Steelers' Late Game Blunder Might Be The Result Of Technical Difficulties
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of their bye week after getting off to a solid start to the 2025 season as they currently sit at 3-1 through the first four weeks. The team appears to be starting to hit a little bit of a groove as well, as the Week 4 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland was the best the team has looked as a whole thus far. That victory has Steeler Nation cautiously optimistic for the rest of the season.
Despite the win in Week 4 that for much of the game looked like the Steelers were in firm control, the anxiety level continues to rise throughout the fourth quarter as the Vikings clawed their way back. There were some decisions late in that victory that had many people questioning the thought process behind them. It is never good to let teams have life late in the game, and the decisions that were made on critical possession downs didn't have the outcomes many would have liked to see.
One of the most criticized decisions was to punt the ball on 4th and 1, giving the ball back to the Vikings with just over one minute remaining. Luckily the Steelers' defense was able to quickly shut down the following Vikings drive to win the game, but the decision not to end the game with the offense on the field still led to Head Coach
While meeting with the media during the bye week, Connor Heyward shined some light that ended up adding a little context to the series of events leading up to the punt. As it turns out, the 3rd and 1 play that ultimately was stuffed by the Vikings wasn't a smooth operation, as quarterback
"I think there was like technical difficulties going on with the helmet," said Heyward on the 3rd and 1 play. "We just got up to the ball and tried to get them to jump offsides and then we ended up having to call timeout."
It is incredibly unfortunate that a play as critical as a short yardage play on third down to potentially ice the game ended up having some hiccups from the start due to technical difficulties.
One thing to note however, the Vikings did call timeout after the Steelers' second down play, which got them to the 3rd and 1 situation. So the Steelers already had time to huddle together and discuss a play call over on the sideline. So Rodgers being unable to get the play call when he got back into the huddle on the field made having to call a timeout in that situation extra frustrating.
If the Steelers were to be able to communicate a play appropriately and not have to use their final timeout on third down, it may have affected their decision making on fourth down. The Steelers elected to take a delay of game penalty and ended up punting, but if they had that timeout still in their pocket, they could have potentially sent the offense back out to either go for the first down, or attempt to draw the defense offsides. They then could have called the timeout if they didn't like the look or were unsuccessful.
Regardless of the technical difficulties, the decision to punt on 4th and 1 in their opponent's territory with a minute left and the lead is one that'll be questioned until the Steelers take the field in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers Are In Good Position To Have Success In The AFC North
Being alone atop the AFC North is usually not an easy task. However, the Steelers have received a little bit of luck with the rest of the division struggling with their players' performances or injuries. Some are even predicting that the
It is never easy in the NFL to go 6-0 in any stretch, let alone against the teams that know you best. However, the way the division is shaping up currently, it is hard not to be optimistic about the Steelers' chances.
Cowboys Pull Off Shocking Trade Pitch That Lands $29 Million 4-Time Pro Bowl Star – A Move That Could Change the Game
The Dallas Cowboys defense continues to be a work in progress, prompting some speculation the front office could make additional moves before the NFL trade deadline on November 4, 2025. Dallas could still use legit pass rushers given the Micah Parsons sized hole that has been left in Big D.
The Cowboys are hoping Jadeveon Clowney can be a temporary solution, but there is a potential trade candidate who is one of the top NFL pass rushers. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson ranked among the top trade candidates.
Hendrickson has been in a standoff with the Bengals over a contract extension. What would the Cowboys need to give up to land Hendrickson?
Bleacher Report projects that Hendrickson’s trade value is a conditional 2026 second-round pick. Dallas would also likely need to be prepared to sign Hendrickson to a contact extension.
Here is what you need to know about a potential Cowboys-Bengals trade.
The Bengals May Be Willing to Cut Ties With Trey Hendrickson Given Joe Burrow’s Injury
Hendrickson signed a renegotiated one-year, $29 million contract as a temporary solution. The 4-time Pro Bowler is slated to be a free agent in 2026, but the Bengals could also use the franchise tag to retain Hendrickson.
Even with Burrow behind center, Cincinnati probably can’t overcome a suspect defense enough to make a deep playoff run,” Knox wrote in an October 1, story titled, “2025 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 5.” “Therefore, it would make sense to cash in pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Season-ending injuries to players like Nick Bosa and Marcus Davenport might help allow the Bengals to get something close to their asking price for the 30-year-old,” Knox added.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported in August that the Bengals wanted a 2026 first-round pick and a young defensive player in return for Hendrickson. They probably can’t expect that now, but a desperate team may offer something close to it.”
Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson Had Back-to-Back Seasons With 17.5 Sacks
Hendrickson posted back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks and more than 40 tackles. The veteran notched 46 tackles, 36 quarterback hits and 17.5 sacks in 17 starts during the 2024 season.
Through the first four games of 2025, Hendrickson has 11 tackles, six quarterback hits and two sacks. Given Joe Burrow’s injury, it may be time for the Bengals to build for the future and get something in return for Hendrickson.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on Potential Trades: ‘I’m Open for Business’
The Cowboys have hinted that more moves could be on the way given the team has two extra draft picks from the Parsons trade. Dallas is allowing 33 points per game, the second worst unit in the NFL.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on if they’re open to adding defensive help via trade: ‘Absolutely, I’m open for business period relative now that we have those extra picks. We should be.'” The Athletic’s Jon Machota noted in a September 19, message on X.
The Bengals are 2-2 but have lost their last two games. Things could go from bad to worse without Burrow, meaning Hendrickson is a player Cowboys fans should keep an eye on as the trade deadline gets closer.
