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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 whose tradition dictates a standard of excellence, and their fans expect nothing less year in and year out. Those very same ideals translate to the ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers GameDay Preview, a guide that all Pittsburgh fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about the Steelers and their upcoming opponent! Pittsburgh SportsNation, aka Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle for both teams with the Keys to Victory, The Game Scoop and score prediction, Game Day Information, a detailed breakdown of each team and starting line-ups, 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 (7-8) vs Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
NFL Week 17
Game-time: Sunday, January 1st, 8:20 PM
- Vegas line: Baltimore -2
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.
- Field: GN-1 Bermuda Grass
Keys to Victory
Offense
- Six not three: The only time I want to see Chris Boswell is after touchdowns. The Ravens cannot score, so if you put around 17 to 20 up on the scoreboard it’s going to be a good night for Pittsburgh.
- Protect Kenny Pickett: We mentioned this for the first game… the Ravens boast a great pass rush, so the line will have to be up to the task of keeping their quarterback healthy, unlike the last game, where the protection was nonexistent, resulting in a concussion to Pickett just a few plays into the game.
Defense
- Stack the box: It was absolutely embarrassing last time, with the game on the line, and everyone on earth knowing the Ravens were going to run the ball with their 3rd string quarterback in, that Baltimore jammed the ball down the Steelers throats. If you stop the run and limit splash plays, Baltimore’s soul is there for the taking.
The Game Scoop
They’re out… well, maybe there’s a shot. Nope, that’s the loss that does it, season over man. Wait, are you serious… there’s still a chance?
So goes the absolutely insane year by the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8), who by kickoff on Sunday Night Football vs the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at M&T Bank Stadium, might still be in the playoff hunt.
On Sunday afternoon, Steelers fans will be pulling for the Dolphins to lose to the Patriots, AND for the Jets to succumb to the Seahawks.
Should that happen, Pittsburgh would keep their postseason hopes alive until the final week of the season when they host the Cleveland Browns.
The two bitter rivals faced off just a few weeks ago, with the Ravens escaping with a narrow 16-14 victory.
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was injured early in the game, and Mitch Trubisky came in and played decent, except for three backbreaking interceptions in Baltimore territory.
To add salt to their wounds, the defense couldn’t stop Baltimore’s offense at the end, despite having their 3rd string QB in, and everyone on earth knowing the Ravens were going to run the ball.
Now Pittsburgh could possibly have a shot at redemption– depending on those earlier games, especially with Ravens QB Lamar Jackson out again.
One thing is for sure, whether this game means something or not playoffs-wise, you can expect another nasty hard hitting game between these two squads that do not like each other at all.
“The teams are built very similarly,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “Me having an opportunity to be in both buildings, I understand it. Tough, physical guys that love football, that’s kind of the first thing you look at when you’re looking at players. And so, obviously, when you put those two types of teams on the field, it’s going to be a hard-hitting affair, and that’s why everybody talks about it the way they do.
“I don’t see that changing. I don’t think anybody has to change because that’s who we are, and that’s who they are. That’s why when you look at all the games, I mean, in totality, how close everything is. It always is.”
If the Steelers are to win the rematch vs Baltimore, Pickett and his offense will need more drives like he had in their game winning one vs the Raiders, where Pickett lead Pittsburgh down the field and capped off the drive with a 14 yard touchdown pass to George Pickens with 46 seconds remaining.
“Consistency in finishing drives has to be the focus,” Pickett said Wednesday. “We have to finish in the red zone and be better there. That’s just what we’ve been preaching pretty much the back half of the season. It’s an emphasis where we have to be a lot better there.”
It was the first time all night that the Steelers had entered the red zone.
“When we get down there the field shrinks, so you have to be balanced and do different things,” Pickett said. “That’s something we’re going to continue to work on.”
Like last time, this game will depend on Pittsburgh getting touchdowns, and not settling for field goals. Ball control and without a doubt, not turning the pigskin over, is also a must.
It will also be up to the Pittsburgh defense to limit the Ravens rushing attack led by J.K. Dobbins, and pressure Tyler Huntley when he does drop back to pass.
The Steelers showed great resolve to comeback and win the game vs the Raiders last week. Look for that momentum to carry over to this game, especially if at kickoff the opportunity for a playoff spot still exists.
This time Pittsburgh won’t hand the game over to the Ravens. Expect Pickett to build off of last week’s final drive, and for Najee Harris to have a solid day running the ball. The Steelers defense also makes amends for the embarrassing finish in week 14.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Ravens 18
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 Golic (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: Partly Cloudy and 50. Winds out of the Southwest at 2 mph.
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 7-8 (3rd in AFC North)
Last game: Steelers 13 Raiders 10
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 15th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 161-93-2
- 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: 17.6
- Total yards per game: 335.3
- Passing yards per game: 219.9
- Rushing yards per game: 115.4
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett | #8
The first round pick from Pitt has shown improvement each week, and the game winning drive vs the Raiders might be the start of something special.
- Passing Yards: 2,041 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 9 | Sacked: 24
- Rushing Yards: 234 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: Mitch Trubisky | #10
- Passing Yards: 1,252 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 11
- Rushing Yards: 38 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Running Backs
Najee Harris | #22
After a start slowed by a foot injury, Harris has upped his game and is playing like a man possessed now that he is healthy.
- Rushing Yards: 843 | Rushing TD’s: 6
- Receptions: 38 | Receiving Yards: 207 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jaylon Warren | #30
Good change of pace back when he comes in for relief of Harris. Runs hard and hits the hole going downhill. If Harris is ever out, would get the majority of carries.
- Rushing Yards: 267 | Rushing TD’s: 1
- Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 185 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Benny Snell | #44
Looked good in first action all year, Snell answered the door when opportunity knocked.
- Rushing Yards: 90 | Rushing TD’s: 1
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derek Watt | #44
- Rushing Yards: 17 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Wide Receivers
Diontae Johnson | #18
Isn’t having the type of production you’d expect from an 18 million dollar a year receiver, but Matt Canada’s offense fails to put him in position to succeed. Has yet to find the endzone in 2022. Leads the team with 82 catches.
- Receptions: 82 | Receiving Yards: 809 | Receiving TD’s: 0
George Pickens | #14
Has all the talent you could ask for… now the Steelers have to find a way to get him the ball more consistently, especially downfield and in the endzone.
- Receptions: 47 | Receiving Yards: 700 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Myles Boykin | #82
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Steven Sims | #13
- Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 53 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Pat Friermuth | #88
Emerging as one of the better tight ends in the game. 2nd on the team with 60 receptions and leads the team in receiving.
- Receptions: 60 | Receiving Yards: 696 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Zach Gentry | #81
- Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 109 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Conner Heyward | #83
- Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 106 | Receiving TD’s: 1
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 21.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 338
- Passing yards allowed: 232.4
- Rushing yards allowed: 105.6
- Sacks: 32
- Interceptions: 17
Defensive Starters
DE: Cam Heyward #97 | DT: Montravius Adams #57 | DE: Larry Ogunjobi #99
- Heyward has 62 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
OLB: T.J. Watt #90 | ILB: Devin Bush #55 | ILB: Myles Jack #51| OLB: Alex Highsmith #56
- Highsmith leads the team with 12 sacks. Jack leads the team with 100 tackles. Bush is 2nd on team with 79 tackles. 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt has 32 tackles, four sacks and two INT’s.
CB: Levi Wallace #29 | SS: Terrell Edmunds #34 | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 | CB: Cameron Sutton #20
- Fitzpatrick is 3rd on the team with 77 tackles, and a team leading five interceptions. Sutton has three INT’s, as does Wallace. Damontae Kazee will see plenty of snaps and has 15 tackles and one interception. Edmunds is 6th on the team with 59 tackles and one INT.
Steelers Special Teams
Placekicker
Chris Boswell | #9
Usually one of the best clutch kickers in the game, a mid-season injury and some bad weather have seen some kicks go astray.
- Extra Points: 15-15
- Field Goals: 15-22
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 4-8
- 50+ yards: 6-8
Kickoff Returner
Steven Sims | #13
- Average: 25.3 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Steven Sims | #13
- Average: 5.9 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Baltimore Ravens
Overall record: 10-5 (2nd in AFC North)
Last game: Ravens 17 Falcons 9
Head Coach: John Harbaugh
- 15th Season with Baltimore
- Overall regular-season record: 147-92
- Playoff record: 11-8
Team Links
Ravens Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 21.4
- Total Offense per game: 351.7
- Passing yards per game: 185.7
- Rushing yards per game: 166
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson* | #8
Jackson is out with an injury suffered vs the Broncos.
- Passing Yards: 2,242 | TD Passes: 17 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 26
- Rushing Yards: 764 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: Tyler Huntley | #2
Huntley takes over for Jackson, and will utilize his legs more often than not when pressured.
- Passing Yards: 528 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 6
- Rushing Yards: 113 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Running Backs
J.K. Dobbins | #35
Has been injury plagued in his career, but back as the starter vs the Steelers.
- Rushing Yards: 427 | Rushing TD’s: 2
- Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 42 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Gus Edwards | #35
Edwards will see 5-10 carries in relief of Dobbins.
- Rushing Yards: 415 | Rushing TD’s: 3
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kenyon Drake | #17
2nd in rushing for the Ravens, but has just one yard the last three games combined.
- Rushing Yards: 422 | Rushing TD’s: 3
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Justice Hill | #43
- Rushing Yards: 228 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 58 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Patrick Ricard | #42
- Rushing Yards: 16 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 74 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Devin Durvernay | #13
Is 3rd in the Ravens passing game, but awfully quiet without Jackson under center.
- Receptions: 37 | Receiving Yards: 407 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Demarcus Robinson | #10
Robinson has come on strong the past month, and is now 2nd on the team with 45 receptions.
- Receptions: 45 | Receiving Yards: 425 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Rashod Bateman* | #14
Was the leading man in Baltimore but has been out with an injury.
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 285 | Receiving TD’s: 2
DeSean Jackson | #12
- Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 144 | Receiving TD’s: 0
James Proche | #12
- Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 62 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Mark Andrews | #89
One of the top two or three tight ends in the game, Andrews leads the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
- Receptions: 64 | Receiving Yards: 747 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Isaiah Likely | #80
- Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 258 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Josh Oliver | #84
- Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 149 | Receiving TD’s: 2
*Injured/out
Ravens Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 18.1
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 327
- Passing yards allowed: 239.5
- Rushing yards allowed: 87.5
- Sacks: 44
- Interceptions: 14
Defensive Starters
DE: Justin Madubuike #92 | DT: Travis Jones #98 | DE: Calais Campbell #93
- Campbell has 5.5 sacks. Madubuike has 36 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
OLB: Jason Pierre-Paul #4 | MLB: Roquan Smith #18 | MLB: Patrick Queen #6 | OLB: Justin Houston #50
- Queen leads the team with 106 tackles and has five sacks. Houston has a team leading nine sacks.
CB: Marcus Peters #24 | SS: Chuck Clark #36 | FS: Geno Stone #26 | CB: Marlon Humphrey #44
- Clark is 2nd on the team with 88 tackles. Humphrey is 3rd on the team with 69 tackles, has three sacks, and three interceptions.
Ravens Special Teams
Placekicker
Justin Tucker | #7
- Extra Points: 29-30
- Field Goals: 32-38
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 11-11
- 30-39 yards: 10-10
- 40-49 yards: 4-5
- 50+ yards: 7-12
Kickoff Returner
Devin Durvernay | #35
- Average: 25.5 | TD Returns: 1
Punt Returner
Devin Durvernay | #35
- Average: 11.9 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Ravens History
Series History: Began in 1996
Overall Record: 32-25
- Home: 19-12
- Away: 13-13
- Postseason: 3-1
Streak: Ravens won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Ravens Win, 16-14 (Dec. 11, 2022)
Last postseason meeting: Ravens Win, 30-17 (Jan. 3, 2015)
Injury Report (12/31/22)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Out: DB Tre Norwood (Hamstring)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: LB Myles Jack (Groin/Not Injury Related – Personal), DL Larry Ogunjobi (Toe/Not Injury Related – Personal)
Baltimore Ravens
- Out: QB Lamar Jackson (Knee), CB Marcus Peters (Calf)
- Doubtful:
- Questionable: DE Calais Campbell (Knee), TE Nick Boyle (Illness), S Geno Stone (Hamstring)
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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