Former Panther Takes Playful Jab at ‘Trap Game’ Concept

In a light-hearted exchange with reporters, Donte Jackson, a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, jabbed at the notion of «trap games» during a session on Tuesday. This came as the Steelers are gearing up to face the Cleveland Browns, a matchup some have termed as potentially overconfident territory for the Pittsburgh team following their victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

Jackson, who previously played for the Carolina Panthers, quipped, “What’s a trap game? I played in Carolina for a long time, I’m not familiar with trap games.” His comment comes against the backdrop of his five-year tenure with the Panthers, a period marked by struggles as indicated by never having finished a season with a winning record.

«It’s a funny statement,» commented a local sports analyst. During his time with the Panthers from 2018 to 2023, the team managed a maximum of seven wins in a single season. In comparison, the Steelers had surpassed that number within the first 11 weeks of the ongoing season.

The «trap game» concept resonates with the Steelers’ supporters who recall past performances where promising seasons were undermined by defeats from lower-ranked teams. Instances include last year’s losses against teams like the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, both regarded among the league’s struggling franchises.

Moreover, historical disappointments like the 2020 loss to the Washington Football Team, as well as a knockout by the underdog Browns in the playoffs, illustrate Pittsburgh’s occasional failure to maintain momentum against seemingly weaker opponents.

Jackson’s jest underscores a need for the Steelers to remain vigilant. A win against the Browns would solidify their standing in the division, but a loss could disrupt their progress. The Steelers’ last victory in Cleveland dates back to 2021, presenting a potentially challenging hurdle in their upcoming fixture.