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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that lives and dies with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The six-time Super Bowl champions are a franchise that considers excellence the only standard, and their fans expect nothing less than hard hitting, top notch football. This is the ultimate Steelers GameDay Preview that all followers of the black and gold come to find everything they need to know about the Steelers and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle for both teams with the Plan of Attack, score prediction, Game Day information, a detailed breakdown of each team, and an up to date team injury report. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL Week 6
Game-time: Sunday, October 16th, 1:00 PM.
- Vegas line: Tampa Bay -9.5
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Blue Grass
Plan of Attack
Overall
- Fire Matt Canada
Offense
- Find a way: It seems hopeless with Matt Canada as offensive coordinator, but when called upon, the damn play-makers in this offense need to step up and start making plays. The endless drops and failures to make splash plays have killed this offense.
- Protect Pickett: When Kenny Pickett does drop back to pass, the improved offensive line has to be at it’s best and give the kid some time to make throws downfield, if available.
- Find the run game: For the love of God, the line has to start opening up some holes in the rushing attack, and when they do, Najee Harris has to start making some big plays. If not, it’s time for Jaylon Warren to get more carries, as it seems as if he has better burst hitting the holes than Harris.
Defense
- Better be creative: If this defense can’t find a way to pressure Tom Brady, this is going to be a slaughter wit the top three corners out, as well as Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Scoop
It’s Autumn here in Western Pennsylvania, and change is in the air.
The leaves are changing color, the days grow shorter, and the nights much colder.
Transformation is seemingly everywhere, except one place… Pittsburgh Steelers Headquarters.
Despite watching an awful offensive system over the past year and a half, no one in the organization, including the most influential in Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, seems to see anything wrong with what SteelerNation is forced to suffer watching week after week.
Why in thee hell is Matt Canada still employed? Have you ever watched a more inept offense in the past 30 years?
Despite Pittsburgh (1-4) having a rising star in Kenny Pickett at quarterback, who has plenty of weapons to throw to in Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Chase Claypool, as well as Pat Friermuth (when healthy), the offensive system designed by Canada is just a complete joke. Far too many routes that always seem short of the sticks or the endzone when desperately needed. When passes are thrown downfield, you have balls bouncing off the hands of Johnson and Claypool.
It’s maddening.
I’m also weary of the boneheaded penalties that have become drive killers.
The offensive line has been much improved since preseason, so their days of becoming the scapegoat the all of the media to heap the blame upon, need to end. Najee Harris has yet to look like a #1 back all season. He lacks explosiveness. This week he did state he finally got to take off a metal brace he had on the foot he suffered a Lisfranc injury to at Training Camp.
God help this team if the offense can’t find the endzone this week. Perhaps a wide receiver will finally get a score.
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) are coming to town this week, and despite starting the season very slowly on offense, it’s only a matter of time before Brady breaks out now that his top receivers are all healthy once again, in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Expect that to be this Sunday, as the Steelers will be without the services of their top three corners in Ahkello Witherspoon, Cam Sutton, and Levi Wallace. To boot, star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is also out.
My advice to Steelers fans is to drink heavily before the 1pm start at Acrisure Stadium. Hopefully it will ease the pain of watching the Steelers get carved up again, as they were last week in Buffalo by 35 points, their worst loss since 1989.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 41 Steelers 20
Game Day Information
TV: FOX (Local- WPGH-TV)
- Announcers: TBA (play-by-play) Daryl Johnston (analyst) | Pam Oliver (sideline)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Craig Wolfley (analyst) | Max Starks (sideline) Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: ESPN Radio
- Announcers: Steve Levy (play-by-play) Mike Tannebaum (analysis)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: Partly cloudy and 57. Winds out of the WSW at 15-25 mph.
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 1-4 (4th in AFC North)
Last game: Buffalo 38 Pittsburgh 3
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 15th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 155-89-2
- Playoff record: 8-9 (Qualified for playoffs 10 times)
Team Links
- Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
- Steelers Team/Individual Statistics
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Schedule
Steelers Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 15.4
- Total yards per game: 308.6
- Passing yards per game: 220
- Rushing yards per game: 88.6
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett | #8
The future is now for the rookie first round draft pick. Entered the Jets game at halftime and lead the team to two scoring drives. Had three interceptions, but one was dropped by Chase Claypool, one could’ve been caught by Pat Friermuth, and the last was a Hail Mary. Has that IT factor, and if given the chance, will shine.
- Passing Yards: 447 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 3 | Rushing Yards: 25 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Mitch Trubisky | #10
- Passing Yards: 653 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 8 | Rushing Yards: 24 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Running Backs
Najee Harris | #22
Has yet to record a 100 yard rushing game, but it would help if he was given the ball more. Needs to start making some splash plays.
- Rushing Yards: 222 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions:13 | Receiving Yards: 64 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jaylon Warren | #30
Good change of pace back when he comes in for relief of Harris. Needs to get more action.
- Rushing Yards: 94 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derek Watt | #44
- Rushing Yards: 2 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Diontae Johnson | #18
Has been Pittsburgh’s most consistent threat as a receiver. Needs to stop dropping passes at the absolute worst times.
- Receptions: 28 | Receiving Yards: 267 | Receiving TD’s: 0
George Pickens | #14
A soon to be force in the NFL. Pickens has already made one of the greatest catches of 2022 and may become Kenny Pickett’s favorite target.
- Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 250 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Chase Claypool | #11
Has plenty of tools, but has underachieved badly. Too much size to not make combat catches. Time is running out for his career here.
- Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 129 | Receiving TD’s: 0 | Rushing Yards: 47 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Myles Boykin | #82
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Steven Sims | #13
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Pat Friermuth* | #88
One of the better tight ends in the game, and should flourish with Pickett at quarterback. Unfortunately is out this week with a concussion.
- Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 235 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Zach Gentry | #81
Gentry is getting better each year and could make some noise in the redzone, especially in two tight end sets.
- Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 85 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Conner Heyward | #83
Plays hard and will shine when called upon to perform. Could be a factor this week with Friermuth out.
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Placekicker
Chris Boswell | #9
One of the best clutch kickers in the game.
- Extra Points: 6-6
- Field Goals: 9-13
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 1-3
- 50+ yards: 4-5
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 25.6
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 416.8
- Passing yards allowed: 287.6
- Rushing yards allowed: 129.2
- Sacks: 10
- Interceptions: 8
Stat Leaders
Tackles
- 50- Myles Jack
- 33- Minkah Fitzpatrick
- 30- Devin Bush
- 25- Alex Highsmith
- 21- Cam Heyward
Sacks
- 5.5- Alex Highsmith
- 1- T.J. Watt, Robert Spillane, Arthur Maulet, and Cam Heyward
Interceptions
- 3- Minkah Fitzpatrick
- 2- Cam Sutton
- 1- T.J. Watt Levi Wallace, and Ahkello Witherspoon
Defensive Starters
DE: Cam Heyward #97 | DT: Tyson Alualu #94 | DE: Larry Ogunjobi #99
One of the best 3-4 defensive lines in football. Cam Heyward is a future HOF and Larry Ogunjobi has been a major addition.
OLB: Malik Reed #50 | ILB: Devin Bush #55 | ILB: Myles Jack #51| OLB: Alex Highsmith #56
Highsmith leads the NFL with 5.5 sacks. Jack has been a beast and leads the team with 44 tackles.
CB: Levi Wallace #29 | SS: Terrell Edmunds #34 | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 | CB: Cameron Sutton #20
Fitzpatrick has been one of the best defensive backs in the NFL.
Steelers Special Teams
Kickoff Returners
Steven Sims | #82
- Average: 19.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Steven Sims | #82
Sims has great speed and will get a chance to return punts after Gunner Olszewski lost the job after muffing two punts.
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall record: 3-2 (1st in NFC South)
Last game: Tampa 21 Atlanta 15
Head Coach: Todd Bowles
- 1st Season with Tampa Bay
- Overall regular-season record: 29-43 | 3-2 with Bucs
- Playoff Record: 0-0 I 0-0 with the Bucs
Team Links
Buccaneers Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 20.6
- Total Offense per game: 347.8
- Passing yards per game: 281.8
- Rushing yards per game: 66
Quarterback
Tom Brady | #12
The game’s greatest quarterback has started off slowly, but will surely heat up as his receiving corps are finally all healthy.
- Passing Yards: 1,409 | TD Passes: 7 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 7 | Rushing Yards: -7 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Blaine Gabbert | #11
Running Backs
Leonard Fournette | #7
Strong, tough back for the Bucs who has made a career out of killing the Steelers on the ground. A threat out of the backfield as well, with 26 receptions.
- Rushing Yards: 280 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 194 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Rachaad White | #29
An up and coming back that is waiting for his chance to shine.
- Rushing Yards: 35 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 85 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Mike Evans | #13
Brady’s top man in the passing game. Big, physical, and fast, Evans is one of the best in the NFL.
- Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 316 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Chris Godwin | #14
Like Evans, a very dangerous weapon in Brady’s arsenal, especially when healthy.
- Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 155 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Russell Gage | #17
Currently leads the wide receivers in receptions.
- Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 172 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Breshad Perriman | #16
Has some upside, but hasn’t seen much action so far.
- Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 89 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Scotty Miller | #10
- Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 73 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Julio Jones | #6
- Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 76 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Cameron Brate | #84
Brate isn’t Gronk, but has become a reliable target for Brady in short yardage situations.
- Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 100 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cade Otton | #88
- Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 76 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Placekicker
Ryan Succop | #3
- Extra Points: 8-8
- Field Goals: 11-12
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 1-2
- 40-49 yards: 8-8
- 50+ yards: 0-0
*Injured/out
Buccaneers Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 16.1
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 309
- Passing yards allowed: 193.4
- Rushing yards allowed: 115.6
- Sacks: 19
- Interceptions: 6
Stat Leaders
Tackles
- 40- Devin White
- 36- Mike Edwards
- 34- Lavonte David
- 32- Antoine Winfield, Jr.
- 26- Carlton Davis III
Sacks
- 3- Devin White
- 2.5- Vita Vea
- 2- Antoine Winfield, Jr., Shaquil Barrett, Anthony Nelson, and Logan Hall
- 1.5- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Interceptions
- 2- Jamel Dean
- 1- Mike Edwards, Antoine Winfield, Jr., Logan Ryan and Sean Murphy-Bunting
Defensive Starters
DE: Akiem Hicks #96 | DT: Vita Vea #50 | DE: William Gholston #92
OLB: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 | ILB: Devin White #45 | | ILB: Lavonte Davis #54 | OLB: Shaquil Barrett #58
CB: Jamel Dean #35 | SS: Antoine Winfield, Jr. #31 | FS: Mike Edwards #32 | CB: Carlton Davis #24
Buccaneers Special Teams
Kickoff Returners
Rachaad White | #29
- Average: 22.3 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Jaelon Darden | #1
- Average: 11.1 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Buccaneers History
Series History: Began in 1976
Overall Record: 9-2
- Home: 3-1
- Away: 6-1
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: Steelers won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 30-27 (Sept. 24, 2018)
Last postseason meeting: N/A
Injury Report (10/14/22)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- IR: LB T.J. Watt
- Out: CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Hamstring), CB Cameron Sutton (Hamstring), CB Levi Wallace (Concussion), S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Knee), DE DeMarvin Leal (Knee), and TE Pat Freiermuth (Concussion)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- IR:
- Out: DT Akiem Hicks (Foot), CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (Quad), and S Logan Ryan (Foot)
- Doubtful: WR Julio Jones (Knee)
- Questionable: S Mike Edwards (Elbow),
Author Profile
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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.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
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.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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