The Pittsburgh Steelers played their most complete game of 2023 so far on Sunday Night Football in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 23-18 win wasn't perfect, but it was the best output from Mike Tomlin's squad since expectations were riding high following an extremely successful preseason. The defense continued their dominance with three interceptions and Kenny Pickett had, arguably, the best game of his career as a professional with two touchdowns and no turnovers. The AFC North's performances throughout the weekend allowed Pittsburgh to (mathematically) sneak in as the top team in the division.
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin addresses the fans at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA during the team's training camp in 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers currently sit at 2-1 after a big primetime win and will take on the Houston Texans in Week 4. A win would set the group up for a huge Week 5 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. It will be crucial to not overlook a Houston team that has a promising young quarterback in CJ Stroud. The Texans will be coming off of a huge divisional upset over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pittsburgh is on the right track after a second straight that came in Las Vegas. Fans of the Steelers and Raiders aren't the only ones to notice that, however. Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce has been all over the pop culture news lately due to his ties to musical superstar, Taylor Swift. At the end of the day, he is a star NFL player and has a podcast with his brother and Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center, Jason.
The New Heights podcast is what all brothers dream of. The two catch up all the time and are as close as can be. It's great to hear their analysis about the league and football as a whole. In the latest episode, Travis made sure to bring up a certain AFC team coming up with a win against one of his division rivals on Sunday. He gave out strong compliments to the Steelers and Tomlin.
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Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin walks on the playing surface at St. Vincent College while his players warmup prior to a 2023 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Travis was excited about Pittsburgh's win in Las Vegas. He was emphatic when talking about how talented the Steelers truly are and made sure to give them a shoutout for a big victory.
"Steelers held off a late Raiders comeback on Sunday Night Football. Steelers man, tell you what man, that's a tough f***ing team. That is a tough team."
The organization had a little bit of a scare returning from Sin City, as the team plane had to land unexpectedly in Kansas City. Travis mentioned something he saw from defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward, who was recently placed on Injured Reserve due to a groin injury.
"How about their situation? I saw a tweet from Cam Heyward, 'Hey man, you mind giving me a lift back to Pittsburgh?' I guess their flight back, they had to get an emergency landing. So they landed in Kansas City coming from Vegas."
It couldn't have been a comfortable or normal situation for the players. Anyone who has ever gone through troubles flying understands how serious some situations can be. Thankfully, the team ended up returning safely to Pittsburgh, and Pickett and co. will travel to Houston for a big Week 4 matchup.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6975-544x306.jpg "Steelers Kenny Pickett")
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to make a throw during 2023 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers Were Welcome To Great Barbecue In Kansas City Courtesy Of Travis Kelce
Travis continued talking to his brother about the Steelers and wishes that someone, specifically Heyward, would have reached out when they were stuck in Kansas City. If someone had, he joked that there would have been a full buffet of barbecue waiting for the team at the Kelce household, not to mention a couple of adult beverages, too.
"Dang man, if you would have shot me a text, I would have made sure I'd have some barbecue for the boys. Barbecue and beers after a big win over the Raiders, help us out in that division."
The Kelce's podcast is fun and laid back. Travis didn't underestimate the Steelers doing the Chiefs a big favor, though. The Raiders had high expectations heading into 2023 and a 1-2 start thanks to Pittsburgh might have been deserving of some old fashioned barbecue from Travis.
Were you pleased with how the Steelers played in Las Vegas? Were you concerned when the team plane made an emergency landing? Let us know in the comments below!
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