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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 (8-7) at Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
NFL Week 17
Vegas line: Seattle -3.5
Game-time: Sunday, December 31st, at 4:05 PM
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA.
- Field: FieldTurf Revolution 360
Weather at kickoff: Partly cloudy and 48. Winds light and variable.
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
As Hans Gruber once said in the ultimate Christmas movie Die Hard, “It’s Christmas, Theo, it’s the time for miracles.”
Yes, Christmas came early for the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, and it certainly seemed like a miracle, as the Steelers (8-7) pounded Cincinnati 34-11, after losing three games in a row, two of which came at the behest of the Cardinals and Patriots who were 2-10.
Mason Rudolph made his first start in years, and torched the Bengals for 290 yards for two touchdowns and no interceptions.
George Pickens, who had been the subject of scrutiny for his lazy play, went off for 195 yards receiving and caught both of Rudolph’s touchdowns.
That three game losing streak certainly looked as if it killed off any chances at a playoff berth, but the win, combined with losses by the Colts, Broncos, Jaguars, and Texans, opened up the door again, and if the Steelers can find a way to take down both Seattle and Baltimore in the next two weeks, the chances are not too bad at getting in.
First things first, and that is taking care of business in Seattle vs the Seahawks (8-7), who are also battling for a playoff spot.
History has not been kind to Pittsburgh in Seattle, as they have a lifetime record of 1-7 in the great northwest city.
The Seahawks are lead by quarterback Geno Smith, who played at West Virginia. After a breakout season in 2022, Smith has thrown for just 3,145 yards, with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Smith has been sacked 30 times.
The running game is lead by a duo of strong backs in Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Walker III has been hampered by injuries this year, but still leads the team with 774 yards and seven touchdowns. Charbonnet has contributed 428 yards and four TD’s.
DK Metcalf is Smith’s top option at wide receiver, averaging 16.6 yards a catch, and leading the team with 998 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Tyler Lockett is a formidable second receiver that leads the team with 76 receptions, and has four touchdowns. Rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a solid third option, and has caught 59 passes for 602 yards and three touchdowns.
Noah Fant, Colby Parkinson, and Will Dissly are a trio of tight ends deployed by Seattle. Fants leads them all with 28 receptions, and Parkinson has two touchdown catches.
Defensively, the Seahawks aren’t exactly the Legion of Boom anymore, allowing 358.8 yards per game (26th) and giving up 23.6 points per game (23rd). Najee Harris and Jaylon Warren could be in for a good day on the ground as the Seahawks are 27th in rushing defense, giving up 129.6 a game on the ground.
Seattle will have to do without offensive lineman Jason Peters, and both Metcalf and Walker III are questionable. On defense, the Seahawks will be missing DE Mario Edwards and LB Frank Clark, and could also be without CB Devin Witherspoon, LB’s Nick Bellore and Jordyn Brooks, all of whom are also questionable.
The Steelers chances will lay squarely in the hands of Rudolph, who will make his 2nd consecutive start, even though Kenny Pickett’s ankle may be good to go. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is sticking with the hot hand.
“I’m really just enjoying getting reps in practice,” Rudolph said Wednesday. “It’s foreign. … I think you build confidence when you stack good day on good day, and that’s all we’re trying to do.
“I know it’s a week-to-week league, and I’ve turned the page from last week, even though it was a big-time win we needed, but I’ve turned the page.”
Pickett feels he is ready to go if called upon.
“The ankle feels good,” Pickett said. “Taking it a day at a time. Listening to what trainers are saying and coaches are saying.
“They have a plan for me. I’m going by what they tell me. It feels like I’m on track with what I need to do. It’s really not how I feel. It’s what they see me doing, how they feel like I’m looking and moving around.”
The Steelers will be hurting defensively again, especially in the middle, as middle linebacker Elandon Roberts will be joining fellow starters Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb on the sidelines this week, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is out again, as his his back-up in Trenton Thompson. Keenu Neal was already on IR, and Damontae Kazee suspended.
With so many injuries, corner Patrick Peterson may find himself starting at safety again, as he did last week. Levi Wallace assumed his duties at cornerback.
“I feel like I am kind of a safety at heart,” Peterseon said, “because I am a big talker, I am a communicator and being at corner it’s kind of hard to communicate with the guys. But now being at the safety position and having that real key component of communication with everyone, that felt very natural to me.”
Tomlin is more than comfortable with Peterson moving over in the team’s time of need.
“He’s a really sharp football player, first and foremost, who’s very experienced,” Tomlin said. “He sees the game from a coach’s perspective in that he can step outside his helmet, that allows for versatility.”
Can Rudolph work his magic again vs a vulnerable Seahawk’s defense? Pittsburgh would be smart to get both Harris and Warren involved to establish the run, and that would certainly help Rudolph take some deep shots to Pickens, and hopefully get Diontae Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth involved in the game, too.
Despite so many injuries plaguing the Steelers defense, the team showed their resolve last week against the Bengals, by allowing just 11 points. Both linebackers in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will be instrumental in keeping Smith under wraps and under constant pressure when he drops back to pass. Corner Joey Porter, Jr. will be assigned to cover Metcalf if he is able to suit up, and one has to favor the Steelers in that tough match-up.
Though history favors the Seahawks, it seems this Steelers team may have enough in the tank to overcome the obstacles they face, and keep their playoff hopes alive heading into the final week vs the Ravens.
Look for Rudolph to make the most of another opportunity, and for the Steelers to display a well balanced offense against a bottom tier Seattle defense. The Seahawks have scored more than 20 points just once in their last six games, and the Pittsburgh defense will keep that streak going this week.
Prediction: Steelers 27 Seahawks 20
Broadcast Information
TV: Fox (Local: WPGH-TV channel 803 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Kenny Albert (play-by-play) Jonathan Vilma (analyst) | Shannon Spake (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
- Announcers: Larry Kahn (play-by-play) KJ Wright (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 8-7 (3rd in AFC North)
Last Game: Steelers 34 Bengals 11
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 17th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 171-100-2
- 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: 17.1 (28th)
- Total yards per game: 309.9 (27th)
- Passing yards per game: 199.7 (30th)
- Rushing yards per game: 110.2 (16th)
QUARTERBACK
Mason Rudolph | #2
Rudolph went off in his first start in years, leading the Steelers to a 34-11 demolition of Cincinnati. Looked confident in the pocket and found George Pickens twice for touchdowns.
Passing Yards: 293 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 4 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Kenny Pickett | #8
Passing Yards: 2,070 | TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 23
Rushing Yards: 54 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Najee Harris | #22
Harris and Warren have formed a solid one-two punch in the Steelers rushing attack. Harris has looked strong and assertive when given the chance to run the ball in the 2nd half of the season.
Rushing Yards: 801 | Rushing TD’s: 5
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 149 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylen Warren | #30
Warren always finds a way to hit the hole and get positive yardage, and has become a major weapon both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.
Rushing Yards: 676 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 52 | Receiving Yards: 330 | 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, including untimely dropped passes and constantly running backwards after catches. Has seen his production drop since Kenny Pickett was injured a month ago.
Receptions: 43 | Receiving Yards: 552 | Receiving TD’s: 4
George Pickens | #14
Pickens leads the team with 56 receptions for 1,009 yards, and five touchdowns. After a few games where his heart was challenged, Pickens went off last week against the Bengals for 195 yards and two scores.
Receptions: 56 | Receiving Yards: 1,009 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Allen Robinson II | #11
Robinson has picked up his play of late, and is a reliable option when thrown to.
Receptions: 34 | Receiving Yards: 280 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Calvin Austin III | #19
The shifty receiver could be utilized in a variety of ways in a competent offense, and those dreams have been realized of late with Austin seeing an uptick in running the ball, one carry resulting in a touchdown.
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 180 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 49 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Miles Boykin | #13
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Has been up and down all season in getting the ball thrown his way. Needs to be an integral part of the passing game, especially across the middle and in the red zone.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 243 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward makes the most of his opportunities when thrown to.
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 163 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Darnell Washington | #80
Has great size and could be a major asset in short yardage situations, especially in the red zone. Washington has become a devastating blocker in the run game.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 61 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 19.4 (7th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 348.2 (21st)
- Passing yards allowed: 230.7 (21st)
- Rushing yards allowed: 117.5 (20th)
- Sacks: 42 (12th)
- Interceptions: 16 (3rd)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 2
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 1
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 3
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 58 | Sacks: 17 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
ILB: Mykal Walker | #38
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
ILB: Myles Jack | #16
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 1
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 54 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Eric Rowe | #25
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SS: Miles Killebrew | #28
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Patrick Peterson | #20
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 22-23
Field Goals: 25-27
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 6-6
- 30-39 yards: 6-6
- 40-49 yards: 7-8
- 50+ yards: 6-7
KICKOFF RETURNER
Godwin Igwebuike | #48
Average: 25.1 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 6.6 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Seattle Seahawks
Overall record: 8-7 (3rd in NFC West)
Last game: Seahawks 20 Titans 17
Head Coach: Pete Carroll
- 14th Season with Seattle
- Overall regular-season record: 169-119-1 | 136-88-1 (with Seattle)
- Playoff Record: 11-11
Team Links
Seattle Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 21.3 (19th)
- Total Offense per game: 336.1 (22nd)
- Passing yards per game: 245.9 (15th)
- Rushing yards per game: 90.3 (28th)
QUARTERBACK
Geno Smith | #7
After a breakout season last year, Smith has come back to earth with barely above average play. Prone to a good pass rush as evident of his 30 sacks taken.
Passing Yards: 3,149 | TD Passes: 17 | INT’s: 9 | Sacked: 30
Rushing Yards: 94 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Drew Lock | #2
Passing Yards: 543 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 6
Rushing Yards: 14 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Kenneth Walker III | #9
Tough runner entering his 2nd season. Injuries have hampered him.
Rushing Yards: 774 | Rushing TD’s: 7
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 234 | TD’s: 1
Zach Charbonnet | #26
Rookie back that has a promising future.
Rushing Yards: 428 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 142 | Receiving TD’s: 0
DeeJay Dallas | #31
Rushing Yards: 36 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 26 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
DK Metcalf | #14
The Seahawks top option at wide receiver. Metcalf has great size at 6’4, 235 pounds. Averages 16.6 yards per catch.
Receptions: 60 | Receiving Yards: 998 | Receiving TD’s: 8
Tyler Lockett | #16
Considered the #2 option for Smith, but leads the team with 76 receptions.
Receptions: 76 | Receiving Yards: 813 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Jaxon Smith-Njigba | #11
The electric rookie is showing why he will be one of the better wideouts in the league for years to come.
Receptions: 59 | Receiving Yards: 602 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jake Bobo | #19
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 183 | Receiving TD’s: 2
TIGHT ENDS
Noah Fant | #87
Fant is one of a trio of tight ends used by Seattle.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 335 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Colby Parkinson | #84
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 201 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Will Dissly | #89
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 126 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Seattle Defense (Base 3-4)
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.5 (23rd)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 358.6 (26th)
- Passing yards allowed: 229 (19th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 129.6 (27th)
- Sacks: 45 (6th)
- Interceptions: 11 (19th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Dre’Mont Jones | #55
Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 4.5
DT: Jarran Reed | #90
Tackles: 49 | Sacks: 7
DE: Leonard Williams | #99
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 3
LINEBACKERS
OLB: Boye Mafe | #53
Tackles: 46 | Sacks: 9 | INT: 0
MLB: Jordyn Brooks | #56
Tackles: 109 | Sacks: 4.5 | INT: 1
MLB: Bobby Wagner | #54
Tackles: 154 | Sacks: 3.5 | INT: 0
OLB: Darrell Taylor | #52
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 4.5 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
CB: Michael Jackson | #30
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Julian Love | #20
Tackles: 91 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 4
FS: Quandre Diggs | #6
Tackles: 85 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Riq Woolen | #27
Tackles: 48 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
Seattle Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Jason Myers | #7
Extra Points: 30-30
Field Goals: 30-37
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 6-6
- 30-39 yards: 10-11
- 40-49 yards: 10-12
- 50+ yards: 4-8
KICKOFF RETURNER
DeeJay Dallas | #31
Average: 25.8 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
DeeJay Dallas | #31
Average: 10.4 | TD Returns: 1
Steelers vs Seahawks History
Series History: Began in 1977
Overall Record: 10-10
- Home: 8-3
- Away: 1-7
- Postseason: 1-0
Streak: Steelers won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 23-20 (Oct. 17, 2021)
Last postseason meeting: Super Bowl XL- Steelers Win, 21-10 (Feb. 5, 2006)
Injury Report (12/29/23)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: S Keanu Neal
Out: FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee), SS Damonte Kazee (suspended), S Trenton Thompson (Neck), LB Elandon Roberts (pectoral)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: QB Kenny Pickett (ankle)
Seattle Seahawks
IR:
Out: S Jamal Adams (knee), T Jason Peters (foot), LB Frank Clark, DE Mario Edwards (knee), WR Dee Eskridge (ribs)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: WR DK Metcalf (back), RB Kenneth Walker III (shoulder), LB Nick Bellore (knee), LB Jordyn Brooks (ankle), CB Devin Witherspoon (hip)
Author Profile
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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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