - 10 (11 GP) Patrick Mahomes - 9 (19 GP) There's a way to be fair in criticism & also definitely a way of going overboard but some narratives aren't just created out of thin air.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

How the Steelers' offense ranked in EPA per play (via TruMedia): 2007-2011 (Bruce Arians): T10th 2012-2017 (Todd Haley): T5th 2018-2020 (Randy Fichtner): T21st 2021-2023 (Matt Canada): T25th 2024 (Arthur Smith): 24th Have to consider on-field personnel too but what a decline.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Out of the 123 CBs that logged 180+ coverage snaps over the regular season & playoffs, Cam Sutton was 120th and Donte Jackson was 119th in coverage grades by PFF. CB is also a huge need for the Steelers this offseason. Good lord.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Wanted to compare the Steelers' red zone TD efficiency with Justin Fields to Russell Wilson. Unfortunately, not much difference. Weeks 1-6 (Fields starter): 50%, 9/18 Weeks 7-18 (Wilson starter): 47.4%, 18/38 Another area I thought the Steelers would improve under Arthur Smith.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Turnovers have been ticking up again under Teryl Austin to his credit. 2019 - 38 (Keith Butler) 2020 - 27 (Keith Butler) 2021 - 22 (Keith Butler) ------------------------------- 2022 - 23 (Teryl Austin) 2023 - 27 (Teryl Austin) 2024 - 33 (Teryl Austin)

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Steelers' sacks by season (defensive coordinator) 2019 - 54 (Keith Butler) 2020 - 56 (Keith Butler) 2021 - 55 (Keith Butler) ------------------------------- 2022 - 40 (Teryl Austin) 2023 - 47 (Teryl Austin) 2024 - 40 (Teryl Austin) A very noticeable drop-off.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

Thinking about this a lot after Tomlin’s comments that good QBs aren’t always found at the top of the first round and mentioning Lamar Jackson & Jalen Hurts.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

Derrick Henry averaged 6 rushing yards after contact per carry (!!!) against the Steelers in the wild-card game, via Next Gen Stats. 157 of his 186 yards came after contact. Can't remember the last time a Steelers defense got run over and dominated like that.

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Daniel Valente 🏈 @statsguydaniel.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Najee Harris ranked last in yards per carry (4.0) out of the 16 RBs that went over 1000 rushing yards in 2024. His success rate (43.7%) was second worst among those 16 RBs too. RB another area that might see a lot of change in 2025 for the Steelers.

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