Steelers News: Can the Steelers finally claim victory vs. the Patriots in Foxborough?

The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up the NFL preseason which means the exhibition games are over. This means the regular season is almost here, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is starting to heat up. As the team prepares for the coming season, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until the season starts!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at if the Steelers could finally win a game in Foxborough over the dreaded New England Patriots.

Let’s get to the news:

• The success the Steelers have had, although minimal, in the last decade has all been at Heinz Field. Can they reverse their road record against the Patriots in Week 1 on Sunday Night Football?

Tim Benz: Steelers want a win over Patriots to matter this time

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Oh, sure. For a few hours on December 16, 2018, it was a lot of fun.

To borrow a phrase from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, his team had finally managed to “be the dragon” by slaying the dragon.

The dragon that usually flies into Pittsburgh from New England every year or two, breathing fire and laying waste to Heinz Field.

Maybe the enjoyment even lasted a day or so after that Sunday when the Steelers finally beat the New England Patriots for the first time since 2011, by a final score of 17-10.

Joe Haden’s interception of a rare duck by Tom Brady was the biggest highlight of the entire season.

I doubt Brady has ever thrown a pass that poorly at Heinz Field. But if he did, Rob Gronkowski probably ended up pulling it in for a catch anyway.

Not that day, though. For a change.

But in the end, what did it mean?

Squat.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Pittsburgh Steelers locked up Joe Haden for the next three seasons, and this was a great move for the organization.

Kevin Gorman: Steelers were smart to lock up lockdown corner Joe Haden

By: Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Cameron Heyward was watching the Pittsburgh Steelers-New England Patriots game tape Sunday night as a refresher, but it ended up serving as a reminder of Joe Haden’s impact.

Haden had 12 tackles, two passes defensed and made a picture-perfect leaping interception of a Tom Brady pass between Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski at the 4-yard line in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 17-10 victory over the Patriots last December at Heinz Field.

“I really thought Joe had one of the greatest games in that game,” Heyward said. “There wasn’t a lot of space for receivers. When there was, he was right there tackling. He had good run support. And he made the most critical play in the game. When you can have game-changers like that, it really sets you on fire.”

No wonder the Steelers made it their top preseason priority to sign Haden to a three-year contract worth $32 million that will keep him with the team through 2021, including a $16.8 million signing bonus that frees up salary cap space.

It was a critical play for a game-changer, as the 10th-year veteran has brought star power and stability to a position where the Steelers had neither. When the Steelers signed Haden in 2017, he replaced Ross Cockrell as the starter opposite Artie Burns.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Steelers didn’t have Labor Day off, instead they were working on an extra practice day preparing for the Week 1 grudge match with the Patriots.

Working hard on Labor Day

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

Most people woke up a little later than normal this morning, a little more relaxed, enjoying the Labor Day holiday.

Steelers’ players though, were the complete opposite.

It was a busy day, which kicked off with Joe Haden signing a new three-year contract, something that will keep him with the Steelers through the 2021 season. Haden said he was thrilled to get it done and be able to put his full focus on preparing for the New England Patriots this week.

“It’s really exciting. I am happy it’s out of the way,” said Haden. “It’s been going on for a little bit, since camp started. To finally get it done, a week before the game where I can just fully focus on New England, I think it’s great.

“I wanted to be here a lot, just the locker room. I have a lot of friends here, made a lot of relationships. I love the way the coaching staff is, I love the organization, I have a really good relationship with Coach T(omlin). It’s definitely where I wanted to be, so I am happy I got to work it out.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• In AFC North news, the Cincinnati Bengals give Giovanni Bernard a two-year extension. Poor guy.

Bengals, Giovani Bernard agree to two-year extension

By: Adam Maya, NFL.com

An all-purpose running back is getting an extension.

The Bengals are signing running back Giovani Bernard to a two-year, $10.3 million extension, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, per a source. Pelissero added the raise includes $5.9 million in 2019, $11 million over the two years, and a $600K guaranteed bonus due in March for the seventh-year vet.

Bernard has been one of the league’s better complementary backs since breaking into the league in 2013. He eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage his first three seasons and has caught at least 35 passes the past three.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Mike Tomlin’s Press Conference

• Social Media Madness