PITTSBURGH – The sting of opening week still lingers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the calendar waits for no one. With the Cleveland loss in the rearview mirror, Coach DK LaFleur and his squad now turn their attention to another 0–1 team searching for redemption, the New Orleans Saints, led by longtime PML coach CoolUnderFire.
It’s a matchup of two franchises at a crossroads. Both stumbled out of the gate, both have new pieces still finding their rhythm, and both are led by coaches with something to prove. But while Pittsburgh is working to establish its identity after a loss, New Orleans is entering this game surrounded by whispers of tanking, of roster resets, and of questionable motives that have followed Coach CoolUnderFire since the offseason.
A New Era in the Bayou
Gone is the old Saints playbook of methodical pocket passing and ground-and-pound football. In its place stands a completely reimagined offense built around youth and speed. At the center of it all is rookie quarterback John Mateer, a true dual threat who brings mobility, poise, and creativity to a team that desperately needed a spark. Mateer may only be a few practices into his PML career, but already there’s a buzz about his ability to extend plays, make off-platform throws, and turn broken situations into big gains.
Beside him in the backfield is fellow rookie Desmond Reid, an elusive running back who has the skill set of a top-ten pick. Reid’s acceleration through the second level and shiftiness in space make him a nightmare for linebackers in man coverage. If he gets going early, it could open up the field for Mateer to improvise and find lanes through the air or on the ground.
For a coach like CoolUnderFire, who’s built his brand on adapting and evolving, this new combination gives him a lot more freedom. Freedom to roll the pocket, to manipulate defenses, to make opponents chase shadows. It’s the kind of versatility that, when used correctly, can make any game plan dangerous.
The Cloud of Controversy
But despite the promising young duo, there’s been more talk about what’s happening off the field than on it. Several league insiders have quietly questioned the Saints’ direction, wondering if the team’s underwhelming results last season and some eyebrow-raising roster decisions were part of a deliberate effort to rebuild through the draft.
While no official rule was broken, and no hard evidence exists of intentional tanking, the speculation has been impossible to ignore. The league’s competitive culture thrives on balance and effort, and any hint that a coach might be manipulating outcomes for future gain tends to ignite debate.
Coach LaFleur, never one to mince words, acknowledged the chatter but made it clear he’s not underestimating his opponent. “I don’t care what people are saying about their record or their motives,” LaFleur said. “I know CoolUnderFire. He’s a competitor. You don’t stay in this league as long as he has without having pride. Whatever’s being said outside the locker room, we’re expecting his best.”
The Steelers’ Response
As for Pittsburgh, the focus has shifted inward. LaFleur has spent the week emphasizing discipline, execution, and accountability. The loss to Cleveland wasn’t just about talent disparities or controversial abilities, it was about missed assignments, poor tackling, and a lack of rhythm on offense.
Quarterback Desmond Ridder showed flashes of command in Week 1, throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns, but also turned the ball over twice. Against a defense like New Orleans, Ridder’s decision-making will be critical. Expect LaFleur to lean on running back Nate Carter early to establish tempo and take pressure off the passing game.
Defensively, the Steelers know what’s coming. Mateer and Reid will test their discipline with read options, designed rollouts, and play-action looks that force edge defenders to make split-second decisions. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will have to balance aggression with containment, as over-pursuit could open up lanes for Mateer to exploit.
Secondary play will also be under the microscope after communication breakdowns hurt the Steelers last week. Jaylen Watson’s pick-six against Cleveland was a bright spot, but Pittsburgh’s corners can’t afford lapses against a team that thrives on unpredictability.
Respect and Rivalry
What makes this matchup so intriguing isn’t just the X’s and O’s, but it’s the underlying respect between two seasoned coaches who understand the grind of a long season. Despite his fiery comments toward Dot and the Browns last week, LaFleur’s tone toward CoolUnderFire carried more nuance.
“Look, I’ve got history with Cool,” LaFleur said. “He’s been around, and he’s had success. I respect that. But the second that whistle blows, all that goes out the window. We’re both 0–1, and one of us is about to be 0–2. That’s all that matters.”
There’s a certain honesty in that sentiment. Both men are competitors at their core, and both know how quickly narratives can shift in PML. A win this week won’t erase the questions surrounding either franchise, but it could stabilize their footing in a season that’s only beginning to take shape.
What to Watch
For fans tuning in, this game promises a fascinating clash of styles with LaFleur’s structured, balanced approach versus CoolUnderFire’s creative chaos. If the Steelers’ defense can keep Mateer from extending plays, they’ll have a chance to dictate tempo. If not, the rookie’s improvisation could turn a few broken plays into highlight moments.
The stakes are clear: one team will leave with renewed confidence, the other with mounting pressure. And in a league where every game matters, 0–2 can feel like a mountain that’s hard to climb.
For DK LaFleur and CoolUnderFire, this isn’t just a Week 2 matchup, but it’s a statement game. One coach fights to prove his system still works. The other fights to prove his rebuild is real. Only one will find validation when the clock hits zero.
– Forged In Steel Times
