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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, The Scoop and 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 at Miami Dolphins
NFL Week 7
Game-time: Sunday, October 23rd, 8:20 PM.
- Vegas line: Miami -7.5
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
- Field: Natural Grass
Plan of Attack
Overall
- Fire Matt Canada: The worst offensive coordinator in all of football. Till he is replaced with an actual NFL caliber offensive minded guy, the offense will stay stuck being dubbed the ‘Quicksand Offense”.
Offense
- Get the ball downfield: Miami’s secondary is terrible, and if ever there was to be a breakout game for Kenny Pickett and the Pittsburgh passing game, this is it. A great opportunity for the trio of Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and George Pickens to shine.
- Play with no fear: This is a quality shared by all the great quarterbacks. You can’t play scared or in fear to make mistakes. You have to be confident and trust what got you into this league as a first round selection. Cockiness and arrogance are good traits to have as a quarterback.
Defense
- Contain speedy receivers: Easier said than done, but the Steelers secondary played quite well last week vs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are a dynamic duo, and it’d be best for Pittsburgh to keep the ball out of Hill’s hands as much as possible. The entire secondary needs to be at the top of their games this week. Should see plenty of nickle and dime packages this week, forcing Miami to run the ball more than they would like to. Minkah Fitzpatrick returning is a big boost.
- Hit Tagovailoa: Like last week, a big key will be pressure and getting hits on the opposing quarterback. One way to keep the ball out of the hands of Hill and Waddle is to put Tua on his dupa as many times as possible.
The Scoop
In terms of knowing what to expect each week in the NFL, good luck. Other than the Buffalo Bills being the unquestioned best team in football, “Any given week” is truly the motto for 2022.
A win this week for the Steelers would be monumental for their playoff hopes, a thought that was on life support after four straight defeats, the previous one being a 38-3 demolition by those aforementioned Bills. Yes, 3-4 sounds and looks much better than 2-5, especially with the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles looming in week eight.
This week, the Steelers (2-4) head to to Vice City for Sunday Night Football to face off against the Miami Dolphins (3-3), who much like the Steelers, are facing desperate times. The Fish are on a three game losing streak, after starting off 3-0 and being the lone team to tame Buffalo.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins haven’t played an entire game with Tua Tagovailoa since their 3rd game. In that win vs Buffalo, Tagovailoa appeared to be wobbly after a hit late in the first half, but returned in the 2nd half to lead the ‘Phins to the upset victory. The following week vs Cincinnati, Tagovailoa was sacked, and suffered a concussion, which lead to his absence from the last two games for Miami.
Kenny Pickett was also a victim of a concussion last week, but has passed all protocols and will start for Pittsburgh.
“He looked good,” wide receiver Diontae Johnson said after Wednesday’s practice. “It didn’t seem like anything was wrong with him. It seemed like he was locked in, ready to go for this week.”
While Pittsburgh will be getting most of their injured players back this week, the same can’t be said about the Dolphins, who are hurting in both the secondary and on the offensive line.
It would behoove the Steelers to get on track early, especially on the first drive, as they have the past two starts under Pickett. That was a feat not accomplished since the previous November.
“It’s just more emphasis in practice going through the plays that we’re going to have, having multiple reps of certain plays, with timing and guys and knowing what we want,” Pickett said. “Matt (Canada) did a great job of calling the right plays and the right looks, and we executed. That’s just how it has to be moving forward.”
Expect another close battle, and with Steeler Nation surely taking over most of the stadium this Sunday night, it will feel like a South Beach home game where this team will rise to the occasion and find a way to pull out their 2nd win in a row.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Miami 20
Game Day Information
TV: NBC (Local- WPXI-TV)
- Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play) Cris Collinsworth (analyst) | Melissa Stark (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: Westwood One
- Announcers: Ryan Radtke (play-by-play) Mike Mayock (analysis)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: 76 and clear. Winds out of the NNE at 8 mph.
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 2-4 (Tied for 2nd in AFC North)
Last game: Pittsburgh 20 Tampa Bay 18
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 15th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 156-89-2
- 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: 16.2
- Total yards per game: 305.2
- Passing yards per game: 218.5
- Rushing yards per game: 86.7
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett | #8
Pickett was injured last week, but returns to start this week. Has experienced some rookie moments, but is clearly the heir apparent to future HOF QB Ben Roethlisberger.
- Passing Yards: 514 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 4 | Rushing Yards: 41 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Mitch Trubisky | #10
- Passing Yards: 797 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 9 | Rushing Yards: 29 | 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 make more splash plays.
- Rushing Yards: 264 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions:15 | Receiving Yards: 71 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jaylon Warren | #30
Good change of pace back when he comes in for relief of Harris.
- Rushing Yards: 96 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derek Watt | #44
- Rushing Yards: 2 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 1 | 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: 33 | Receiving Yards: 295 | 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: 20 | Receiving Yards: 277 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Chase Claypool | #11
Has plenty of tools, but has had more head scratching games than dominating ones. Consistency would be appreciated.
- Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 225 | Receiving TD’s: 1 | Rushing Yards: 55 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Myles Boykin | #82
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 11 | 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. Returns this week after missing last 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: 9 | Receiving Yards: 89 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Conner Heyward | #83
Plays hard and will shine when called upon to perform.
- Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 61 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 24.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 398
- Passing yards allowed: 277.8
- Rushing yards allowed: 120.2
- Sacks: 12
- Interceptions: 8
Defensive Starters
DE: Cam Heyward #97 | DT: Tyson Alualu #94 | DE: Larry Ogunjobi #99
- Heyward has 24 tackles and two sacks.
OLB: Malik Reed #50 | ILB: Devin Bush #55 | ILB: Myles Jack #51| OLB: Alex Highsmith #56
- Highsmith leads the NFL with 6.5 sacks. Jack has been a beast and leads the team with 58 tackles. Bush is 2nd on team with 35 tackles.
CB: Levi Wallace #29 | SS: Terrell Edmunds #34 | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 | CB: Cameron Sutton #20
- Fitzpatrick is 3rd on the team with 33 tackles, and a team leading three interceptions. Sutton has two INT’s, while Wallace has one.
Steelers Special Teams
Placekicker
Chris Boswell | #9
One of the best clutch kickers in the game.
- Extra Points: 8-8
- Field Goals: 11-15
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 1-3
- 50+ yards: 5-6
Kickoff Returners
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Average: 9.5 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Average: 7.2 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Miami Dolphins
Overall record: 3-3 (Tied for 3rd in AFC East)
Last game: Minnesota 24 Miami 16
Head Coach: Mike McDaniel
- 1st Season with Miami
- Overall regular-season record: 3-3 | 3-3 with Dolphins
- Playoff Record: 0-0 I 0-0 with the Dolphins
Team Links
Dolphins Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 21.8
- Total Offense per game: 383.2
- Passing yards per game: 302
- Rushing yards per game: 81.2
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa | #1
Was having a breakout season until suffering a concussion a few weeks ago. Holds on to the ball a little too long at times in the pocket.
- Passing Yards: 1,035 | TD Passes: 8 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 6 | Rushing Yards: 1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Skylar Thompson | #19
Running Backs
Raheem Mostert | #31
Has assumed the role of starting running back and has looked good when given ample carries.
- Rushing Yards: 308 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 64 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Chase Edmunds | #2
Decent change of pace back that was the original starter
- Rushing Yards: 89 | Rushing TD’s: 2 | Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 96 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Alec Ingold | #30
- Rushing Yards: 5 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 33 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Tyreek Hill | #10
One of the best receivers in the game. Has blazing speed and is lights out in open space.
- Receptions: 50 | Receiving Yards: 701 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jaylen Waddle | #17
Another speed burner with good size. A great one-two combo for Tua to throw to in the Miami passing attack.
- Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 533 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Trent Sherfield | #14
- Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 88 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cedrick Wilson, Jr. | #11
- Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 40 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Mike Gesicki | #88
Often overlooked in the aerial attack, but when called upon, is a force.
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 170 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Durham Smythe | #81
- Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 50 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Dolphins Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 25.8
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 361.3
- Passing yards allowed: 256.7
- Rushing yards allowed: 104.7
- Sacks: 12
- Interceptions: 1
Defensive Starters
DE: Christian Wilkins #94 | DT: Raekwon Davis #98 | DE: Emmanuel Ogbah #91
- Davis and Ogbah each have a sack. Wilkins is 4th on the team with 32 tackles.
OLB: Melvin Ingram III #6 | ILB: Elandon Roberts #52 | | ILB: Jerome Baker #55 | OLB: Jaelan Phillips #15
- Roberts is 2nd on the team with 34 tackles. Ingram has nine tackles and two sacks. Baker is 3rd on team with 33 tackles.
CB: Xavien Howard #25 | SS: Brandon Jones #29 | FS: Jevon Holland #8 | CB: Noah Igbinoghene #9
- Jones leads the team with 42 tackles and two sacks. Holland has the Phin’s lone interception.
Dolphins Special Teams
Placekicker
Jason Sanders | #7
- Extra Points: 14-15
- Field Goals: 7-10
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 5-5
- 50+ yards: 0-3
Kickoff Returners
Raheem Mostert | #31
- Average: 19.6 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Jevon Holland #8
- Average: 4.5 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Dolphins History
Series History: Began in 1971
Overall Record: 15-13
- Home: 9-4
- Away: 6-9
- Postseason: 2-2
Streak: Steelers won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 27-14 (Oct. 28, 2019)
Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 30-12 (Jan. 8, 2017)
Injury Report (10/21/22)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- IR: LB T.J. Watt
- Out: WR Steven Sims (Hamstring)
- Doubtful: CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Hamstring)
- Questionable: CB James Pierre (Hip)
Miami Dolphins
- Out: None
- Doubtful: CB Keion Crossen (Knee)
- Questionable: T Terron Armstead (Toe), CB Xavien Howard (Vet Rest/Groin), CB Kader Kohou (Oblique), T Greg Little (Achilles), DE Emmanuel Ogbah (Back), TE Durham Smythe (Hamstring), QB Skylar Thompson (R. Thumb), WR Jaylen Waddle (Shoulder), DT Christian Wilkins (Hand)
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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