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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that follows the legendary 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 Steelers fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about their team and weekly 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 NFL fans with The PSN Game Scoop, Score Prediction, Broadcast and NFL Game Day Information, and a complete breakdown of each team.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) at Houston Texans (1-2)
NFL Week 4
Game-time: Sunday, October 1st, 1:00 PM
- Vegas line: Pittsburgh -3
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX.
- Field: Hellas Matrix Helix
Weather at kickoff: Indoor facility
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Scoop
Third game was a charm… sort of.
Through the first two games of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) were struggling offensively. Calls for offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s head intensified.
Last week against the Raiders, the offense took some positive steps forward, baby steps if you will, but nonetheless, the end result was a road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kenny Pickett was 16 of 28 for 235 yards, and threw two touchdown passes for the first time in his career, one a 72 yard strike to Calvin Austin III.
It was a good game for Pickett, though you’d like to see a few more issues cleared up, including a better completion rate. There were more than a few questionable calls by Canada, but overall, a win is a win.
“That’s what we want to be,” Canada said. “We ran the ball, we had misdirection, we threw it. We want to be a balanced offense that can take advantage of what the defense gives us.”
Now the Steelers turn their attention to the Houston Texans (1-2), who hammered the Jacksonville Jaguars last week 37-17. If the Steelers want to extend their winning streak to three games, they will have to continue to improve their game offensively.
“We just continue to work,” Canada said. “It’s not magical. We have great belief in what we’re doing, great belief in the players, great belief in the coaches. Until things are right consistently, we’re not going to be happy.”
It’s not rocket science. The run game has to be more consistent, starting with Najee Harris getting the ball, and hitting the hole with speed, as you see almost every time Jaylon Warren gets a hand-off and gaining positive yardage with each carry.
Featuring George Pickens more is a no-brainer, especially with his game breaking abilities.
Tight end Pat Friermuth needs to be more involved. Five receptions for 46 yards through three games is unacceptable.
The Texans are lead by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has thrown for 906 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Unfortunately for Stroud, his offensive line is horrific, allowing 11 sacks, and producing just 70 yards per game on the ground.
If Stroud was under duress vs the likes of the Colts, Ravens, and Jags defense, he’s in for a long day when T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith come to town Sunday afternoon.
Stroud has a trio of talented receivers to throw to in Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Robert Woods. Each has caught 15 passes, with Dell leading the way with two touchdown receptions. Tight end Dalton Schultz has had a quiet start to his Houston career. The Houston running game has been subpar with Dameon Pierce only gaining 100 yards through three games.
Look for Pickett and the offense to continue to improve this week against a Houston defense that doesn’t generate much of a pass rush. If Pickett can clean up a few miscues, he could possibly record his 2nd career 300 yard passing game, and even garner this offense it’s first 400 yard plus performance under the Canada regime. Calvin Austin III with his speed is always a deep ball threat, Allen Robinson is solid in the slot, and as stated, Pickens and Friermuth should be a big part of the passing attack, not to mention Warren out of the backfield.
A good balanced attack, complimented by the defense keeping Stroud and the Houston running game under wraps, will lead to a third straight victory, and set up a big time match-up vs the hated Baltimore Ravens the week after.
Prediction: Steelers 31 Texans 17
Broadcast and NFL Game Day Information
TV: CBS (Local: KDKA-TV channel 802 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Spero Dedes (play-by-play) Adam Archuleta (analyst) | Amanda Renner (field reporter)
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
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 2-1 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Steelers 23 Raiders 18
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 17th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 165-94-2
- 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: 18.7
- Total yards per game: 275.7
- Passing yards per game: 208.7
- Rushing yards per game: 67
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett | #8
- Passing Yards: 689 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 8
- Rushing Yards: 9 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Pickett played much better vs the Raiders, and looks to keep improving his game vs a vulnerable Texan’s secondary.
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: 139 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Harris ended up with 65 yards vs the Raiders and showed some burst with some long runs. The Steelers need him to hit the hole with speed more often instead of dancing around and taking no gains or worse.
Jaylon Warren | #30
- Rushing Yards: 55 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 101 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Warren has been getting more carries, and with good cause, as he always finds a way to get positive yardage. Warren has become a weapon catching passes out of the backfield.
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: 13 | Receiving Yards: 238 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Pickens leads the team with 13 receptions for 238 yards. Pickens has game breaking ability and Matt Canada needs to get him the ball as often as possible.
Allen Robinson II | #11
- Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 100 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Vet presence has stepped up his game with Johnson out.
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 119 | Receiving TD’s: 1
The shifty receiver had six receptions in the loss to the 49ers and caught a 72 yard touchdown pass last week.
Gunner Olszewski* | #89
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Myles Boykin | #13
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Pat Friermuth | #88
- Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 1
To say Friermuth has been under utilized is… well, the understatement of the season.
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 world awaits “Mount” Washington to be utilized in the Steelers passing attack. His size could be very useful near the goal line.
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 387
- Passing yards allowed: 235.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 151.7
- Sacks: 13
- Interceptions: 4
Defensive Starters
DT: Keeanu Benton #95 | NT: Montravius Adams #57 | DE: Larry Ogunjobi #99
- Benton has looked sharp in place of the injured Cam Heyward. So far he has six tackles. Ogunjobi has one sack.
OLB: T.J. Watt #90 | ILB: Cole Holcomb #41 or Kwon Alexander #54 | ILB: Elandon Roberts #50| OLB: Alex Highsmith #56
- Alexander is first on the team lead with 24 tackles. Watt has six sacks, 11 tackles, and returned a fumble for a touchdown. Highsmith has 14 tackles, a sack, and returned an interception for a touchdown. Holcomb is 3rd on the team with 18 tackles.
CB: Levi Wallace #29 | SS: Keanu Neal #31 | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 | CB: Patrick Peterson #20
- Neal has 15 tackles. Fitzpatrick is 2nd on the team with 21 tackles. Wallace has two interceptions, and Peterson has one.
Steelers Special Teams
Placekicker
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 5-5
Field Goals: 5-5
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 3-3
Kickoff Returners
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Calvin Austin III | #19
- Average: 5.3 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Houston Texans
Overall record: 1-2 (Tied 2nd in AFC South)
Last game: Texans 37 Jaguars 17
Head Coach: DeMeco Ryans
- 1st Season with Houston
- Overall regular-season record: 1-2 | 1-2 with Houston
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Texans Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 22
- Total Offense per game: 341
- Passing yards per game: 271
- Rushing yards per game: 70
Quarterback
C.J. Stroud | #7
- Passing Yards: 906 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 11
- Rushing Yards: 35 | Rushing TD’s: 0
The rookie has played exceptionally well so far, but he has yet to face a pass rush like he will see this Sunday. Stroud has passed for 906 yards and four touchdown passes, but has taken 11 sacks.
Back-up: Davis Mills | #10
- Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Dameon Pierce | #45
- Rushing Yards: 100 | Rushing TD’s: 1
- Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 41 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Pierce is the lead back but hasn’t found much room to run so far this season.
Devin Singletary | #35
- Rushing Yards: 70 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 14 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Mike Boone | #22
- Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Receivers
Nico Collins | #12
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 260 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Collins is looking good as he enters his 2nd season, one of a trio of targets in the passing game that Stroud goes to often. Collins leads the team with 260 yards receiving.
Tank Dell | #3
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 251 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Dell, a rookie, has opened eyes league-wide with his superb play early on. Dell is one of three tied for the team lead with 15 catches and has a team leading two touchdowns.
Robert Woods | #2
- Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 165 | Receiving TD’s: 0
The crafty veteran has been a big target for Stroud, nabbing 15 receptions so far.
John Metchie III | #8
- Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 30 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Xavier Hutchinson | #19
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Dalton Schultz | #86
- Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 47 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Schultz is acclimating to his new team and should become a bigger target in the Texan’s passing game as the year goes on.
Brevin Jordan | #9
- Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 40 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Teagan Quitoriano | #84
- Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Texans Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 24.3
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 340.7
- Passing yards allowed: 223.3
- Rushing yards allowed: 117.3
- Sacks: 4
- Interceptions: 2
Defensive Starters
DE: Will Anderson Jr. #51 | DT: Sheldon Rankins #98 | DT: Maliek Collins #96 | DE: Jonathan Greenard #52
- Anderson Jr. has 13 tackles and a sack. Greenard has 11 tackles and a sack.
WILL: Christian Harris #48 | MIKE: Denzel Perryman #6 | SAM: Henry To’oto’o #39
- To’oto’o leads the team with 20 tackles. Perryman is 2nd with 18 tackles.
CB: Shaquill Griffin #0 | SS: Jimmie Ward #1 | FS: Jalen Pitre #5 | CB: Steven Nelson #21
- Griffin has 12 tackles. Nelson has eight tackles and an interception.
Texans Special Teams
Placekicker
Ka’imi Fairbairn | #15
Extra Points: 6-6
Field Goals: 8-9
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 5-5
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 0-1
Kickoff Returner
Andrew Beck | #47
- Average: 85.0 | TD Returns: 1
Devin Singletary | #3
- Average: 18.5 | TD Returns: 0
Punt Returner
Robert Woods | #2
- Average: 8.5 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Texans History
Series History: Began in 2002
Overall Record: 5-2
- Home: 3-1
- Away: 2-1
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: Steelers won the last three games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 28-21 (Sept. 27, 2020)
Last postseason meeting:
Injury Report (9/30/23)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- IR: DE Cam Heyward, WR Diontae Johnson (Hamstring), RB Anthony McFarland Jr. (Knee)
- Out:
- Doubtful:
- Questionable:
Houston Texans
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable:
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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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