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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 Commentary, Score Prediction, Broadcast Information, and a complete breakdown of each team.
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) vs Green Bay Packers (3-5)
NFL Week 10
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -3
Game-time: Sunday, November 12th, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Blue Grass
Weather at kickoff: 51 and sunny. Winds out of the Northeast at 5 MPH.
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
As is seemingly every game involving the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3), last week’s 20-16 victory over Tennessee was a fist fight that came down to the final possession before the game was finally decided.
The most pleasant surprise of the game was Pittsburgh’s opening drive, which witnessed the Steelers carving up Tennessee on a 10 play 78 yard march, capped off by a 10 yard scamper into the endzone by Najee Harris.
It was Pittsburgh’s first touchdown on an opening series since December of last year.
What wasn’t a big deal was another 4th quarter comeback by Kenny Pickett, who lead the Steelers on a 92 yard drive highlighted by Diontae Johnson’s first touchdown catch since week 16 of the 2022 season.
Now if only Pickett and the Steelers could figure out how to play an entire game instead of relying on last drive miracles every week.
Offensive coordinator Matt Canada called the game from the sidelines, instead of in the box, and it looked as if the offense had some life to it, especially the rushing attack that gained 166 yards on the ground, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, behind a one-two punch of Harris and Jaylon Warren.
“There are pluses and minuses to all of it,” Canada said. “Upstairs, you see things. On the field, you have more face-to-face. We made a decision to find a way to play better, and obviously the results worked out, so it was great.”
Pickett was especially encouraged by being able to talk to Canada face to face during the game.’
“The communication between me and coach was great. I think it was awesome,” Pickett said. “After we had our conversation on what we wanted to do in the next series, he was able to go and kind of talk to each position group and kind of give them what we’re looking to do that next drive. I think that was huge. There’s a lot of positives that came away from it. I think we can continue to build on that.”
Pickett, by definition, cannot be defined as a lousy quarterback, especially with the way he just takes over the game in the 4th quarter.
Bad quarterbacks do not shine when the game is on the line. The ingredients are all there for Pickett to be a superb player in this league for a long time. It’s up to Pickett to lift his game from start to finish. It’s not easy when you have one of the worst coordinators behind you, with defenses basically telling you every week that they know what play is coming.
Johnson has been his favorite target because he is where he is supposed to be when running routes. Pickens is an amazing talent, but he often runs lazy routes. Other than those two, the choices are slim, as the team has no idea how to utilize Calvin Austin III, and both Allen Robinson and Miles Boykin are below average receivers. Pat Freiermuth would be a top target, but he is still out. Connor Heyward does well when given an opportunity, and like Austin, Darnell Washington and his mammoth size is never taken advantage of.
Pickett and the offense will try to find their groove when the Green Bay Packers (3-5) come to town this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
Kickoff is at 1:00 PM.
Green Bay is lead by quarterback Jordan Love, who after four years is getting his chance as a starter.
Love has been off to a rocky start.
Like the Steelers, the Green Bay offense has had it’s trouble scoring and is averaging a total of 317.1 yards per game, which is 23rd in the NFL.
Love has a trio of young receivers in Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson at his disposal, with Reed leading the team with 333 yards and three touchdowns.
Tight end Luke Musgrave has contributed 27 catches for 227 yards.
The run game is headed by Aaron Jones, who when not injured, is one of the better backs in the league. Backing him up and always gaining tough yards is A.J. Dillon.
The Packers, and Love in general, could be in for a tough day facing off against T.J. Watt and the Steelers defense, as three fifths of their offensive line, center Josh Myers, tackle Yosh Nijman, and guard Jon Runyan are all listed as questionable for the game.
Defensively, it’s just as bad for Green Bay, as both starting corner Jaire Alexander and linebacker Quay Walker are doubtful to play.
The Steelers will be missing safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman Montravius Adams.
What can you expect this week? Pretty much rinse, wash, repeat for Pittsburgh. It would be nice to see a complete offensive game by Pittsburgh, which means a great balance between the run and passing game resulting in some big numbers, and points in the mid-20’s or higher, but until you actually witness it, you’ll never believe it’s possible.
No one on earth was expecting a first drive touchdown last week either.
So you’re saying there’s a chance?
Yes. Pittsburgh is better than the Packers at just about every level, and the amount of injuries to Green Bay isn’t helping their cause.
The Steelers need this game badly to keep pace with the insane AFC North, where the Ravens lead at 7-2, with the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns all at 5-3. As of today, every team would make the playoffs.
But with games against the Browns and Bengals forthcoming, this is a must win game for the Black and Gold.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Packers 20
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: CBS (Local: KDKA-TV channel 802 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) Charles Davis (analyst) | Evan Washburn (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: Sports USA Media
- Announcers: Josh Appel (play-by-play) Brandon Noble (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 5-3 (2nd in AFC North)
Last Game: Steelers 20 Titans 16
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 17th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 168-96-2
- 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: 16.1 (29th)
- Total yards per game: 292 (31st)
- Passing yards per game: 212.3 (25th)
- Rushing yards per game: 79.7 (28th)
QUARTERBACK
Kenny Pickett | #8
Pickett has yet to become the quarterback the Steelers envisioned him, but until he is given an actual offensive coordinator, no one will ever truly know what his capabilities are. His detractors are growing by the week. It’s evident by his 4th quarter magic that he has the talent to succeed, but it is up to both the team and himself to play a full game. Has to stop missing easy throws that any NFL caliber QB can make routinely.
Passing Yards: 1,490| TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 17
Rushing Yards: 21 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Mitch Trubisky | #10
Passing Yards: 156 | TD Passes: 1| INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 18 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Najee Harris | #22
Harris and Warren are forming a formidable one-two punch in the Steelers rushing attack.
Rushing Yards: 382 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 101 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylon Warren | #30
Warren always finds a way to hit the hole and get positive yardage, and has become a weapon catching passes out of the backfield.
Rushing Yards: 263 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 209 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Anthony McFarland | #26
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Diontae Johnson | #18
Johnson has been Pickett’s favorite target since returning from injury, and was rewarded with his first touchdown catch last week in eons.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 302 | Receiving TD’s: 1
George Pickens | #14
Pickens leads the team with 30 receptions for 521 yards, but hasn’t been the sharpest route runner, and has been quiet the past two games with just three catches for 21 yards. Could have had a touchdown last week, but a lazy effort earned him just one foot in bounds. Needs to grow up and be a team player.
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 521 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Allen Robinson II | #11
Robinson hasn’t made much of an impact as the team thought he would when signed in the off-season.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 154 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Calvin Austin III | #19
The shifty receiver could be utilized in a variety of ways in a competent offense, but…
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 162 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Miles Boykin | #13
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth* | #88
To say Freiermuth has been under utilized is… well, the understatement of the season. Unfortunately, Freiermuth reinjured his hamstring in practice, and has been placed on IR.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 53 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward makes the most of his opportunities when called upon.
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 105 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Darnell Washington | #80
The world awaits “Mount” Washington to be utilized in the Steelers passing attack.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
STEELERS DEFENSE (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 20.4 (13th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 377.3
- Passing yards allowed: 244.1
- Rushing yards allowed: 133.1
- Sacks: 26 (8th)
- Interceptions: 8 (8th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0
NT: Montravius Adams | #57
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 9.5 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
ILB: Kwon Alexander | #54
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 48 | Sacks: 1.5
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 4.5 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Damontae Kazee | #23
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SS: Keanu Neal | #31
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Patrick Peterson | #20
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
STEELERS SPECIAL TEAMS
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 11-11
Field Goals: 14-15
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 2-2
- 40-49 yards: 4-4
- 50+ yards: 4-5
KICKOFF RETURNER
Anthony McFarland, Jr. | #26
Average: 30.3 | TD Returns: 0
Godwin Igwebuike | #48
Average: 23.3 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 5.2 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Green Bay Packers
Overall record: 3-3 (3rd in NFC North)
Last game: Green Bay 20 LA Rams 3
Head Coach: Matt LaFleur
- 5th Season with Packers
- Overall regular-season record: 50-24 | 50-24 with Packers
- Playoff Record: 2-3
Team Links
PACKERS OFFENSE
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 20 (20th)
- Total Offense per game: 317.1 (23rd)
- Passing yards per game: 216.8 (23rd)
- Rushing yards per game: 100.4 (22nd)
QUARTERBACK
Jordan Love | #10
4th season overall, but 1st as a starter. Has been inconsistent all year and has thrown an interception in all but three games.
Passing Yards: 1,720 | TD Passes: 12 | INT’s: 8 | Sacked: 18
Rushing Yards: 11 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Sean Clifford | #8
Passing Yards: 0| TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Aaron Jones | #33
Very talented lead back for the Packers, but has been hampered by injuries. Finally looked more like himself last week vs the Rams, gaining 73 yards and a touchdown.
Rushing Yards: 196 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 147 | Receiving TD’s: 1
A.J. Dillon | #28
Tough runner who has seen plenty of time subbing in for Jones when injured.
Rushing Yards: 306 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 103 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Emmanuel Wilson | #31
Rushing Yards: 73 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 14 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jayden Reed | #11
Up and coming rookie receiver for the Packers, leads the team with 333 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 333 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Romeo Doubs | #87
Doubs is in his 2nd year, and is first on the team with 30 receptions.
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 312 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Christian Watson | #9
Watson, a 6’4 2nd year player, hasn’t played up to his rookie season when he had 41 catches for 611 yards and seven touchdowns.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 213 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Dontayvion Hicks | #13
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 189 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Samori Toure | #83
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 62 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Luke Musgrave | #88
Musgrave is opening eyes and establishing himself as one of the better tight ends in the game.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 249 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Josiah Deguara | #81
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 65 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
PACKERS DEFENSE (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 19.9 (10th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 320.1
- Passing yards allowed: 196.1 (20th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 124 (16th)
- Sacks: 20 (21st)
- Interceptions: 5 (21st)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Kenny Clark | #97
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 4
DT: TJ Slayton | #93
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0
DE: Devonte Wyatt| #95
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 2.5
LINEBACKERS
OLB: Preston Smith | #91
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 4
ILB: De’Vondre Campbell | #59
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Quay Walker | #7
Tackles: 66 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
OLB: Rashan Gary | #52
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 4.5
SECONDARY
CB: Jaire Alexander | #23
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Rudy Ford | #20
Tackles: 48 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
FS: Jonathan Owens | #34
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
CB: Keisean Nixon | #25
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
PACKERS SPECIAL TEAMS
PLACEKICKER
Anders Carlson | #17
Extra Points: 15-15
Field Goals: 11-13
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 6-6
- 40-49 yards: 0-2
- 50+ yards: 2-2
KICKOFF RETURNER
Keisean Nixon | #25
Average: 25.9 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Jayden Reed | #11
Average: 11.4 | TD Returns: 0
STEELERS vs PACKERS HISTORY
Series History: Began in 1933
Overall Record: 16-20
- Home: 8-7
- Away: 8-12
- Postseason: 0-1
Streak: Packers won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Packers Win, 27-17 (Oct. 3, 2021)
Last postseason meeting: Packers Win, 31-25 (Super Bowl XLV)
INJURY REPORT (11/10/23)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: TE Pat Freiermuth (Hamstring)
Out: FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (Hamstring), DT Montravius Adams Sr. (Ankle)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Green Bay Packers
Out: None
Doubtful: CB Jaire Alexander (Shoulder), LB Quay Walker (Groin)
Questionable: DL Kenny Clark (Shoulder), S Rudy Ford (Calf), C/G Josh Myers (Knee), T Yosh Nijman (Back), G Jon Runyan (Neck)
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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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