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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 Game Day Preview, a guide that all Pittsburgh fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about the Steelers and their upcoming opponent!
Mike Drakulich, the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle for both teams providing all fans with The Game Scoop, Score Prediction, Broadcast and Game Day Information, and a complete breakdown of each team.
Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform.
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) vs San Francisco 49ers (0-0)
NFL Week 1
Game-time: Sunday, September 10th, 1:00 PM
- Vegas line: San Francisco -2.5
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Blue Grass
The Game Scoop
The Draft is long completed, Training Camp has come and gone, and the Preseason is in the books. All of the predictions and breakdowns of who will be great and who will not will be rendered moot come 1:00 PM at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, when the Steelers face off vs the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 season opener.
All of the talk has been talked. It’s time to see who will walk the walk.
The Steelers come into the year with high expectations. Kenny Pickett is entering his 2nd year and looked in total command of the offense in preseason, which saw the first team score touchdowns in all five of their drives. The offensive line has been rebuilt and strengthened with the addition of guard Isaac Seumalo. Left tackle Dan Moore looks much improved and even held off 1st round pick Broderick Jones from taking his job. Pickett’s weapons in the passing game are striving for a big year with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, and Calvin Austin III at wide receiver, and Pat Friermuth, Connor Heyward, and Darnell Washington at tight end.
“He’s a big guy that we know can block and can make some plays in the passing game,” offensive coordinator Matt Canada said about Washington. “I don’t know if we can define his role just yet.
“We’re excited about it. A guy that’s continued to ascend since the day he got here. I think he’s done things that we saw on tape. He’s certainly been a guy whose arrows continue to point up.”
Najee Harris and Jaylon Warren pack a one-two punch that very few NFL teams have the luxury of having.
Pittsburgh’s defense could be one of the best if everyone stays healthy.
Cam Heyward leads a solid defensive line that is deep with young talent. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will be set to terrorize quarterbacks at outside linebacker, while the inside has been bolstered by the additions of Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander, and Elandon Roberts. The secondary has been upgraded with the signing of corner Patrick Peterson, and 2nd round draft choice Joey Porter, Jr.. Keanu Neal replaces Terrell Edmunds at strong safety.
The 49ers offense has Brock Purdy, the former “Mr. Irrelevant”, under center as he enters his 2nd year. All Purdy did in 2022 was lead San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game before getting injured. Purdy isn’t flashy, but 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system certainly flows with Purdy at the helm.
Christian McCaffrey, one of the top backs in the NFL, is the heart of the 49ers offense with his ability in both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. Eli Mitchell backs him up.
“He is a special talent coming out of the backfield,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said this week. “What really makes it special is he can split out, and he can run the wide receiver stuff. I mean, that guy is really unique. He catches the ball. He runs the ball well. We’re just going to have to make sure that when he gets the ball, he’s not getting it in space by himself, and that we always have some type of ability to really corral him and keep his yards after catch down.”
Purdy’s main targets are Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at wide receiver, and George Kittle at tight end. Samuel is a dynamic playmaker that is often used in the running game.
The 49ers defense is stacked as usual, with defensive end Nick Bosa leading the way. Bosa had 18.5 sacks last year, and just signed a huge new contract after holding out all preseason. Bosa is expected to play, but may be a bit rusty.
“I’m confident,” Bosa said. “I’m not sure what Kyle’s plan is, but I would be up for a normal workload, for sure.”
Javon Hargrave and Drake Jackson are also part of that stout defensive line.
Fred Warner is one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL. Strong safety Talanoa Hufanga had 95 tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks last year.
Suffice to say, the Steelers and Kenny Pickett will certainly face a stern test to open the season.
“They have good experience,” Pickett said about the Niner’s defense. “They play with a lot of aggressiveness and intensity. No. 29 (Hufanga) comes up in the run game and hits you. They’ve got great cover guys on the corner, and a vet safety who has been there for a while. It’s a really good team from the top down.”
That said, Pittsburgh has a different mindset when it comes to offense in 2023. Pickett will not be held back as he was last year, and with a bolstered offensive line, a bevy of weapons to throw to, and a strong running game, the Steelers offense could be explosive as it once was during the Ben Roethlisberger years.
“It’s working with a sense of urgency,” Diontae Johnson said. “It’s just knowing what you’re doing, knowing your assignment, making sure you’re doing your job. If we do that, we’ll be fine.”
Don’t expect the Steelers offense to score on five consecutive drives as they did in preseason, but they will also be a great test for the 49ers defense to begin the season.
Expect the Pittsburgh defense to keep the 49ers offense in check, while Pickett and the offense will rise to the occasion and quiet all the doubters.
It will be a great game, possibly even a first of two match-ups between the two storied franchises, but this day will belong to Pittsburgh, who will announce their presence to the NFL loud and clear after this game ends.
Prediction: Steelers 27 49ers 17
Broadcast and Game Day Information
TV: FOX (Local: WPGH-TV channel 803 on Xfinity | Channel 53 on Dish)
- Announcers: Joe Davis (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: Compass Media Networks
- Announcers: Chris Carrino (play-by-play) Brian Baldinger (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: 72 with a 40% chance of storms. Winds out of the North at 5 mph.
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 0-0 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game:
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 17th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 163-93-2
- Playoff record: 8-9 (Qualified for playoffs 10 times)
Team Links
- Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
- Steelers Team/Individual Statistics
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Schedule
Steelers Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 0.0
- Total yards per game: 0.0
- Passing yards per game: 0.0
- Rushing yards per game: 0.0
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett | #8
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Now entering his 2nd season, much is expected of Pickett, who had a spectacular preseason. Now it’s time to bring it all together when it counts.
Back-up: Mitch Trubisky | #10
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0| INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Najee Harris | #22
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Harris has the offensive line, now he is expected to shine and start stacking a few 100 yard rushing games.
Jaylon Warren | #30
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
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.
Anthony McFarland | #26
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Diontae Johnson | #18
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Johnson is looking to have a bounce back season after recording zero touchdowns in 2022.
George Pickens | #14
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Pickens is set to take the league by storm, and if he is set loose, could be in store for a huge season.
Allen Robinson II | #11
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Vet presence for the wideout corps, and can move around the field to make plays.
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
The dynamic receiver will look to make the most of his chances when called upon.
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Myles Boykin | #13
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Mainly utilized on special teams.
Tight Ends
Pat Friermuth | #88
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards:0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Friermuth has become a target that Pickett can count on down the middle of the field, in short yardage situations, and hopefully inside the red zone.
Conner Heyward | #83
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Heyward has become a jack of all trades, making plays when passed to as a tight end, and even utilized as a fullback.
Darnell Washington | #80
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
The monster dubbed “Mount Washington” is a nightmare match-up for linebackers, and just might become a major target when near the endzone.
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 0.0
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 0.0
- Passing yards allowed: 0.0
- Rushing yards allowed: 0.0
- Sacks: 0
- Interceptions: 0
Defensive Starters
DE: Cam Heyward #97 | DT: Montravius Adams #57 | DE: Larry Ogunjobi #99
- The leader of Pittsburgh’s defense, Cam Heyward, leads a solid defensive line. Rookie Keeanu Benton will make his mark when called upon.
OLB: T.J. Watt #90 | ILB: Cole Holcomb #41 or Kwon Alexander #54 | ILB: Elandon Roberts #50| OLB: Alex Highsmith #56
- Highsmith lead the team with 12 sacks lst year. Holcomb is a hard hitter and great vs the run. Alexander will see plenty of time. T.J. Watt looks to stay healthy and hunt quarterbacks all year. Nate Herbig should see time rushing the QB when Watt needs a break.
CB: Levi Wallace #29 | SS: Keanu Neal #31 | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 | CB: Patrick Peterson #20
- Fitzpatrick is a beast in the secondary, and now has additional help with Patrick Peterson joining the team as a cornerback. Expect to see plenty of Joey Porter, Jr. in the mix at corner.
Steelers Special Teams
Placekicker
Chris Boswell | #9
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
Kickoff Returners
Anthony McFarland | #26
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the San Francisco 49ers
Overall record: 0-0 (1st in NFC West)
Last game:
Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan
- 7th Season with San Francisco
- Overall regular-season record: 52-46
- Playoff Record: 6-3
Team Links
49ers Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 0.0
- Total Offense per game: 0.0
- Passing yards per game: 0.0
- Rushing yards per game: 0.0
Quarterback
Brock Purdy | #13
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Former Mr. Irrelevant has become just what Kyle Shanahan likes in a quarterback… makes the throws he needs to make, and minimizes mistakes.
Back-up: Sam Darnold | #14
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey | #23
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
One of the best backs in the game, McCaffrey can do it all both carrying the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.
Eli Mitchell | #25
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Was the 49ers leading rusher in 2021-22, but only managed 279 yards last season due to playing in only five games.
Jordan Mason | #24
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kyle Jusczcyk | #44
Used as a fullback, and is a beast when called upon.
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Deebo Samuel | #19
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Very talented receiver who does it all for the 49ers, catching passes, and utilizing his skills to run the ball when needed.
Brandon Aiyuk | #11
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
The 49ers top option last year, leading the team with 78 catches for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns.
Jauan Jennings | #15
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Had 35 receptions last year.
Ray Ray McCloud | #3
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Ronnie Bell | #10
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
George Kittle | #85
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
One of the top tight ends in the game, but is questionable for the game.
Charlie Woerner | #89
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
49ers Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 0.0
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 0.0
- Passing yards allowed: 0.0
- Rushing yards allowed: 0.0
- Sacks: 0
- Interceptions: 0
Defensive Starters
DE: Drake Johnson #95 | DT: Javon Hargrave #98 | DT: Arik Armstead #91 | DE: Nick Bosa #97
- Hargrave is one of the biggest disruptors in the game, and Nick Bosa is a monster rushing the passer, recording 18.5 sacks in 2022.
OLB: Dre Greenlee #57 | MLB: Fred Warner #54 | OLB: Oren Burks #48
- Warner is one of the top linebackers in the game, posting 130 tackles last year and two sacks.
CB: Charvarius Ward #7 | SS: Talanoa Hufanga #29 | FS: Tashaun Gipson, Sr. #31 | CB: Deommodore Lenoir #2
- Gipson had 61 tackles and five interceptions last year, while Hufanga had 95 tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks.
49ers Special Teams
Placekicker
Jake Moody | #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
Kickoff Returner
Ronnie Bell | #10
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Ronnie Bell | #10
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs 49ers History
Series History: Began in 1951
Overall Record: 10-12
- Home: 5-6
- Away: 5-6
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: 49ers won the game.
Last regular-season meeting: 49ers Win, 24-20 (Sept. 22, 2019)
Last postseason meeting:
Injury Report (9/8/23)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: DT Larry Ogunjobi (Foot)
San Francisco 49ers
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: TE George Kittle (Knee), S Tashaun Gipson (Back)
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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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