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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 vs New Orleans Saints
NFL Week 10
Game-time: Sunday, November 11th, 1:00 PM.
- Vegas line: New Orleans -1.5
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- 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”. No matter who has been at QB, that being Ben Roethlisberger, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, or Mitch Trubisky, the passing game has sucked. Rarely are the receivers ever open or catching passes in open space. Good God, fire this guy.
Offense
- Try to establish the run game: It would behoove this offense to try some different ideas. Perhaps get Pickett under center, utilize Derick Watt as a fullback, and start feeding the ball to both Najee Harris and Jaylon Warren. An effective run game could lead to utilizing play action and getting the ball downfield to both Johnson and Pickens.
- Stop with the bonehead penalties: Nothing screws over your rookie quarterback more than stupid penalties that puts the offense in bad situations.
Defense
- Terrorize Andy Dalton: This should be much easier to accomplish as T.J. Watt is back and ready to cause chaos in chasing down the opposing quarterback.
- Create some turnovers: Hurts with Minkah Fitzpatrick out, but with Watt back, as well as Damontae Kazee making his debut, this team has an opportunities to get a few turnovers and give the beleaguered offense some short fields to work with.
The Scoop
In typical fashion for the 2022 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) can’t get good news without getting some kind of bad news to go with it.
T.J. Watt returns to the line-up for Pittsburgh, giving a much needed boost to the pass rush that has been dead quiet without him the past seven games. Damontae Kazee is also making his 2022 debut, but it comes at the expense of Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is now out with an appendix issue.
Kenny Pickett and the offense face a New Orleans Saints (3-6) defense that gives up 25.2 points per game, which ranks 29th out of 32. If ever there was a game where Pickett can get some connections going with George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Friermuth, this is the one.
It’s also time for Najee Harris to put up or shut up. Yes, the offensive line has been subpar in opening holes for Harris, but even when he does have space, he hesitates and fails to make a play. Jaylon Warren needs to see more carries and given a chance to shine. It’s not like it could get any worse.
Look for the Steelers to finally get some offense going vs a bad Saints defense, and for the team to be boosted emotionally from the return of T.J. Watt.
It’s been awhile, but on this Sunday, the Steelers finally find a way to get a victory.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Saints 20
Game Day Information
TV: FOX (Local- WPGH-TV)
- Announcers: Adam Amin (play-by-play) Mark Schlereth (analyst) | Kristina Pink (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: N/A
- Announcers:
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: 39 and partly cloudy. Winds out of the W at 13 mph.
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 2-6 (4th in AFC North)
Last game: Eagles 35 Steelers 13
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 15th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 156-91-2
- 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: 15.0
- Total yards per game: 315.4
- Passing yards per game: 220.5
- Rushing yards per game: 94.5
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett | #8
Has had his ups and downs as a rookie starter, but it’s hard to gauge his progress in an offense designed for junior high school.
- Passing Yards: 962 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 8 | Sacked: 12 | Rushing Yards: 98 | 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. Has been out-rushed by Giants QB Daniel Jones. Running out of time to remain starter.
- Rushing Yards: 361 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 112 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jaylon Warren | #30
Good change of pace back when he comes in for relief of Harris. Needs to be given more carries than Harris as he has been the more explosive back all season.
- Rushing Yards: 153 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 88 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derek Watt | #44
- Rushing Yards: 2 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 1
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: 43 | Receiving Yards: 372 | 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: 26 | Receiving Yards: 338 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Myles Boykin | #82
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Steven Sims | #13
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: -1 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- 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, and even more when a competent OC is hired.
- Receptions: 32 | Receiving Yards: 367 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Zach Gentry | #81
- Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 92 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Conner Heyward | #83
- Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 67 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 24.6
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 395.1
- Passing yards allowed: 277.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 117.9
- Sacks: 15
- Interceptions: 8
Defensive Starters
DE: Cam Heyward #97 | DT: Tyson Alualu #94 | DE: Larry Ogunjobi #99
- Heyward has 31 tackles and three sacks. Ogunjobi is back after missing the last game.
OLB: T.J. Watt #90 | ILB: Devin Bush #55 | ILB: Myles Jack #51| OLB: Alex Highsmith #56
- Highsmith leads the team with 6.5 sacks. Jack leads the team with 72 tackles. Bush is 3rd on team with 44 tackles. Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt returns to the line-up after missing the last seven games.
CB: Levi Wallace #29 | SS: Terrell Edmunds #34 | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick* #39/Damontae Kazee #23 | CB: Cameron Sutton #20
- Fitzpatrick is 2nd on the team with 45 tackles, and a team leading three interceptions, but is out with an appendix. Sutton has two INT’s, while Wallace has one. Damontae Kazee will be making his 2022 debut and will replace Fitzpatrick.
Steelers Special Teams
Placekicker
Matthew Wright | #4
- Extra Points: 0-0
- Field Goals: 0-0
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-0
Chris Boswell* | #9
One of the best clutch kickers in the game, but is out.
- Extra Points: 9-9
- Field Goals: 12-16
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 2-4
- 50+ yards: 5-6
Kickoff Returners
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Average: 15.3 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Average: 6.9 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the New Orleans Saints
Overall record: 3-6 (3rd in NFC South)
Last game: Ravens 27 Saints 13
Head Coach: Dennis Allen
- 1st Season with New Orleans
- Overall regular-season record: 11-34 | 3-6 with Saints
- Playoff Record: 0-0 I 0-0 with the Saints
Team Links
- New Orleans Roster
- New Orleans Team/Individual Statistics
Saints Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 23.6
- Total Offense per game: 391.3
- Passing yards per game: 260.4
- Rushing yards per game: 130.9
Quarterback
Andy Dalton | #14
Dalton has taken over the starting job from Jameis Winston and has done a decent job so far.
- Passing Yards: 1,385 | TD Passes: 10 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 8 | Rushing Yards: 33 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Jameis Winston | #2
- Passing Yards: 858 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 11 | Rushing Yards: 16 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara | #41
One of the best backs in the game, Kamara is a dual threat via legs and out of the backfield catching passes.
- Rushing Yards: 443 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 36 | Receiving Yards: 319 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Mark Ingram III* | #22
- Rushing Yards: 196 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 0
James Washington | #24
- Rushing Yards: 38 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Chris Olave | #12
The Saints top option at wide receiver.
- Receptions: 43 | Receiving Yards: 618 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Tre’Quan Smith | #10
One of the many receivers the Saints have that are looking to step up their play.
- Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 264 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Michael Thomas* | #13
Once one of the game’s best receivers, Thomas is out for the year.
- Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 171 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Jarvis Landry | #5
Good talent, but has been very quiet this season.
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 168 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Marquez Callaway | #1
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 152 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kevin White* | #3
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 74 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rashid Shaheed | #89
- Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 91 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson | #83
Has become the 3rd best target in the Saints passing game behind Kamara and Olave.
- Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 258 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Taysom Hill | #7
Hill is a guy that can line-up anywhere on the field… some times at quarterback, sometimes at tight end… best at utilizing his legs in the rushing attack.
- Passing Yards: 101 | TD Passes: 1 | Rushing Yards: 343 | Rushing TD’s: 5 | Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 16 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Adam Trautman | #82
- Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 94 | Receiving TD’s: 1
*Injured/out
Saints Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 25.2
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 320.6
- Passing yards allowed: 199.7
- Rushing yards allowed: 120.9
- Sacks: 22
- Interceptions: 2
Defensive Starters
DE: Cameron Jordan #94 | DT: Shy Tuttle #99 | | DT: David Onyemata #93 | DE: Marcus Davenport #92
- Jordan has five sacks and 37 tackles.
OLB: Pete Werner* #20/Andrew Dowell #50 | MLB: Demario Davis #56 | OLB: Kaden Elliss #55
- Davis leads the team with six sacks, and is 2nd on the team with 50 tackles. Werner has a team leading 73 tackles, but is out.
CB: Paulson Adebo #29 | SS: Marcus Maye #6 | FS: Tyrann Mathieu #32| CB: Marshon Lattimore* #23/Alontae Taylor #27
- Mathieu has two interceptions and 43 tackles. Lattimore is also out this week.
Saints Special Teams
Placekicker
Will Lutz | #3
- Extra Points: 20-20
- Field Goals: 14-19
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 8-10
- 40-49 yards: 2-4
- 50+ yards: 3-4
Kickoff Returners
Marquez Callaway | #1
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Marquez Callaway | #1
- Average: 12.5 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Saints History
Series History: Began in 1967
Overall Record: 7-9
- Home: 3-3
- Away: 4-6
- Neutral: 0-0
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: Saints won the last three games.
Last regular-season meeting: Saints Win, 31-28 (Dec. 23, 2018)
Last postseason meeting:
Injury Report (11/12/22)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Out: CB William Jackson III (Back), CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Hamstring), FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (Appendix)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: OL Kevin Dotson (Abdomen), LB Malik Reed
New Orleans
- Out: RB Mark Ingram II (Knee), CB Marshon Lattimore (Abdomen), C Erik McCoy (Calf), G Andrus Peat (Tricep), LB Pete Werner (Ankle)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: DE Marcus Davenport (Calf), S Marcus Maye (Abdomen), DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (Illness), S P.J. Williams (Illness)
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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.
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