BREAKING NEWS: Mike Tomlin Sends Clear Message — Steelers Are Ready to Win Now!
Pittsburgh, PA — October 11, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers are done talking about potential. Head coach Mike Tomlin made it crystal clear in his press conference on Tuesday: the time for moral victories is over. The Steelers are now in "win-now" mode, and with a brutal divisional stretch ahead, they plan to return to the foundation of their franchise: physical, smashmouth football.
Coming off a well-timed bye week, Tomlin acknowledged the importance of the rest period but stressed that the real work starts now. The Steelers’ upcoming games, including back-to-back divisional matchups beginning with a road game against the Cleveland Browns, could set the tone for the rest of the season. And according to Tomlin, that tone will be set on the ground.
"We’re Going to Run the Football. A Lot."
In his Tuesday address, Tomlin emphasized the significance of divisional play, describing it as “fun and exciting” — and to the Steelers, that means pounding the football. Pittsburgh has always built its success on dominating the line of scrimmage with a powerful running attack, and they plan to return to that identity in a big way. The Steelers’ physical rushing game is essential, and they now have a key player to help ignite it: second-year tight end Darnell Washington.
Darnell Washington: The Key to Reigniting the Ground Game
The Steelers’ offense has been shaky at times this season, especially in the run game. But in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh showed signs of the old Steelers when they rushed for 131 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. What changed? Darnell Washington.
Washington’s imposing size and blocking ability have made a huge difference. Tomlin, known for his straightforward approach, made it clear that Washington is a crucial part of their offensive strategy. "You can’t play 4-3 teams with 250-pound tight ends," Tomlin said. "When you’re going against 300-pound linemen, you better have somebody out there that looks like that animal."
The Steelers’ Smashmouth Identity Is Back
Tomlin has always been about setting the tone with toughness, and with Washington's expanded role, the Steelers' offense will have the physical edge they need to thrive. The Steelers need to rely on running the football to win, especially considering their current 30th rank in rushing yards per game. With Washington leading the charge, the team is set to capitalize on his skills and create a powerful run game, even against tough defenses like the Cleveland Browns, who have the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense.
Final Thoughts: Steelers Are Ready for a Dominant Run
Tomlin’s message is clear: it’s time for the Steelers to go back to what they do best — physical, relentless, and tough football. As Darnell Washington’s role expands, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will impact Pittsburgh’s divisional stretch. The Steelers are ready for the grind, and if they can control the trenches and establish a strong run game, there’s no reason they can’t go 2-0 in these crucial games.
Serena Williams Crowns Keely Hodgkinson with £20,000 Gift After Stunning 800m Victory
Keely Hodgkinson has been crowned with a £20,000 tiara by tennis great Serena Williams after her latest success in New York.
Team GB's 800m superstar won an all-female Athlos meet in the United States with an impressive time of 1:56:53.
Hodgkinson ended her season with victory, finishing in front of fellow Brit Georgia Hunter Bell and St. Vincent's Shafiqua Maloney.
This was only her sixth event of the year due to spending time out injured after a hamstring tear was followed by other setbacks.
The 23-year-old was back on the track a few weeks after being denied gold at the World Athletics Championships in September.
And she was able to bounce back and claim glory - receiving an extra special prize in the Big Apple, instead of a gold medal.
At the Athlos meeting, things worked differently than usual, with live music being played and a party atmosphere in the stands.
Another change from the norm was the rewards too, with £20,000 Tiffany & Co. crowns being handed out to winners.
It meant Hodgkinson left with an expensive, glitzy prize, with it being handed over to her by a sporting icon.
Tennis legend Williams, who is married to Athlos founder Alexis Ohanian, was in attendance to crown winners.
Speaking after her win, Hodgkinson said: "I've barely raced this season, so it was probably less of a struggle for me to go out there and want to give it something.
"The atmosphere out there is crazy, so it was really, really fun."
Finishing on a high
Hodgkinson's season has ended with a £20,000 reward, in a result that helped her return to winning ways.
She began her athletics campaign in August with two wins in Poland and Switzerland in the Diamond League.
That set the Olympic champion up nicely for the World Athletics Championships, bringing her back to fitness after injury.
Hodgkinson won her heat and her semi-final with ease, but things didn't go to plan in the final.
She was only able to pick up bronze at the Worlds, with Hunter Bell swooping in to seal the silver medal.
Kenya's Lilian Odira took the gold, but despite that, after winning her last race of the season, Hodgkinson made sure to end on a high.
New challenge ahead
With this athletics season coming to a close, all eyes will soon be moving onto the next.
And for Hodgkinson, she will have a new rival in the 800m.
Five-time 400m hurdles gold medallist, Femke Bol, is making a major career change to pursue success in a new event.
Despite Bol admitting it will be 'unfamiliar territory', she will hope to challenge Hodgkinson and co. for glory.
On the Dutch star's change, Hodgkinson said: "I honestly can't wait to compete with her. She's chosen an event that's been going really well in recent years. She's running some amazing times.
"I commend Femke for her courageous decision. I think she has the talent to do very well in the 800 meters."
