Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers rejoice! Viewers of HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North’s premiere episode were in for a treat, especially for fans of the Black and Gold. Boasting almost an hour runtime, entertainment, takeaways, and behind-the-scenes sneak peaks were almost all but guaranteed during Tuesday’s episode of Hard Knocks. With this in mind, here are 10 Steelers’ revelations from the debut episode of the AFC North’s rendition of Hard Knocks.
Fans witnessed what Mike Tomlin’s favorite selection of chips are: Fritos
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 01: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers acknowledges the fans after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
In an episode that contained drama, shocking revelations, and a competitive behind-the-scenes look at the AFC North divisional rivalry, one key highlight was without a doubt Tomlin eating chili cheese Fritos with his feet kicked up during a defensive film session.
Keeanu Benton became a leader with a powerful Week 13 speech: “Remember what got you here”
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 17: Keeanu Benton #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after sacking Mitchell Trubisky #11 of the Buffalo Bills (not pictured) in the first quarter during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Keeanu Benton has truly developed into a defensive leader for the Steelers, and his inspirational words to hype up his team the night before the big game were second to none.
Pittsburgh’s Week 13 ‘Joe Burrow plan’ somewhat worked
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Pittsburgh’s plan to deal with Burrow’s pocket awareness seemingly paid off as Watt’s forced fumble marked a turning point on defense for the Steelers.
Minkah Fitzpatrick really dislikes WR Ja’Marr Chase
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 11: Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals flies through the air after being hit by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Paycor Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
During the defensive film session, Steelers coaches frequently referred to Fizpatrick’s disdain for Chase, and fans caught a small glimpse of the trash talk that was exchanged during each encounter with the two in Week 13.
Former Steelers CB and current Bengal Mike Hilton tried to spoil the Steelers’ strategy
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) defends during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
In preparation for Week 13, CB Mike Hilton took it upon himself to prepare his fellow Bengals’ DBs for George Pickens, as well as to describe the tendencies his former coach, Mike Tomlin, brings to the Steelers during short-yardage situations: they will always threaten to take a deep shot.
Despite extra preparation, the Steelers failed to stop RB Chase Brown in Week 13
Nov 17, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Tomlin could be seen consoling an annoyed Cam Heyward during halftime of their Week 13 contest, letting him know that although Chase had run wild in the first half, the coach had preached all week during game preparation about stopping the running back.
Mike Tomlin considers Ja’Marr Chase the best WR in 2024
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Although the Steelers had victory on their minds in preparation for the Bengals in Week 13, Tomlin frequently referred to Ja’Marr Chase as doing it better than any other WR currently this season.
Cam and Connor Heyward’s brotherly dynamic makes great television
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers receives the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award prior to Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
From their Thanksgiving dinner to their interactions during practice, the humor and wit in the exchanges between Cam and Connor Heyward were hilarious.
Mike Tomlin opened the doors to his home for any Steelers player during Thanksgiving dinner
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks off the field after the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
To open practice on Thanksgiving Day, Tomlin told his players that anyone who wanted to attend his family’s Thanksgiving dinner was more than welcome in his home.
Nick Herbig was called upon to deliver, and he did just that against Orlando Brown Jr.
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) prepares for the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Nick Herbig’s matchup against Orlando Brown Jr. was a focus for the Steelers, and Tomlin called out the young edge rusher to make a play just moments before Herbig’s momentum shifting forced fumble on Joe Burrow.