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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 (0-1) vs Cleveland Browns (1-0)
NFL Week 2
Game-time: Sunday, September 18th, 8:15 PM
- Vegas line: Cleveland -2.5
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Blue Grass
The Game Scoop
“It was a beating of epic proportions.”
That about sums up the debacle that was the Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) season opener last week vs the 49ers.
One player showed up to play for Pittsburgh, that being T.J. Watt who had three sacks.
Everyone else, from head coach Mike Tomlin, to the offense designed by Matt Canada, to Kenny Pickett, to the offensive line, and the defense were an abject disaster. To boot, Acrisure Stadium was taken over by San Francisco fans in the 4th quarter, to add to the embarrassment of the 30-7 beat down.
“It was not what we expected,” Canada said. “Not how we practiced, not how our guys have played.”
With the Cleveland Browns (1-0) coming to Pittsburgh for Monday Night Football, the Steelers have a lot of adjustments to make, if they don’t want to fall to 0-2 to start the year.
The Browns pounded Joe Burrow and the Bengals 24-3. Burrow managed just 82 yards passing and was sacked twice. Cincinnati had just 142 yards overall.
Deshaun Watson didn’t do much in the passing game, going 16 of 29 for only 154 yards, but did manage a touchdown pass to tight end Harrison Bryant. Watson added 45 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
Nick Chubb, who unless Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is clueless, should see lots of carries against the Steelers. Chubb had 106 yards on the ground and had four receptions for 21 yards.
“If you’re talking about the Cleveland Browns,” Tomlin said, “man, it starts with Mr. Chubb.”
Elijah Moore may have to be Watson’s top target, as Amari Cooper is questionable with a groin injury. Tight End David Njoku has yet to make his talent known yet as a Brown, but Pittsburgh always has problems with good receiving TE’s, so Njoku could be active across the middle.
As stated, the Browns defense completely shut down Cincinnati, so the Steelers, coming off their awful performance, will need a huge bounce back game from Kenny Pickett and the entire offense. The Browns have a tough secondary lead by corners Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome.
The offensive line, which allowed Pickett to be sacked five times last week, will have to contain defensive end Myles Garrett from adding to Pickett’s sack total.
This week doesn’t get any more simple when it comes to a game plan: PLAY BETTER!!
The line has to keep the pocket clean for Pickett, and open up some holes in the running game for Najee Harris and Jaylon Warren to exploit. Pickett has to have better awareness, focus downfield, step up into the pocket and complete passes to his open receivers. Matt Canada has to fond a way to make George Pickens the primary ball catcher, and feed him early and often. With Diontae Johnson out, Allan Robinson, Calvin Austin III, and Pat Friermuth all have to up their games and make plays when called upon.
Defensively, it all comes down to keeping Chubb from gashing them as Christian McCaffrey did a week earlier.
“Nick Chubb is a great runner, and he’s really the thing that makes them go,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “If he gets going and the run game gets going, I’ve always been like this, if the run game gets going it really affects all of our defense and it makes us less effective.
“Last week was a prime example — we didn’t do a good job, and that opened it up for everything else.”
Stopping Chubb will be tougher with Cam Heyward expected to miss up to eight weeks, after groin surgery.
The Steelers young bucks will need to grow up a little faster, and make plays in the trenches.
Isaiahh Loudermilk, Keeanu Benton, and DeMarvin Leal will all get a chance to shine in Heyward’s absence.
“Next generation up,” Leal said.
Honestly, after last week, no one knows what to expect out of the Steelers.
Historically, they’ve always bounced back from bad games, have played excellent in Prime Time, and have dominated the Browns since the early 90’s.
Cleveland has a big chance to severely wound their rivals with a win, which would see them atop the division at 2-0 and bury their foes in an 0-2 hole.
Last week couldn’t have been as bad as it looked. If the offense continues to struggle, it will certainly start the concerns about Pickett, but will solidify the calls for Canada’s head, whose offensive system has been the worst in the NFL since he was hired. From Ben Roethlisberger, to Mitch Trubisky, to Pickett, no matter who has been under center, the offense has stunk.
In 36 games, Canada’s offenses have managed to score more than 20 points just 13 times. Canada’s offense has never topped 400 yards in a game.
On Monday night, hopefully in front of a pumped up Steelers crowd, Pickett will rebound from his poor performance last week. It should be a hard fought game in the trenches, and the defense will keep Watson from doing anything special. This one will come down to the usage of Chubb, and that said, the “Browns be the Browns” when it comes to these games.
Steelers do just enough and escape with a hard earned victory.
Why? Because if not, it’s going to be a long painful year for Pittsburgh.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Browns 20
Broadcast and Game Day Information
TV: ESPN (Local: WTAE-TV channel 804 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Joe Buck (play-by-play) Troy Aikman (analyst) | Lisa Salters (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 Radio
- Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) Kurt Warner (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: 63 and partly cloudy. Winds out of the WNW at 5-10 mph.
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 0-1 (2nd in AFC North)
Last Game: San Francisco 30 Steelers 7
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 17th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 163-94-2
- 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: 7
- Total yards per game: 273
- Passing yards per game: 232
- Rushing yards per game: 41
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett | #8
- Passing Yards: 232 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 5
- Rushing Yards: 4 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Pickett was downright horrible in the season opener. I get that Matt Canada’s offense is trash, but Pickett missed open receivers time after time, had no pocket presence, and looked like a back-up rookie. The 49ers have a great defense, so maybe it was just a bad day had by all. The Steelers desperately need Pickett to elevate his game vs the Browns if they expect to rebound with a win.
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: 31 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Harris didn’t get much of a chance to run the ball when the Steelers kept falling farther behind the 49ers. This week vs Cleveland he should see plenty of touches, and when he does get the ball, he’ll need to be a difference maker.
Jaylon Warren | #30
- Rushing Yards: 6 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Good change of pace back when he comes in for relief of Harris. Did well catching passes out of the backfield in week one.
Anthony McFarland* | #26
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Diontae Johnson* | #18
- Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 48 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Johnson is out with a groin injury.
George Pickens | #14
- Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 36 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Pickens needs to be featured in this offense, especially with Johnson out. This is his chance to shine if the ball is thrown his way as it should be.
Allen Robinson II | #11
- Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 64 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Vet presence stepped up his game when Johnson was injured. Will be called upon to make some plays as the #2 receiver behind Pickens.
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 37 | Receiving TD’s: 0
The dynamic receiver had six receptions last week and will certainly add to that total while Johnson is out.
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Dez Fitzpatrick | #82
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Pat Friermuth | #88
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 3 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Friermuth caught the Steelers lone touchdown last week, and will become a top target with Johnson missing over a month.
Conner Heyward | #83
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 19 | 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: 30
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 391
- Passing yards allowed: 203
- Rushing yards allowed: 108
- Sacks: 3
- Interceptions: 0
Defensive Starters
DT: Keeanu Benton #95 | NT: Montravius Adams #57 | DE: Larry Ogunjobi #99
- Benton will make his mark start in place of the injured Cam Heyward.
OLB: T.J. Watt #90 | ILB: Cole Holcomb #41 or Kwon Alexander #54 | ILB: Elandon Roberts #50| OLB: Alex Highsmith #56
- Alexander and Roberts are tied for the team lead with eight tackles. Watt has three sacks and five tackles.
CB: Levi Wallace #29 | SS: Keanu Neal #31 | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 | CB: Patrick Peterson #20
- Neal has five tackles. Fitzpatrick has four tackles.
Steelers Special Teams
Placekicker
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 1-1
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: 30.3 | TD Returns: 0
Gunner Olszewski | #89
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Average: 2.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Cleveland Browns
Overall record: 1-0 (1st in AFC North)
Last game: Cleveland 24 Bengals 3
Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski
- 4th Season with Cleveland
- Overall regular-season record: 27-24
- Playoff Record: 1-1
Team Links
Browns Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 24
- Total Offense per game: 360
- Passing yards per game: 154
- Rushing yards per game: 206
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson | #4
- Passing Yards: 154 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 3
- Rushing Yards: 45 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Watson has yet to return to his form he had in Houston. Strong arm, and can run if chased out of the pocket, as he had 45 yards rushing last week vs the Bengals and a score.
Back-up: Dorian Thompson-Robinson | #17
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Nick Chubb | #24
- Rushing Yards: 106 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 21 | Receiving TD’s: 0
One of the best running backs in the game, Chubb always racks up the yards when given the chance. Will the Browns pound the ball or not with him on Monday Night?
Jerome Ford | #34
- Rushing Yards: 36 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Amari Cooper | #2
- Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 37 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cooper is Watson’s top target, but is questionable to play Monday night.
Elijah Moore | #8
- Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 43 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Moore is sneaky good, and could be the top option in the Browns passing game if Cooper misses the game or is limited.
Donovan People-Jones | #11
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Caught just one pass last week in the opener. Will need to up his play if Cooper is out.
Marquise Goodwin | #3
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
David Bell | #18
- Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
David Njoku | #85
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 24 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Has yet to live up to the potential he possess.
Harrison Bryant | #88
- Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jordan Akins | #84
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Browns Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 142
- Passing yards allowed: 67
- Rushing yards allowed: 75
- Sacks: 2
- Interceptions: 0
Defensive Starters
DE: Myles Garrett #95 | DT: Dalvin Tomlinson #94 | DT: Jordan Elliot #96 | DE: Za’Darius Smith #99
- Garrett has two tackles and a sack.
OLB: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #6 | MLB: Anthony Walker, Jr. #5 | OLB: Sione Takitaki #44
- Takitaki has three tackles.
CB: Denzel Ward #21 | SS: Grant Delpit #22 | FS: Juan Thornhill #1 | CB: Greg Newsome #0
- Delpit leads the team with eight tackles.
Browns Special Teams
Placekicker
Dustin Hopkins | #7
Extra Points: 1-1
Field Goals: 3-3
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 0-0
Kickoff Returner
Donovan Peoples-Jones | #11
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Donovan Peoples-Jones | #11
- Average: 5.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Browns History
Series History: Began in 1950
Overall Record: 80-62-1
- Home: 51-22
- Away: 29-40-1
- Postseason: 2-1
Streak: Steelers won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 28-14 (Jan. 8, 2023)
Last postseason meeting: Browns Win, 48-37 (Jan. 10, 2021)
Injury Report (9/16/23)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- IR: DE Cam Heyward
- Out: WR Diontae Johnson (Hamstring), RB Anthony McFarland Jr. (Knee)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
Cleveland Browns
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: WR A. Cooper (Non-Injury Related, Groin), S J. Thornhill (Calf), DT S. Ika (Foot)
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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.
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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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