Bengals

Bengals DL T.J. Slaton figures to be a key component in the team’s run defense, according to DL Al Golden.

“T.J. brings a big body presence in there,” Golden said, via ESPN. “He’s strong at the point of attack. He can beat a single block. He can anchor down on a double and he plays with great energy for a big man.”

Slaton added that he’s hoping to be an agent of change and make the team’s defense a strong point.

“It’s going to show exactly what type of brand of football that we’ve been working towards this whole offseason,” Slaton said. “It’s just going to show we’re just not wanting to let people run all over us. That’s the tone we’re coming to set.”

Browns

• Browns WR coach Chad O’Shea says that WR Jerry Jeudy “has really emerged as a leader for us” and added that the team has high expectations for the veteran receiver. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• Browns QB Joe Flacco on the Week 1 loss to the Bengals: “It’s tough. Felt like we did a lot of good things but also did a lot of things that get you beat.” (Zac Jackson)
• Browns rookie TE Harold Fannin’s seven receptions are the most by a rookie tight end in Week 1 in NFL history, and rookie RB Dylan Sampson’s eight receptions tied with Tarik Cohen for the most by a rookie running back in their first career game. (Nick Shook)

Steelers

• Regarding the Steelers’ passing more often over the middle of the field, OC Arthur Smith said, “This year will be different,” after they tried to utilize Russell Wilson‘s strength of throwing closer to the sidelines last season, via Nick Farabaugh.
• Steelers’ veteran DT Cameron Heyward has been pushing for a raise this offseason, and his contract situation has finally been resolved going into Week 1. Pittsburgh DC Teryl Austin expects Heyward to play in the season opener: “Absolutely, he’s been practicing, so I’m anticipating him playing.” (Brooke Pryor)
• Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers was asked how it felt to beat Jets HC Aaron Glenn: “I’m just happy to beat everybody associated with the Jets.” (Brooke Pryor)
• Steelers LB Patrick Queen on the team’s defensive performance: “We (defense) played like shit. I am not going to sugarcoat it, we played like shit and if we keep playing like that, we are going to get our face mashed in. It’s that simple. I call it like it is, and we played like absolute trash.” (Mark Kaboly)

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