The Pittsburgh Steelers got a much-needed 28-15 win at home at Acrisure Stadium on Monday Night Football. The dominance from Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin on MNF continues, and the noise from fans has quieted a little after back-to-back wins. The victory feels even sweeter following the home crowd chanting "Fire Tomlin" in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills after the team collapsed in the second half. Tomlin has steered the ship back on course, and now the Steelers have a date with the Detroit Lions awaiting them in Week 16.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' star defensive lineman Cam Heyward and long-time Head Coach Mike Tomlin share a moment as they walk off the field after a game in the Steel City.
The big question remains when TJ Watt will be ready to return after being hospitalized with a collapsed lung. No one truly knows the exact timeline, but for this Steelers defense, getting a win without Watt was massive. Historically, the team has struggled mightily in games without their star pass rusher, but Monday night felt different. The defense showed resilience, discipline, and depth, proving they can handle adversity even without one of their most important players.
Steelers leader Cam Heyward was asked directly why the team was able to win without Watt, and his answer was simple yet telling. He credited the team's improved depth and overall fitness, hinting that the roster is now better prepared to handle Watt’s absence.
It’s a statement about the growth of this Steelers team under Tomlin, a team that has learned how to rely on one another and step up when stars are sidelined. With the Lions looming in Week 16, that depth and resilience will be tested once again. Heyward explained what the difference was this time around without Watt while speaking with several members of the media after the win.
"Whew, I don't really know," Heyward said. "Obviously, we miss TJ [Watt], but I think we had other guys step up. In the past, we have not really had Alex [Highsmith], Nick [Herbig], Jack [Sawyer] to kind of make up that collective, but you know, it's not a one-man team. It's not a one-man defense. We all got to thrive and we all got to play our best ball in December."
In the case of the Steelers, they certainly missed Watt’s presence. However, there’s a silver lining, and Heyward just pointed it out in his press conference.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
Heyward admitted he doesn’t truly know when Watt may return, but he did hint that whenever he does come back, he should be feeling fully rested and ready to make an impact.
"The way I look at it is, you know, we just bought a week off for TJ [Watt]," Heyward said. "I do not know when he is coming back, but his legs should be feeling pretty good."
That mindset reflects the Steelers’ culture of trusting the process, giving players time to recover, and leaning on one another. It’s a reminder that even when stars are sidelined, leadership and preparation can carry the team forward.
Steelers Looking To Continue Momentum In Detroit
Looking ahead, the Steelers have a chance to build momentum and prove they can compete with top-tier teams in the league. If Monday night showed anything, it’s that this roster is deeper and more adaptable than it may have appeared earlier in the season.
Associated Press
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (left) greets Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell near midfield after a professional football game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Fans may finally have some reassurance that Tomlin’s approach is still effective, even in the face of injuries. The team’s focus now is simple: continue executing, stay healthy where possible, and bring the same intensity to Detroit. With resilience as their foundation, the Steelers look ready to face whatever challenges the remainder of the season may bring.
What do you think the result will be as the Steelers face the Lions in Week 16? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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