0
0
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 (7-5) vs New England Patriots (2-10)
NFL Week 14
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -6
Game-time: Thursday, December 7th, at 8:15 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Blue Grass
Weather at kickoff: 42 and clear. Winds out of the Southwest at 6 MPH.
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
For what seemed like an eternity since the vintage Ben Roethlisberger days, there was a feeling of hope and optimism in regards to the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) offense heading into their game vs the Arizona Cardinals last week.
Matt Canada had been relieved of his duties and the team had recorded their first 400 plus yard game offensively in 59 games.
The Cardinals also had the 2nd to last ranked scoring defense.
All the planets had been aligned for Pittsburgh to get on a serious roll and make a run for the AFC North crown.
Arizona 24 Pittsburgh 10.
The score wasn’t even close to being indicative of how badly the Cardinals pounded on the Steelers.
The bullies became the bullied.
After a promising opening drive that resulted in a field goal, the Steelers set out on a long drive that eventually put them in a first and goal situation. However, on 3rd down, quarterback Kenny Pickett tried to run it in himself for the score, but was tackled at the half yard line, and injured in the process.
In came Mitch Trubisky, and instead of kicking another field goal to retake the lead, Mike Tomlin and his brilliant offensive staff decided to go for it via shotgun formation, and the play was stuffed by one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
“I have a problem with the play call and the push from the offensive line,” said former Steeler Chris Hoke, now an analyst. “They line up in shotgun with Najee Harris in the sidecar. Then you look at James Daniels and Broderick Jones. They can’t even get a push. They get knocked back. Mason Cole gets beat. It’s just a disaster right there. They’ve got to come off, pin their ears back, line up under the (center) and do something more physical than a shotgun, coming off lollygagging. You can’t do that when it’s fourth-and-goal at the 1.”
To further rub salt in the wounds, Arizona lead by Kyler Murray, then drove the ball 99 yards for a touchdown, and the Cardinals never looked back.
It was as embarrassing a loss as you could dream of for what was for a once proud franchise.
“Unfortunately, that tape didn’t look much different than it did in-stadium,” Tomlin said at his press conference. “Man, there were some areas where we failed miserably, and it produced the outcome.”
Now the Steelers suit up just a few days later for a Thursday night game at Acrisure Stadium against another 2-10 team in the New England Patriots, who were shutout 6-0 to the Chargers in their last game.
The Patriots have the league’s worst offense, scoring just 12.3 points per game.
If the Steelers lose to this team…
With Mitch Trubisky as starter until Pickett returns in 2-4 weeks, the guys in Vegas aren’t expecting much from any team, as evidenced by the over/under being set at an absurd 30 points for the game.
Trubisky is confident he can get the team back on track in the win column and on offense.
“You want to be aggressive, but if you’re too safe with the football, you’re not going to move it,” said Trubisky. “You have to know what you can do. You have to take care of the football at the end of the day, but sometimes you’ve got to believe in yourself that you can make the throws down the field to score points.”
Trubisky faces a tough defense employed by New England, despite the lowly record. The Patriots are ranked 8th in total defense, giving up just 310.8 yards per game, and 3rd vs the run, allowing 88.6 yards per game.
Najee Harris, despite being questionable, is expected to play.
This might be a game where Trubisky and the offense have to pass more than they like to win.
The high powered Chargers offense lead by Justin Herbert managed just six points, with Herbert throwing for just 212 yards.
The Patriots will have Bailey Zappe at quarterback, fresh off a game in which he threw for 141 yards and was sacked five times.
Zappe will be without his top two receivers in Damario Douglas and Kendrick Bourne.
DeVante Parker, who has 22 receptions on the year, will likely be the main guy in the Patriot’s passing game, along with former Steeler Juju Smith-Schuster, as well as tight end Hunter Henry, who is 3rd on the team with 32 catches for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
Starting back Rhamondre Stevenson is also out, which gives former Cowboy star Ezekiel Elliott the nod as the lead back. Elliot is averaging just 35.8 yards per game
The Patriots face a Steelers defense decimated by injuries, especially at linebacker. The team already lost starters in Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander for the year, and now leading tackler Elandon Roberts is in doubt to play after he was injured in the loss to Arizona.
“Coach Tomlin always says that you give a capable man information, and he runs with it,” outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said. “Whoever is in there, we are going to provide them with everything they need. Those guys are going to prepare well and come out and play. It’s going to be important to know we’re going to have capable guys step up and make plays.”
Fresh off a loss to the other 2-10 team, how can anyone have any confidence or clue as to what Steelers team is going to show up this Thursday night?
With Trubisky running the show, it’s probably going to be another game filled with moments you’d like to throw the remote through your television, but in the end, the Steelers should find a way to sludge their way to their 8th win.
Despite how well New England defends the run, with the way Harris and Jaylon Warren have been producing, the Steelers cannot afford to abandon the rushing attack and get pass crazy under Trubisky.
This is not to say play conservative either.
Trubisky has to be aggressive downfield to both Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, and find Pat Freiermuth across the middle.
What the offense can’t afford is bad decisions by Trubisky that lead to turnovers.
The Patriots can’t score. Don’t give them anything to find confidence in.
If you’re having problems going to sleep, this is probably the game that will help end that.
One thing is for sure… bet the under.
Prediction: Steelers 10 Patriots 6
Broadcast Information
TV: Amazon Prime (Local: WPXI-TV channel 811 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play) Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) | Kaylee Hartung (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: Westwood One Sports
- Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) Ryan Leaf (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 7-5 (2nd in AFC North)
Last Game: Cardinals 24 Steelers 10
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 17th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 170-98-2
- 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: 16.0 (28th)
- Total yards per game: 310.6 (27th)
- Passing yards per game: 195.3 (30th)
- Rushing yards per game: 115.3 (14th)
QUARTERBACK
Mitch Trubisky | #10
Trubisky takes over for the injured Kenny Pickett and will try once more to be a reliable quarterback when called upon to perform.
Passing Yards: 273 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 23 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mason Rudolph | #10
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Najee Harris | #22
Harris and Warren are forming a formidable one-two punch in the Steelers rushing attack. Harris has looked strong and assertive the past month, but faces a tough test against a stout New England run defense.
Rushing Yards: 661 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 130 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylen 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: 601 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 38 | Receiving Yards: 243 | 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 was Pickett’s favorite target since returning from injury, but inconsistencies have plagued his career.
Receptions: 34 | Receiving Yards: 418 | Receiving TD’s: 2
George Pickens | #14
Pickens leads the team with 44 receptions for 748 yards, but hasn’t been the sharpest route runner. With Trubisky under center, will definitely see a few deep passes headed his way.
Receptions: 44 | Receiving Yards: 748 | 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: 26 | Receiving Yards: 204 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Calvin Austin III | #19
The shifty receiver could be utilized in a variety of ways in a competent offense, but… perhaps with Canada gone, the team will find a way to get him the ball in space. Get this guy the ball with some middle crossing routes!
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 180 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 30
Miles Boykin | #13
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth had nine catches for 120 yards two weeks ago, but was an afterthought last week.
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 209 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward makes the most of his opportunities when called upon.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 148 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Darnell Washington | #80
The world awaits “Mount” Washington to be utilized in the Steelers passing attack, especially in the red zone. Washington has become a devastating blocker in the run game.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 41 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 19.1 (6th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 348.3 (21st)
- Passing yards allowed: 227.3 (19th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 121.0 (22nd)
- Sacks: 34 (11th)
- Interceptions: 12 (5th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 1
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 1
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 31 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 14 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
ILB: Mark Robinson | #93
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 80 | Sacks: 1.5
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 6 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Damontae Kazee | #23
Tackles: 53 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
SS: Trenton Thompson | #17
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Patrick Peterson | #20
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 16-16
Field Goals: 22-24
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 6-6
- 30-39 yards: 5-5
- 40-49 yards: 7-8
- 50+ yards: 4-5
KICKOFF RETURNER
Anthony McFarland, Jr. | #26
Average: 27.3 | TD Returns: 0
Godwin Igwebuike | #48
Average: 23.3 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 7.1 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the New England Patriots
Overall record: 2-10 (4th in AFC East)
Last game: Chargers 6 Patriots 0
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
- 24th Season with New England
- Overall regular-season record: 329-165 | 292-120 (with Patriots)
- Playoff Record: 31-13
Team Links
Patriots Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 12.3 (32nd)
- Total Offense per game: 305.3 (28th)
- Passing yards per game: 201.6 (27th)
- Rushing yards per game: 103.7 (21st)
QUARTERBACK
Bailey Zappe | #4
Zappe makes his 2nd start and faces a much tougher test against the Steelers defense than he did against an average Chargers unit that held him to just 141 yards passing and sacked him five times,
Passing Yards: 299 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 7
Rushing Yards: 16 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mac Jones | #10
Passing Yards: 2,120 | TD Passes: 10 | INT’s: 12 | Sacked: 22
Rushing Yards: 96 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Rhamondre Stevenson* | #38
Stevenson is the team leader in rushing but is out multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain.
Rushing Yards: 619 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 38 | Receiving Yards: 238 | TD’s: 0
Ezekiel Elliott | #15
The savvy vet was once one of the best in the game, and now takes over as the lead runner with Stevenson out. Elliott is averaging just 35.8 yards per game on the ground.
Rushing Yards: 429 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 124 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Ty Montgomery II | #14
Rushing Yards: 9 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 23 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Demario Douglas* | #81
Has become a very reliable receiver for the Patriots with Bourne out, leading the team with 410 yards receiving, but is out with a concussion.
Receptions: 36 | Receiving Yards: 410 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kendrick Bourne* | #4
Leads the team with 37 receptions but is on IR.
Receptions: 37 | Receiving Yards: 406 | Receiving TD’s: 4
DeVante Parker | #1
Parker lead the team with nine catches for 64 yards last week in the 6-0 loss to the Chargers. Will be Zappe’s main target with so many injuries killing the New England receiving corps.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 264 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Juju Smith-Schuster | #83
The former Steeler is averaging just 17 yards per game and has one touchdown in 2023.
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 170 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Tyquan Thornton | #0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jalen Reagor | #82
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 33 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Hunter Henry | #85
Henry is 3rd on the team with 32 receptions. Should be a safety valve for Zappe in this game,.
Receptions: 32 | Receiving Yards: 313 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Mike Gesecki | #87
The former Dolphin is barely used in the Patriot’s passing attack.
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 182 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Pharaoh Brown | #87
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 170 | Receiving TD’s: 1
*Injured/out
Patriots Defense (Base 4-3)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 21.2 (15th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 310.5 (8th)
- Passing yards allowed: 221.8 (16th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 88.6 (3rd)
- Sacks: 24 (28th)
- Interceptions: 6 (24th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Deatrich Wise, Jr. | #91
Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 2.5
DT: Davon Godchaux | #92
Tackles: 46 | Sacks: 0
DE: Lawrence Guy, Sr. | #93
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
OLB: Anfernee Jennings | #33
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 1.5 | INT: 0
MLB: Ja-Whaun Bentley | #8
Tackles: 79 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 0
MLB: Jahlani Tavai | #48
Tackles: 70 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
OLB: Josh Uche | #55
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
CB: Jonathan Jones | #31
Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Kyle Dugger | #23
Tackles: 72 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2
FS: Jabrill Peppers | #5
Tackles: 63 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
CB: Myles Bryant | #27
Tackles: 57 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
Patriots Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chad Ryland | #37
Extra Points: 14-14
Field Goals: 12-18
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 3-5
- 40-49 yards: 5-7
- 50+ yards: 1-3
KICKOFF RETURNER
Jalen Reagor | #82
Average: 2.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Myles Bryant | #27
Average: 6.5 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Patriots History
Series History: Began in 1972
Overall Record: 16-18
- Home: 12-11
- Away: 4-7
- Postseason: 1-4
Streak: Patriots won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Patriots Win, 17-14 (Sept. 18, 2022)
Last postseason meeting: Patriots Win, 36-17 (Jan. 22, 2017)
Injury Report (12/6/23)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: S Keanu Neal
Out: QB Kenny Pickett (ankle), CB James Pierre (Shoulder)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: RB Najee Harris (knee), G Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder), C Mason Cole (neck), LB Elandon Roberts (Groin)
New England Patriots
IR: WR Kendrick Bourne
Out: WR Damario Douglas (concussion), WR Kayshon Boutte (Shoulder), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), CB Shaun Wade (Illness), OL Riley Reiff (Knee)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: WR Juju Smith-Schuster (ankle), WR DeVante Parker (knee), DL Christian Barmore (Shoulder), OL Trent Brown (Ankle/Hand)
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
-
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!
Latest entries
FeaturesMarch 18, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesMarch 12, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesMarch 3, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports
FeaturesFebruary 25, 2024The DraX-Files: This Week in Pittsburgh Sports