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Steeler Nation doesn’t just reside in the surrounding areas of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. It is a world-wide army that lives and dies with the team that calls Pittsburgh it’s home. The six-time Super Bowl champions always strive for excellence, and their fans expect nothing less. This is the preview that all fans of the black and gold come to find everything they need to know about the Pittsburgh Steelers and their upcoming opponent! NGSC Sports writer Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing a weekly game story, the Steelers offensive and defensive game plans, score prediction, game day information, a detailed breakdown of each team, and up to date team injury reports. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform.
Wounded Steelers look to rebound after 1st loss of season
The luck ran out for the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1) last week after they blew an early 14-0 lead to Washington, falling 23-17 after failing to over come the mistakes that plagued the team a week earlier vs Baltimore, and game that was cancelled three times, which forced last week’s game to be moved to a 5pm start on Monday evening instead of a 1pm Sunday afternoon kickoff.
Injuries, penalties, horrible play calling, combined with another eight or nine drops killed off what was a perfect season for the Steelers.
Though the Steelers can only fight through the injuries, they are intent on eliminating the mental mistakes that championship caliber teams do not make.
The receivers have been put on blast by head coach Mike Tomlin.
“They can catch the ball or they can get replaced by those who will catch it,” Tomlin after the Steelers offense was inundated by numerous drops in a over the past two games. “It’s as simple as that.”
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger leads the NFL in pass attempts. The offensive approach this season has been for Big Ben to get the ball out as quickly as possible to his receivers, and let them make plays in space. The philosophy had worked well early in the season, but the offense has come to a grinding halt in the past two weeks.
Some have questioned if the Steelers are throwing too much and not giving their run game a chance to work.
“Does my arm feel fatigued? Can I still get the ball down the field? What’s it going to feel like in the offseason?” Roethlisberger said earlier this week. “I can’t answer that question because I just don’t know yet. That’s why we take days and I rest, and we do everything we can to get ready to go.”
Normally Roethlisberger does not practice on Wednesdays. Then ramping it up on Thursday and Friday in practice. However, Roethlisberger has not practiced at all during the previous two chaotic weeks. This week has seen a return to normal, if you can call anything that in 2020.
“We are going to try and keep him on the same schedule and let his arm speak to us and his legs,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said. “We don’t go in aspire to throw the ball 50-plus times. … Sometimes it just seems to happen that way, but that’s not what we are trying to do.”
After suffering their first defeat this year, a lot of football experts thought a loss would be good for the Steelers, or any team going for perfection, to relieve the enormous pressure felt. Count Roethlisberger among them… sort of.
“Certain teams, certain players can utilize that loss and motivate it to get back on track and things like that,” Roethlisberger said about his teams first loss.
“I also subscribe to the notion that great teams don’t need it. I like to consider us a great team, so we just need to see how we react and bounce back to this last week.”
Pittsburgh will face a big challenge to get back on track as they travel up to Buffalo to face the red hot Buffalo Bills (9-3), led by QB Josh Allen, and a bevy of offensive weapons he has to work with.
Making matters even more difficult is the fact the Steelers will be down four starters in this game. Linebacker Robert Spillane, who replaced the enormously talented Devin Bush, has been placed on IR with a knee injury. He is hopeful to return in three weeks. Bud Dupree was lost for the season vs Baltimore and has been replaced by rookie Alex Highsmith. Inside LB Vince Williams is on the Reserve/COVID list this week, and corner Joe Haden is out with a concussion.
Cam Sutton, who played for the injured Steven Nelson last week, will now replace Haden, as Nelson is good to go this week.
Kicker Chris Boswell, who also missed last week, is back in action.
Now, about that Steelers offense…
With center Maurkice Pouncey and RB James Conner also returning this Sunday night, Tomlin is hopeful that his offense gets back on track, but he knows that they has some issues to correct, and soon.
“If you can’t get a yard in our game, you don’t deserve to win,” Tomlin said about his team’s inability to convert on short yardage situations this year. “That’s the nuts and bolts element of football, the physicality element of football. We didn’t meet that challenge, so we have some work to do in that area.”
The talent is there in both the offensive line and on the legs of Conner. The Steelers, as a team, were averaging over four yards a carry in the first four games of the year, as the team had a 100 yard rusher in each of those games.
“We’re not just doing good enough,” Tomlin said. “I could comb through it with a whole bunch of minutiae, but the bottom line is popcorn. If it was one identifying thing, then you would pluck that one thing out and move on with your day.”
Though the team has had to juggle through injuries and players being on the COVID list, Tomlin doesn’t want to hear any excuses… he just wants results.
“We’ve lost fluidity since we missed some of those guys,” Tomlin said. “To be quite honest with you, that (ticks) me off because we have to be the type of group that endures regardless of who is available. That’s how we construct this group not only in terms of our acquisition of players but just development of mentality and personality. We have some work ahead of us.”
Prediction
It’s hard to say that everyone will see what the Steelers are really made of when they face the Bills this Sunday night, their first game coming off a loss this year. Down five players who have started on defense this year against a pretty well oiled offensive machine in what Josh Allen and the Bills bring will not be easy to overcome. However, this isn’t the Cleveland Browns we’re talking about here. This is the Steelers, a proud franchise that defines tradition in the NFL. This team doesn’t blink in the eye of adversity, they welcome it.
Sunday night in Orchard Park will pit two teams against each other that may very well see each other again in January, with even bigger prizes on the line.
“We miss all of the guys we don’t have and wish everybody could be here,” said linebacker T.J. Watt, the lone starting linebacker remaining from Week 1. “At the same time everybody is a professional football player. Like I say every week, everybody has been preparing like they are a starter since they got here. Everybody in this locker room is more than capable of stepping up and being a key contributor for this team.
“Everybody around is going to have to pick it up too to help make the transition as easiest as possible for these guys. Whether it’s just things like communication or things like that.”
You heard cat calls from all over the national media about how Pittsburgh wasn’t anywhere near as good as their previous perfect record was. Now with a loss and injuries piling up, it’s almost as if experts think this team will just roll over and die now.
Don’t think this team won’t be playing the lack of respect card when they take the field this Sunday night. It will be an uphill challenge, but a welcomed one. Look for Pittsburgh’s defense to keep Josh Allen from getting outside the pocket, and hitting him with a few surprises that may result in a turnover or two. You may also see a change in offensive scheme, with Roethlisberger pushing the ball farther downfield, and the return of the forgotten rushing attack.
Pittsburgh loves playing in the limelight of primetime games, and they certainly enjoy proving their doubters wrong. Steelers and the offense bounces back in a big way, and show that their demise has been greatly exaggerated… Steelers 34 Bills 24
Steelers Offensive Game Plan
- Man up in rushing attack: With both Maurkice Pouncey and James Conner back, the Steelers need to utilize Derek Watt and pound the ball up the middle with Watt leading the way for Conner. If the team commits to running the ball, they will have success.
- Use Play Action: Another tactic that need to be revived is play action. This will aid Big Ben in both the rushing and passing attacks if finally incorporated back into the pass heavy game plan.
- Catch the damn ball: The Steelers over the past two weeks have dropped more passes than AT&T drops calls driving in the countryside. Catch the ball or take a seat on the bench.
Steelers Defensive Game Plan
- Keep Josh Allen in the pocket: Keeping Allen bottled up is key, and when Steeler defenders get to Allen, lay the wood to him, as Allen is prone to turnovers when pressured.
- Devin Singletary out of the backfield: Josh Allen loves to find Singletary out of the backfield. Pittsburgh needs to tighten this coverage up, as Washington’s J.D. McKissic was killing them last Monday.
- Steven Nelson vs Stephon Diggs: If Nelson can limit Digg’s big play ability, it will go a long way in the Steelers chance of winning this game.
A look at the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 11-1 (1st in AFC North)
Head coach: Mike Tomlin (13th Season with Steelers)
- Overall regular-season record: 144-75-1
- Playoff record: 8-7 (Qualified for playoffs 8 times)
2020 Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
Steelers Team/Individual Statistics
Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 Schedule
Last game: Redskins 23 Steelers 17
Steelers Offense
- Points per game: 27.8
- Total yards per game: 344.8
- Passing yards per game: 252.3
- Rushing yards per game: 92.6
Strengths: The passing game behind the arm of Ben Roethlisberger and a variety of weapons to choose from.
Weaknesses: The rushing attack, especially in short-yardage situations. Offensive line needs to start creating some push and space.
Scouting report: Ben Roethlisberger is playing as good as he ever has in his eventual HOF career. Big Ben has 27 touchdowns so far and passed for 3,105 yards and seven interceptions. He has only been sacked 10 times.
Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and James Washington lead a talented group of wide receivers. Johnson has 65 receptions for 654 yards and five touchdowns. Claypool is having a big rookie year with 47 catches for 649 yards and eight TDs. Claypool also has rushed for 22 yards and two more touchdowns. Smith-Schuster leads the team with 73 catches for 600 yards and six touchdowns. James Washington (25-343-4) can line up anywhere and comes up with big catches when his number gets called. TE’s Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald give Big Ben huge targets across the middle and down in the red zone. Ebron has been a Big Ben favorite and now has 49 catches for 481 yards and four scores.
The offensive line does a pretty good job protecting Roethlisberger, but they need to step up their play in providing room in the running game. James Conner has rushed for 645 yards and five scores and has 25 receptions for 145 yards. Benny Snell looks good in his 2nd year, leaner and a hint faster. He rushed for 113 yards in the opener when Conner sustained an ankle injury and has 260 overall with three touchdowns.
Anthony McFarland, Jr. has been plugged into the rushing attack and has run for 91 yards.
Ray-Ray McCloud has been used as an x-factor type weapon, gaining 65 yards on four carries, and has 17 catches for 82 yards.
This is an offense capable of putting up big numbers weekly, especially when they finish drives in the endzone instead of settling for field goals. Roethlisberger is leading the league in how fast he gets the ball out from the snap. Pittsburgh mainly attacks 2-7 yards downfield, with an occasional deep shot.
The Steelers are 7th in the NFL averaging 27.8 points per game.
Starting Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger / Back-up: Mason Rudolph
Running Backs: James Conner, Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, Jr., and Jaylen Samuels
Fullback: Derek Watt
Wide Receivers: Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington, and Ray-Ray McCloud III
Tight Ends: Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
- Points per game allowed: 17.6
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 300.5
- Passing yards allowed: 199.8
- Rushing yards allowed: 100.7
- Sacks: 44
- Interceptions: 16
Strengths: A relentless pass rush, tough run defense, and creating turnovers.
Weaknesses: Sometimes have issues getting off the field on 3rd downs, allowing opposing quarterback too much time by not blitzing.
Scouting report: One of the top units in the NFL. They are fast and physical. Pittsburgh defends the run well and puts constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks with a variety of blitzes. Cam Heyward anchors the defensive line and is a yearly all-pro, with the vastly underappreciated Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu alongside him. Tuitt has eight sacks in 2020.
OLB T.J. Watt is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and he formed a terrific 1-2 punch with Bud Dupree on the other side. Watt and Dupree had combined for 19 sacks before Dupree injured his ACL vs the Ravens. Now rookie Alex Highsmith will have some big shoes to fill and will be counted to be the next man up. Inside LB Vince Williams is stout against the run, and leads the team with 63 tackles, but he is out on COVID-Reserve. The hard-hitting Robert Spillane, who replaced star LB Devin Bush who tore his ACL, is out at least three weeks with a knee injury. Avery Williamson, acquired via trade from the NY Jets, will start in place of Spillane. .
Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick leads an impressive secondary with two good corners in Joe Haden and Steven Nelson. Strong safety Terrell Edmunds never gets the credit he deserves but is always around the ball. Fitzpatrick has four interceptions to lead the team.
Mike Hilton is the most unheralded player on the defense, a do-everything player in Pittsburgh’s nickel package. Hilton has three sacks, one interception, and 38 tackles in just seven games.
The splash play Steelers have recorded 44 sacks so far and 16 interceptions. They lead the NFL allowing just 17.6 points per game.
Special Teams
Placekicker: Chris Boswell
- Extra Points: 31-35
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 6-6
- 40-49 yards: 7-8
- 50+ yards: 1-1
Scouting report: Chris Boswell is solid as ever at place-kicker. Ray-Ray McCloud is making a name for himself, averaging 23.1 yards per kickoff return, and 12.4 per punt return. Boswell is doubtful this week and will be replaced by Matthew Wright if he is unable to go. Wright, during his collegiate career at Central Florida, converted 55 of 71 field-goal attempts (77.5 percent), with a long of 50 yards.
Punter: Jordan Berry
Kickoff Returners: Anthony McFarland, Jr. and Ray-Ray McCloud
Punt Returner: Ray-Ray McCloud
A look at the Buffalo Bills
Overall record: 9-3 (1st in AFC East)
Head coach: Sean McDermott (4th season with Buffalo)
- Overall regular-season record: 36-24 | 36-24 (with Buffalo)
- Playoff record: 0-2
Buffalo Team/Individual Statistics
Last game: Bills 34 49ers 24
Bills Offense
- Points per game: 27.8
- Total Offense per game: 378.8
- Passing yards per game: 276.4
- Rushing yards per game: 102.4
Strengths: Josh Allen’s arm and ability to escape the pocket. Utilizing RB’s in passing game out of backfield. Stephon Diggs downfield.
Weaknesses: Josh Allen’s untimely turnovers. Power rushing game.
Scouting report: Josh Allen has improved year by year and is having a breakout season. He has thrown for 3,403 yards passing with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Allen has been sacked 23 times and has lost four fumbles. He has rushed for 322 yards and six touchdowns.
Allen’s main weapon is Stephon Diggs, who has 90 receptions for 1,037 yards and four touchdowns. Cole Beasley is 2nd with 66 catches for 797 yards and four scores. Gabriel Davis has stepped in nicely for the injured John Brown and has collected 25 catches for 422 yards and a team leading five touchdowns. Isaiah McKenzie has 18 receptions for 171 yards and three TD’s. Tight End Dawson Knox has 13 catches for 138 yards and a pair of scores. Tyler Kroft hasn’t played in weeks.
Devin Singletary is a lead back with 544 yards rushing and one score. He also has 31 receptions for 229 yards. Zach Moss gets plenty of time and has rushed for 292 yards and three touchdowns, and has 12 catches for 82 yards and score.
Starting Quarterback: Josh Allen | Back-ups: Matt Barkley
Running Backs: Devin Singletary and Zach Moss
Wide Receivers: Stephon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie
Tight Ends: Dawson Knox and Tyler Kroft
*Injured/out
Bills Defense (Base 4-3)
- Points per game allowed: 25.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 375.5
- Passing yards allowed: 249.5
- Rushing yards allowed: 126
- Sacks: 30
- Interceptions: 10
Strengths: Good pass rush.
Weaknesses: Linebackers and secondary can be exploited.
Scouting report: Safety Jordan Poyer leads the team with 100 tackles, and also has two sacks and two interceptions. LB A.J. Klein leads the team with five sacks. DE Jerry Hughes is right behind him with 4.5 sacks. CB Tra’Davious White has three interceptions and eight passes defended.
The Steelers should be able to run the ball up the middle, and attack 10-20 yards downfield across the middle.
Special Teams
Placekicker: Tyler Bass
- Extra Points: 23-24
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 6-7
- 40-49 yards: 6-10
- 50+ yards: 1-2
Scouting report: Andre Roberts is averaging 28.7 yards per kick return, and 11.9 on punt returns. Tyler Bass has struggled from beyond 40 yards all season, missing five out of 12 kicks.
Game Day Information
Venue: Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Field: Kentucky Blue Grass
Game-time: Sunday, December 13th, at 8:20 pm
TV: NBC (Local on WPXI-TV)
- Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play) Cris Collinsworth (analyst) | Kathryn Tappen (reporter)
Local radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (analyst) | Craig Wolfley (sideline) Missi Matthews (sideline)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: 36 and cloudy. Winds out of the W 8 mph.
Vegas line: Bills -1.5
NFL Standings | NFL Scoreboard
Steelers vs Buffalo History
Series History: Began in 1970
Steelers are 16-10 overall vs Buffalo
- At home: 10-3
- On the road: 6-7
- Postseason: 2-1
- Streak: Bills won the last game.
- Last regular-season meeting: Bills Win, 17-10 (Dec. 15, 2019)
- Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 40-21 (Jan. 6, 1996)
Injury Report (12/11/20)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Out: CB Joe Haden (Concussion), LB Robert Spillane (Knee), LB Vince Williams (COVID Reserve)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
Buffalo Bills
- Out: S Jaquan Johnson (Ankle)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
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As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
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