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NFL Blocks Steelers’ Early Trip to Ireland, Then Offers Baffling Explanation

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their overseas matchup in Dublin against the Minnesota Vikings, but the focus this week hasn’t just been on the field – it’s on the flight. Head coach Mike Tomlin and his team had planned to leave earlier in the week to get ahead of jet lag, only for the NFL to step in and shut it down.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the league ruled that both teams must arrive at the same time, preventing Pittsburgh from adjusting their travel schedule. “FYI, the Steelers wanted to go over early in the week, but the NFL said no and (is) making each team arrive at the same time,” Dulac wrote. “I don’t know the exact reason for the change… maybe it has to do with competitive advantage. But it wasn’t the Steelers’ decision.”

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The move stirred immediate frustration, particularly because Pittsburgh has lived through the nightmare before. Back in 2013, the Steelers looked sluggish in a London loss to the Vikings after arriving late in the week. Defensive captain Cam Heyward, the lone remaining player from that roster, still recalls how rough it was.

“We left Thursday night and arrived Friday morning,” Heyward said on the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast. “Everybody was asleep during practice. Everybody was falling asleep during the stretch. Then we had meetings after, everybody fell asleep there. Then, during the game, everybody was asleep in the first half. It’s rough… it’s not ideal.”

Tomlin reportedly wanted to avoid that exact scenario this time, only to be denied by the league. It’s a move that has left Steelers Nation scratching their heads, wondering why the team can’t be given the flexibility to prepare properly.

The silver lining? Minnesota will face the same problem this time around. Back in 2013, the Vikings left earlier and had the advantage. Now, with both sides forced into the same travel timeline, the playing field is at least level – even if both teams end up yawning their way through kickoff.

Tre'von Moehrig Lavishes Praise on the One Who Replaced Him in His Absence
Can you believe it? A veteran star of the Carolina Panthers, Tre'von Moehrig, was suspended for a notorious "punch below the belt," but instead of being jealous, he's showering praise on his "replacement"! What's going on with this team? Read now for the "hot off the press" details from Week 13! The Carolina Panthers just caused an earthquake by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, despite missing a slew of key players. Under the "wizardry" of head coach Dave Canales, the team showcased incredible resilience. But the real spotlight belongs to Tre'von Moehrig – the Panthers' top safety, who's sidelined due to a suspension after punching wide receiver Jauan Jennings from the San Francisco 49ers below the belt. Yet, instead of sulking, Moehrig watched from home and... "went wild" over the performance of the rookie who stepped in for him! That's none other than Lathan Ransom, the young gun selected in the 4th round of the draft, who "stole" Moehrig's spot and turned it into his own stage. Ransom not only led the team with 11 tackles but also made his mark with a "top-notch" sack! Moehrig, with his wealth of experience, couldn't hide his excitement: "Man, I was hype (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see it all as the play was happening. I was like, Oh, there you go. I could see it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. Sky's the limit for him." (Translation: "Oh man, I was so hyped (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see everything as the play unfolded. I was like, Oh, there you go. I saw it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. The sky's the limit for him." This "sweet as honey" praise from Moehrig not only affirms Ransom's talent but also raises the question: Is this "replacement" threatening the starting positions of Moehrig and Nick Scott – the current starting safety duo? Panthers fans have been "whispering" about this for a while, after witnessing Ransom shine in summer practices and his flashy cameo appearances. With this impressive performance, Ransom is sure to get more opportunities, especially as the Panthers are "heating up" in the race for the NFC South championship! At 23 years old, Ransom is seen as a "rough diamond" with explosive potential, thanks to the Panthers' sharp personnel strategy. And Moehrig? This guy was signed as a "bargain" from the free agent market, and his leadership and positive attitude have completely transformed the team's defense in just his first season. That influence is spreading strongly to Ransom – the kid who shares many similarities and is gradually "transforming" into a future star. But that's not all – the lesson from Moehrig is accelerating the "youth revolution" at the Panthers! With this public praise, Moehrig isn't just acknowledging Ransom's growth but also igniting ambition for the entire team. Will the Panthers continue to "soar high" with this new generation? Don't miss out – follow now for the next drama in the NFL!