Strongsville, OH- Calling on businesses in the Cleveland and Stark County Areas. SmeeSports is searching for broadcast sponsors as the Fall season is only a few weeks away!
Alliance, Marlington, Minerva, Holy Name, Padua, Tri-C, and Strongsville are some of the many schools we cover throughout the course of the year. Just as we have a great variety of schools in our coverage range, we have a number of sponsorship packages that will fit your needs. Take a moment to read our sponsorship menu below.
– Basic Broadcast Sponsor ($10 Per Game): This gets you a 30-second ad that runs on rotation throughout the broadcast.
-Highlight Package Sponsor ($5 Per Video): This gets your logo placed on a short form (60 seconds or less) highlight reel featuring footage from one of our many games. These highlights could be one player or a group, depending on the game. The video gets posted to Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
-Gameday Graphic Sponsor ($5 Per Graphic): This gets your logo placed on a teaser graphic for our broadcasts. Typically, these graphics include a player from each team. The graphic is posted on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
-Website Sponsor ($100 Per Year): This gets an ad for your business on our website under the sponsors tab. This ad will always be present on the website and is fully customizable. It’s a great way to be advertising 365 days a year!
-Article Sponsor ($15 Per Article): This gets an ad for your business placed at the top of each article you sponsor. You could sponsor a specific team, style of content, etc. Just like the website sponsorship option, it is fully customizable.
-Broadcast Presenter ($5 Per Game): This add-on has your name said throughout the game. For example, “This is WRCL baseball on SmeeSports presented by INSERT COMPANY.”
-Keys to Victory Sponsor ($5 Per Game): This add-on attaches your business’s name to 3 keys to victory that we will track throughout the game. For example, “Your INSERT COMPANY Keys to Victory are”
-Pregame Show Sponsor ($5 Per Game): This add-on attaches your business’s name to our pregame show segment. For example, “This is the SmeeSports pregame show presented by INSERT COMPANY.”
If you and your business are interested in becoming a SmeeSports sponsor, email Nathan Smee at nsmee00@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can contact us on social media.
Thursday July 24th was an unforgettable day. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in the world of media. Let’s break it down to bring you behind the scenes on what goes on during a conference media day. As well as show you my new position with Smee Sports as we transition into the school year. The day began early in the morning as I left Bowling Green that morning at around 6:30 in the morning. Battling mild Detroit traffic and getting ahead of the morning commute. I head inside to check in and register. Now everything in there from the people at the check-in desk. To the people with teams. Was professional. Suits everywhere with backpacks filled with cameras, helmets, and other media equipment. Players in their fanciest suits drinking coffee to prepare for the long day of interviews. Seeing each team walk in with their head coach, and two players (One offense and One defense). Was the sight to see. Cameras focused on their team. Also, various independent media outlets captured the action. I would fall under this category.
The highlight of the morning was looking down onto the turf at Ford Field. Watching it go from school to school on the jumbotrons was also thrilling. Sitting down looking over notes and enjoying breakfast I took in the atmosphere. Knowing I had to interview the local guys (Bowling Green and Toledo), I also wanted to include Kent State in my expedition. What I regret however is not talking with Akron. As we all had leisure time before commissioner Jon Steinbrecher gave his remarks. I left to clean up. Before heading over to the opposite end of the stadium, I saw a familiar face. Head BGSU football coach Eddie George, along with new quarterback Drew Pyne, and defensive end Eriq George walked in. I introduced myself to the group. We had a discussion on astro-turf. We also talked about how George played on the surface during his time with the Tennessee Titans.
After walking around and undertsanding the amosphere, it was time for Commissioner Steinbrecher to speak with us all. He spoke highly of the MAC in how the conference is in a new era. What he highlighted was the academic excellence. Stating the purpose of all Mid American Conference Athletes is to eventually gain a college degree. After his remarks, we disbanded. Everyone scattered whether their athletes would speak 1 one 1 with media, or film promotional content. My job was to interview our Bowling Green student athletes and here is what I learned.
Drew Pyne, who graduated from Notre Dame, and has been around in college football ever since 2020. Afterward he spent a year at Arizona State then Missouri before finally landing in Northwest Ohio. He spoke highly of Coach George and the offense. He said that the offensive line is a veteran staff. He knows he can put his trust into them. As for classes, he still takes them seriously. Even as a grad student; Pyne takes his academic career seriously as well. Now for Eriq George, entering his junior season after playing with Tennessee State under his father. He finds the academic side of college football is as serious as his play. The Bowling Green defense looks to be strong this season, and with George gaining a roster spot. The Falcons will rely heavily on their lines. Coach George, who is one of 6 new head coaches in the Mid American Conference. Discussed his expectations for the student athletes, as well as what he expects on the football field. In the classroom, Coach George wants his players in the first two rows. He insights as well they should not be wearing hoodies to make themselves presentable in a learning environment. He also expects Falcon football to “Leave places better than we found it”.
Talking with all of the players, media, and coaching staff. It was an honor getting to know their stories and backgrounds . Other notable athletes I talked with were Tucker Gleason and Emmanual McNeil-Warren, both of whom are with the Toledo Rockets. As for coaching I met not only Eddie George, but also Mark Carney who is the interim head coach with Kent State. I was fortunate enough to meet the broadcast crew for ESPN+. I also met other local broadcasters and reporters. As the day began to end, I noticed some of my connections with WTOL 11. It is a local CBS affiliated tv station based out of Toledo. While they were on the field, I asked if I could help. I was fortunate enough to hang out with them for a few minutes. Capturing the photo for this article and being in an NFL endzone were experiences I will never forget. As I left, I felt proud of all the work I have done. I realized that the best is yet to come. Now for the final announcement you have all been waiting for.
I will be the writer for all MAC content this fall. I will give you weekly articles about the conference. You will also get updates on how all the teams are doing. Join us as we prepare to begin the 2025-2026 academic year, Go Falcons!
Strongsville, OH- As our Summer internship program wraps up this Sunday, SmeeSports LLC is happy to open up the application period for the 2025 Fall Semester Internship Program. We are seeking highly motivated high school and college students who are eager to break into the sports media industry. With our unique business model and coverage areas, we have just the internship to get you started!
First of all, you may be wondering what SmeeSports LLC is. We are a broadcasting company built on the pillars of Faith, Family, and Sports that serves the Cleveland and Stark County areas. On top of broadcasts, we also do photography, written content, and more.
Our owner, Nathan Smee, is a sophomore at the University of Mount Union studying Sport Business and Media. Nathan has been in the sport media industry for around five years. In this time, he has built an impressive portfolio of content across a number of sport media niches. His most notable post and call was Andrew Cole shoving a player from Valley Forge during a game on January 5, 2024. This clip has received over 10 million views across the SmeeSports family of social media platforms with stars such as Reggie Bush and Shaquille O’Neal weighing in with comments or reposts.
This internship offers the roles of writer, broadcast help, on-air talent, and photographer. However, if there is something else you want to do, we can talk about making it work. This internship requires two games per week while being willing to learn.
The internship will run from mid-August to January 1st. The sports that we will plan on covering during this time include football, volleyball, soccer, hockey, basketball, and baseball.
While this is an UNPAID internship, we will help you take the next step by providing an avenue to get your name out to more people. We cover some of the biggest events and teams in Northeast Ohio, and we plan on growing even more this year. The teams we cover with broadcast coverage range from Alliance, Marlington, Tri-C, Padua, Holy Name, Minerva, Garfield Heights, and Warrensville Heights. We also do written content and photography for Mount Union athletics.
If interested in this internship or to learn more about this opportunity, email Nathan Smee at nsmee00@gmail.com.
We are looking forward to welcoming in the next batch of interns this fall.
Winning the Super Bowl is a great feat that many teams have accomplished over the years. It comes with many praises, a trophy, a celebration parade, and a cool ring to show off.
Over the years, many teams have customized their own rings, and I want to share with you my personal favorites that have been given to the teams, including this year’s Super Bowl Champs the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Philadelphia Eagles — Some of the highlights of this ring are the 40 diamonds featured in the words “World Champions” for the points that the team scored. There are 5 diamonds on a secret button for each of the players who scored (Cooper DeJean, Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jake Elliot). The ring also features a quote from head coach Nick Sirianni saying, “Tough. Detailed. Together.” And finally the most special feature of all, the secret button I mentioned. When the button is pressed, it extends wings on the sides of the ring and reveals another quote from Sirianni saying, “You can’t be great without the greatness of others.”
The New England Patriots — While they have earned many rings, their 6th would have to be my favorite. The ring is not as flashy or showy as the Eagles’, but the ring still has a couple cool features. The inside of the ring says, “we are all Patriots” and on the side of the ring it says, “still here”. But the star of the ring is the six Lombardi trophies that are featured on it, which no other ring has.
The Kansas City Chiefs — While they also have a few rings to choose from, I personally like their most recent one the best. The ring features 3 Lombardi trophies. It has the phrases “back-to-back” and “overtime” on it. It even opens up and reveals the game winning play written in head coach Andy Reid’s handwriting. And finally it is personalized for each player with their signatures on the inside of the ring.
This offseason has proven to be a busy one indeed and has certainly drawn attention of the football world. Aaron Rodgers, a future hall of famer and Superbowl champion, made the decision. He decided to take his talents to Pittsburgh, PA, earlier this summer. Ever since then, it seems to be a major headache. It also causes trouble as we had predicted back in June when this news broke. Rodgers has already had a dispute with head coach Mike Tomlin. He claims to be the one who “calls the shots.” He is also having disputes with fans on the golf course over autographs. He is showing an arrogance to him, which we have not seen in a long time, if ever. Rodgers presents a difficult situation for the Pittsburgh Steelers to digest. We can make our best predictions. We will also share the news on what’s going on in the Steel City.
The situation is not favorable for the 40-year-old quarterback. The shift that Mike Tomlin, the “Standard” head coach, likes to discuss is now more of a recommendation. It is not a hardcore never adapt concept to success. The current Steeler’s culture has become more of a recommendation to a fickle standard than an outline to success. While it may seem lopsided in one direction, the Aaron show isn’t as simple as it appears. One hand will project his arrogance and unwillingness to adapt. On the other hand, he shows optimism and the ability to be an established leader for Pittsburgh in 2025. Rodgers shows no sign of giving up. This is very clear in how he could have retired after leaving the Green Bay Packers. My point overall is that Aaron Rodgers has led football teams in the past. He did so most notably against his current team. Whether or not he can do the same in 2025, we will have to wait and see.
Let’s move now to the other side of the ball. Pittsburgh icon TJ Watt has been discussing a possible trade scenario. The former Wisconsin Lineman skipped the mandatory team practice sessions. As we have discussed before, he wants to get paid rightfully being so. Division rival Myles Garrett recently signed a massive $160 Million contract over the course of 4 years. The average annual value (AAV) is astronomically high. Garrett’s contract will be the highest by a non-quarterback in NFL history. TJ Watt is a player of high caliber. He deserves a lucrative contract and will pursue it. The case in point is clear. He will search for a lucrative contract. It will have to be with whatever team is willing to give it to him. Watt wants the same price tag as Myles Garrett and will need to find a way to get it. This isn’t all doom for the Steelers. There are still signs that Watt will stay in the black and gold next season. One of these signs being teams willing to give the value Watt will entail in a trade deal. Another good sign is per CBS where the Steelers want a deal finalized before week 1 vs the Jets. What will happen with either of these juggernauts in the NFL? We will find out if we see the #90 rushing Justin Fields. We will also discover how the #8 of Rodgers performs throwing the football.
Earlier today during the off season as teams prepare for training camp to take place in roughly a month. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded with the Miami Dolphins. They sent 28-year-old, five-time pro bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the sunshine of Miami. In return, the black and gold brigade will get 30-year-old, seven-time pro bowler Jalen Ramsey. They will also acquire Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. Whether or not this move will work out is beyond me. Still, as a Steelers enthusiast, I can’t help but be somewhat optimistic about the trade. I hope it works out. I must say, Jalen Ramsey has the credentials of an elite cornerback in the NFL. Ramsey has played 135 games in his NFL career. Four of these were against Pittsburgh. He has totaled 24 interceptions and 267 yards. Fitzpatrick on the other hand has 106 games under his belt with 20 interceptions for over 400 yards. Some casual fans analyzing the trade may overlook the draft picks. The Steelers will get a seventh-round pick for 2027. The Dolphins have a fifth-round pick also for 2027. Jonnu Smith who is a lesser-known player in this trade, will be a good backup at TE for Pat Freiermuth. During his carrer, Smith has played in 124 games and gotten over 3,000 yards in his career. The FIU alum will leave his college state of florida and come home to his Birth state of Pennsylvania.
Everyone has a predetermined idea of what this trade means. People also have ideas about how it will affect both franchises in the future. Me personally, I would rather have Minkah but that’s my own opinion. Both the headline players in this trade are stars. Fitzpatrick has garnered himself as an icon with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, will Ramsey be the leading force to his 2nd ring and the franchises 7th Lombardi? It’s unlikely we’ll see that soon. Yet if the rumors that TJ Watt is in the works on a contract extension. Any Steelers fan would be grateful that the defense is building. At present, there are two well-known athletes in the NFL being moved around. This is one of the most popular trades this offseason. During my research of this trade and using what I already know. Here is the official prediction I will make for how the trade affected these teams.
Dan-alytics:
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Lost the trade. Only got a seventh-round pick and while notable figures like Brock Purdy have come from the seventh round. Similar to Miami this pick could either be a diamond in the rough or a complete bust. At this time, it is too hard to tell. Jalen Ramsey has made a name for himself and has mostly been used as a supporting cast member. He will take on this role for the defense. There will be no need for him to act as a leader. This is Cam Heywards, TJ Watt, and Alex Highsmith’s defense and will continue to be for the near future. Jonnu Smith will be a good backup. He will help if Pat Freiermuth ends up getting injured.
Miami Dolphins:
Won the trade. They got a fifth-round pick, which may be a diamond in the rough. This pick gets them some ground to stand on. Minkah, I believe is the better player, but we’ll see how he adapts back in the sunshine state. While they have a semi-decent defense heading into 2025.There is no doubt that Fitzpatrick will be the leader to help Miami rival others in the AFC East.
In conclusion I have one thing to say. Why Not? This isn’t the first time the city of Miami got a generational player from Pittsburgh (Dan Marino).
While we continue on in the summer, we’re having the typical stretch without NFL football. We won’t see a game until July 31st. That’s when we have the Hall of Fame Game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers. The AFC North though will not have a preseason game until August 7 where Cincinnati and Baltimore have preseason games. During this time of the offseason, not only are the 4 AFC north teams making moves. Every team in the NFL is now making moves for the 2025 season. So here is my way too early predictions for the AFC North standings, and why I see this happening.
4. Cleveland Browns (6-11)
The Cleveland Browns had a 3-14 season in 2024, which was one of the rougher years for the franchise. Going 0-16 in 2017 has been the meme and throughout the sports world. The Cleveland Browns have been a punching bag, and we will see the same situation this season. Even with the worst QB situation in the NFL with newcomers Dillon Gabriel, Sheduer Sanders. As well as veterans Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco. They had a good draft. They were patient with getting Mason Graham. They waited and, in doing so, passed on Travis Hunter. I’m confident Cleveland will bounce back, but this is not going to be the year for Cleveland. They need to get the QB room figured out, and then the rest of the offense will fall into place. The Browns had a strong draft. They picked up Harold Fannin Jr., who I think is the greatest Tight End in the draft class, from Bowling Green State University. Cleveland will do their best on defense. Getting linebacker Carson Schwesinger from UCLA helped tremendously and will hopefully give the Browns defense new light. New editions and the leadership of Myles Garrett will be the face defensively. However, there is still much more work to be done. There are too many aging offensive linemen. This is similar to their Ohio counterpart, the Bengals. The QB room is unclear. Finally, the wide receiver core is uncertain. These issues will be the reasoning behind another rough year for the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, it will be a down year this season. Here are the results of all the regular season games.
Week 1: Cinncinati Bengals L
Week 2: @ Baltimore Ravens L
Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers L
Week 4: @ Detroit Lions L
Week 5: Minnesota Vikings (London Game) W
Week 6: @ Pittsburgh Steelers L
Week 7: Miami Dolphins W
Week 8: @ New England Patriots W
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: @ New York Jets W
Week 11: Baltimore Ravens L
Week 12: @ Las Vegas Raiders L
Week 13: San Francisco 49ers L
Week 14: Tennessee Titans W
Week 15: 2 Chicago Bears W
Week 16: Buffalo Bills L
Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers L
Week 18: @ Cinncinati Bengals L
3. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
The Cincinnati Bengals will repeat their 9-8 stretch that happened last year in 2024. Times have been rough for the Bengals, ever since their Cinderella run back in the 2021 season. Joe Burrow, the Louisiana State quarterback, was taken 1st overall in the 2020 draft. He is the star of this franchise. He is going in the right direction with LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase. What is difficult for the Bengals, however, is the absence of a plan for the offensive line. Without it, these weapons can not be effectively utilized. Tee Higgins is another notable figure in the Bengals Offense. He further adds to the idea that Cincinnati has it nearly figured out. However, they are still struggling to find an offensive line identity. Let’s look at the defensive side of the ball because Cincinnati is making advancements towards that side of the game. Keven Winston jr. is recovering from a torn ACL at this time and this will be a damper to defense. If I’m a Bengals fan, I should be looking forward to seeing Oren Burks. He is a linebacker who will be the starter for the season, and some will overlook him. What could be seen, however, are the Bengals getting a good chance here at a veteran. He can be a role model for the stars. He can improve their team chemistry by guiding them. These stars already know their way around the NFL. as for the draft. Although they have made some positive contributions to the franchise, the Cincinnati Bengals will still have an off year.
Week 1: @ Cleveland Browns W
Week 2: Jacksonville Jaguars W
Week 3: @ Minnesota Vikings L
Week 4: @ Denver Broncos W
Week 5: Detroit Lions L
Week 6: @ Green Bay Packers L
Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers L
Week 8: New York Jets W
Week 9: Chicago Bears W
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: @ Pittsburgh Steelers L
Week 12: New England Patriots W
Week 13: @ Baltimore Ravens L
Week 14: @ Buffalo Bills L
Week 15: Baltimore Ravens L
Week 16: @ Miami Dolphins W
Week 17: Arizona Cardinals W
Week 18: Cleveland Browns W
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
I am a Steelers fan. I feel like we’re all beating a dead horse here. I bet you can already tell what is going to happen. Aaron Rodgers will not live up to the expectations set in place, Mike Tomlin will finish the season above .500 and last but not least. We will lose in the Wild Card. We have not won a playoff game since I was in 3rd grade back in 2016 (I start my first semester of college in August). Let’s keep the preseason pessimism to a low and look towards the improvements for 2025. I believe Will Howard will be a strong quarterback for Pittsburgh this season, and he has the credentials for it. He had over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns with a national championship playing the toughest college teams you can. This breakout season is nothing to sneeze at, and what makes it so great is now he has confidence. Now will he (and should he) start right out of the gate foe week 1 against the Jets? No, but what I do like is he has veteran guidance and a good position of receivers and a running back in Jaylen Warren if things go poorly. Additionally, our defense is in a strong position. Veterans TJ Watt and Cam Heyward are locked in to the Steelers for the foreseeable future. What got us worried was the capability of Alex Highsmith leaving, but these rumors seem to have died down. The Steelers actively engaged in the draft. They picked up Jack Sawyer. This move simply makes the defense more intimidating in terms of what will be the factor for the Steelers. While the Pittsburgh defense will be their strength; the black and gold brigade will fail to win, if they fail to rebuild the offense.
Week 1: @ New York Jets W
Week 2: Seattle Seahawks W
Week 3: @ New England Patriots L
Week 4: Minnesota Vikings W
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: Cleveland Browns W
Week 7: @ Cincinnati Bengals W
Week 8: Green Bay Packers L
Week 9: Indianapolis Colts L
Week 10: @ Las Angeles Charges W
Week 11: Cincinnati Bengals W
Week 12: @ Chicago Bears W
Week 13: Buffalo Bills L
Week 14: @ Baltimore Ravens L
Week 15: Miami Dolphins W
Week 16: @ Detroit Lions L
Week 17: @ Cleveland Browns W
Week 18: Baltimore Ravens L
1. Baltimore Ravens (14-3)
I think it’s clear that Baltimore will repeat as AFC North champions this year. Lamar Jackson is a top 3 quarterback in the AFC and top 5 in the NFL. Mark Andrews will be a go-ahead target for Jackson when he needs to throw. Receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman will also be key targets. Roquan Smith is unbelievable in terms of raw ability, as well as Kyle Hamilton at safety. What should be noted is their strength of schedule. Baltimore has to play Buffalo Week 1, Detroit Week 3, and Kansas City in week 4. To say this is a tough way to start your regular season would be an understatement. We are talking about Baltimore, and we already should know this one detail. They will grow in adversity and even if the season doesn’t start their way. The flock will end the 2025 season their way. Baltimore is set for the future. We see this in the way they drafted in Green Bay, adding fuel to the fire of this claim. Taking two cornerbacks aids them defensively for the future, as well as the fact of them offensive lineman. The O-Line may seem mundane. Baltimore now has the ability to develop guys. These players will aid the offense and keep Lamar protected. We observed this being one of the main issues. If Lamar Jackson can run more often, this will spell trouble for defenses throughout the NFL. It will especially be troublesome in the AFC North where defenses have tried and mostly struggled to stop him. The Baltimore Ravens have built significant support. Therefore, they will reign on top of the AFC North for the 3rd year in a row.
Week 1: @ Buffalo Bills L
Week 2: Cleveland Browns W
Week 3: Detroit Lions L
Week 4: @ Kansas City L
Week 5: Houston Texans W
Week 6: Las Angeles Rams W
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Chicago Bears W
Week 9: @ Miami Dolphins W
Week 10: @ Minnesota Vikings W
Week 11: @ Cleveland Browns W
Week 12: New York Jets W
Week 13: Cincinnati Bengals W
Week 14 Pittsburgh Steelers W
Week 15: @ Cincinnati Bengals W
Week 16: New England Patriots W
Week 17: @ Green Bay Packers W
Week 18: @ Pittsburgh Steelers W
There you have it, my way too early predictions for the AFC North in the 2025 NFL season. If you would like me to do the other divisions in the NFL, please let me know. I hope you enjoyed this article. Please let me know if you have any comments. Share what you would change down below.
After my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers pulled the checkbook out. They signed future hall of fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a 1 year $13.65 Million contract (with $10 Million guaranteed). One thing was made very clear to me after hearing this news. The Steelers are not as defense-driven as they have been in the past. Now do I think that this signing undermines the entire core of their team? No, I do not think this, but I do think this will affect the defense. Whether or not this will be a positive or negative shift, we will have to get closer to the preseason. What I can see now though is the defense, and there are a lot of positive adjustments being made there. Pittsburgh has always been a “defense wins championships” type of franchise. Even looking all the way back to 1969, when arguably the most known player in franchise history was drafted. Defensive Tackle Charles “Mean Joe” Greene was drafted. He has since been the leading member of the history behind the Steelers defense. From the Steel Curtain, to Blitzburgh, to the 2000s crew led by Joey Porter. Pittsburgh has had a longstanding tradition in Defense. Therefore let’s analyze this current era of defense and how it will look moving forward.
Let’s begin with an overview of how the defense looks heading into the 2025 year. For starters, Derrick Harmon looks to be a promising rookie. Steelers Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar has named him the starter. Other notable key figures in this roster are linebackers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. The Eagles’ rumored $68 Million contract offer for Highsmith in a trade proposal is alarming news for us Steelers fans. Our defense relies on him. He forms the perfect duo with Watt. Together, they keep the defense as the core of our required gameplan to success. Brandon Graham who is retiring makes the landscape that much more that Highsmith is traded. While his contract runs through 2027, one can only imagine if he will be moved to a different team. I mention this because the Steelers’ salary cap is affected by Rodgers. They will need to reorganize the defensive checkbook. Their defense has many loyal players. These include Cam Heyward and TJ Watt who seem unlikely to leave for a higher paycheck. That doesn’t mean everyone will apply to this logic, and even then Watt and Heyward will need a reasonable extension. As of now, Watt’s current deal will expire at the end of the 2025 season. Heyward’s will expire after 2026. It seems like a long time away. We need to be aware that Watt is looking for a contract similar to Myles Garrett.
Throughout the Aaron Rodgers news hitting the NFL world by storm, with some thinking this news was almost inevitable. It finally came true after two months of speculation. Now the Black and Gold will have some new challenges for 2025. TJ Watt and Cam Heyward are already established leaders. They need to mentor the defense. Let the offense do their thing. While this seems like it will work in a perfect world, we must acknowledge an important and difficult reality. Watt will want to be paid and while it is certainly deserved, it may affect the offense. Hopefully this influences Rodgers to retire after one season. That way, they can pay TJ in 2026. If this is how things are expected to end, why did they even sign Aaron initially? My theory is to have someone with more experience. This person can hopefully mentor Will Howard. Will Howard was a superstar at the NCAA level. Rodgers signing to Pittsburgh is certainly a “brand name” quarterback. We’ll have to see if his play can live up to the Rodgers image. The defense will certainly be affected because of how a team operates. The actions of the offense affect defense, and the opposite. With that being said, TJ Watt is the leader of the steelers and practically the new face of the franchise. Thus, no matter how the offense plays this season, it will come down to the Steelers defense. They must go out there. They need to play the best football week in and week out. For the purpose of continuing on the tradition and legacy of Pittsburgh Steelers football.
Strongsville, OH- With the news of Aaron Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, we decided to give our thoughts on this move. Rodgers is going to go down as an all-time great quarterback, but does he have enough left in the tank to be a good quarterback in the Steel City? Find out our thoughts and more in the YouTube video below
OTA (Organized Team Activities) practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been completed. National Champion for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Will Howard, has been put in charge of the Pittsburgh offense for 2025. There were a lot of uncertainties coming into the draft. This was true for the majority of teams that needed a quarterback. Now when looking at him, there was a rocky start on day 1. It is surprising how he has adapted to develop under Mason Rudolph. He has also broken out to potentially be the starter on day 1. Who will actually be the starter week one when Pittsburgh travels to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets? This question is too hard to tell being this far out from the regular season. We can however make predictions if Mason Rudolph is to start and do the same for Will Howard. So here are my three predictions for how each Quarterback will affect the Steelers season. Let’s begin with Mason Rudolph, who is the veteran in this case.
Rudolph has the opportunity to start for the black and gold brigade in the 2025 season. He will face a struggling New York Jets franchise. What most people tend to do is overlook Mason Rudolph and make assumptions that he falls to pressure. While there won’t be “season on the line” pressure, the situation will test him. The 29-year-old could lose his job to Howard. That is contingent however on how he performs in the first 3 games of the regular season. Rudolph can still play when needed. He proved this by leading the Steelers to a win. They defeated division rival Cincinnati Bengals 34-11. (I was at that game). When we observe games like this, we see that Rudolph has shown recent evidence. He can lead an offense. In one game, he threw for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those who know the NFL well, however, also realize a QB is only as good as his receivers. Rudolph had quality receivers. George Pickens (his main target) had 4 receptions for 2 touchdowns and 195 yards. Counterpart Allen Robinson, having 4 receptions for 36 yards. Pittsburgh is in a similar situation. They have Jalen Warren at running back for assistance. The receivers include DK Metcalf and many others that are unknown at this time. Pittsburgh’s receiving core overall will be different from years past, but Metcalf is an established veteran. My confusion lies in what Pittsburgh was thinking in the George Pickens trade. I’m confused. If Pittsburgh was already planning to trade Pickens, why didn’t they go for a wide receiver in the draft? I’m not saying get a receiver instead of Derrick Harmon in the first round. I’m saying possibly go with someone like Isaiah Bond in the 2nd or 3rd round. Where the offense will shine however is with rushing, while Najee Harris left for LA. This should not negatively affect the Steelers since they have Jaylen Warren, and Trey Sermon, a former Buckeye.
Now let’s begin with the predictions and analysis for 2024 Offensive MVP Will Howard. He is overall one of the best options in this year’s QB class. However, as with everyone, there is an adjustment period. Going from West Chester, Pennsylvania to Columbus, Ohio, and now he is back in the Keystone State. Howard had a phenomenal 2024 campaign at Ohio State, passing for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. While watching him during his time at Ohio State, he reminded me a lot of Peyton Manning. This is because he can throw the ball, but he’s not going to be the fastest guy on earth. He also isn’t a one-man show, like Peyton who had targets like Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Marcus Pollard. Howard shows these characteristics by having talents like Jerimiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. He also has the run game of Trey Sermon and Quinshon Judkins. Now these weapons will be different, but I think it will be a positive difference. The stakes are higher now and the weapons will be there if coached right. Arthur Smith, the offensive coordinator is entering his second season at the helm for the Steelers. He needed to get his ground made, and to have Howard who is impressionable. It is time for the Steelers to step up. They need to decide if they will emerge with Will Howard as their starter on day 1. They need to prepare and more importantly Howard needs to work this summer. To show the Pittsburgh Steelers that he is the quarterback of the future and nothing will be handed to him. Now if this is attainable, we will have to wait and see.
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