Steel Curtain Network: A Pittsburgh Steelers podcast

The wait is over — Steelers football is back!

On this episode of State of the Steelers, part of the Steel Curtain Network, Daniel breaks down Pittsburgh’s Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and what Mike McCarthy and the Steelers need to do to start the 2026 season 1-0.

Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled OUT, meaning Cooper Rush gets the start against Pittsburgh. But there’s an interesting connection: Rush spent years playing quarterback under Mike McCarthy in Dallas. Could that familiarity give Atlanta an advantage, or does McCarthy’s knowledge of Rush give the Steelers defense the upper hand?

We also break down the biggest storylines heading into Week 1:

🏈 Joey Porter Jr.’s injury and contract situation
🏈 Could Asante Samuel Jr. get the start?
🏈 How Pittsburgh can contain Bijan Robinson
🏈 The challenge of Drake London and Kyle Pitts
🏈 Why Aaron Rodgers doesn’t need to be Superman
🏈 Why the Steelers need to RUN THE DAMN BALL
🏈 Pittsburgh’s biggest offensive and defensive keys
🏈 Cooper Rush vs. the Steelers defense
🏈 A look around the entire AFC North
🏈 Could Pittsburgh be the only 1-0 team in the division after Week 1?

And, of course, Daniel gives his official prediction:

🔥 STEELERS 27 — FALCONS 13

It’s time to GROUND THE FALCONS. DON’T LET ’EM FLY.

Subscribe and follow the Steel Curtain Network for Steelers news, analysis, reactions, film breakdowns, podcasts and coverage throughout the 2026 season.

HERE WE GO, STEELERS!
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have put their final touches on their plans for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, and there are a lot of storylines to track before the home opener.

Will Joey Porter Jr. get a new deal? Which players will shine?

All that, and more, on the latest Steel City Insider podcast with hosts Jeremy Hritz and beat writer Jim Wexell.

This podcast is a part of the Steel Curtain Network, a proud member of the Fans First Sports Network.

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The entire division is in the 1:00 PM window, and we’re forecasting all the moves: Ravens pulling up in the Nap, the Browns heading to Duval, Cincy hosting Tampa & the Steelers setting the tone against Atlanta.

We’re chopping up every matchup, dropping knowledge on Week 1, and giving you the blueprint for opening Sunday.

Turn up the volume, put us in your speakers and turn on your headphones & tap-in on the Steel Curtain Network audio platforms.

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In the one hundred and twenty-fifth episode, Roy and Rob give their thoughts on if Joey Porter Jr. will get a contract extension prior to the start of the regular season. The guys also discuss if the Seattle Seahawks could show interest in Mason Rudolph with Sam Darnold injury, and then talk about Cam Heyward's comments about how his future. After the break the guys preview the week one home matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons, including their matchups to watch, injury updates, and predictions!

Matt Williamson's ⁠article.⁠

Follow Roy on X⁠⁠⁠ @PreacherBoyRoy⁠⁠⁠ or on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @bigcountryscoutingllc⁠⁠⁠

Follow Robert Robinson on X⁠⁠⁠ @RobRobGraphics⁠⁠⁠

New Centerville Church of God Service⁠⁠ ⁠link⁠⁠⁠.

Information about⁠⁠⁠ The Heyward House⁠⁠.⁠

Go check out my work, as well as Jim Wexell and all the great staff at Steel City Insider on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠247sports.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Order⁠⁠ Jim Wexell's latest book, If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box, that features the late Craig Wolfley.

Stay Humble, and Be A Blessing!
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, and there is plenty to discuss before the game kicks off at Acrisure Stadium.

What are the keys to victory for the black-and-gold to get off to a fast start?

All that on the Friday "Let's Ride" with host Jeff Hartman as he welcomes Coach Kevin Smith for the Coach's Corner segment, the latest injury report, weekly parlay, and the Hart to Heart.

This podcast is a part of the Steel Curtain Network, a proud member of the Fans First Sports Network.

Check out Meinelschmidt Distillery at meineldistillery.com and use the code KICKOFF2026 to save 10% at checkout!
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