NFL Week 12 Highlights: Browns, Steelers, and the Rise of Taylor Rooks

As the NFL season approaches its conclusion, significant attention was focused on Thursday Night Football during Week 12. The Cleveland Browns faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a highly anticipated AFC North rivalry game. However, it was not just the on-field action that captured the audience’s gaze.

Social media platforms, notably X (formerly known as Twitter), were alight with comments about analyst Taylor Rooks, who impressed viewers with her presence. «Taylor Rooks is really a generational talent,» commented one user on X. Others expressed similar admiration for Rooks.

On the field, the Steelers aimed to enhance their offensive performance against the Browns. Their previous victory saw them unable to reach the end zone, relying heavily on their kicker, Chris Boswell, who successfully converted six field goals out of six attempts against the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke highly of Boswell ahead of their matchup with the Browns. «Boz is well-liked in our locker room. He has a social standing within the locker room, and I just think it’s probably his mentality more than anything else,» Tomlin stated. He highlighted Boswell’s competitive spirit and his crucial role within the team both on and off the field.

«Boz is the type of guy who, if he’s lining up for a 49-yard kick, he’ll want to move the ball back a yard,» Tomlin added. This mindset, according to Tomlin, resonates with team members and has solidified Boswell’s position as an integral part of the Steelers’ operations.

Elsewhere in the league, the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Washington Commanders, presenting a key NFC East matchup. Despite the significance of this game, attention again pivoted to Rooks, who has increasingly gained recognition in NFL circles.

The Eagles, after a modest start to the season, have found their stride, securing five consecutive victories. However, Head Coach Nick Sirianni has faced criticism, particularly concerning his decision to relinquish play-calling duties. Notably, former Eagles center Jason Kelce has defended Sirianni, comparing him to Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell, who does not face similar scrutiny.

«I think the big thing people question with Nick is like, ‘What does he do?’ Especially now that he’s not a play-caller,» noted Kelce. Despite stepping back from play-calling, Kelce underscored Sirianni’s contributions and leadership within the organization, emphasizing the value of his role in the team’s hiring successes and overall performance.