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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, Game Prediction, Broadcast Information, and a complete breakdown of each team.
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
It was an off-season of change for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are in the midst of their longest drought in winning a playoff game since the years before the Immaculate Reception in 1972.
Yes, it’s been eight seasons since 2016, when Pittsburgh reached the AFC Championship game and was mauled by New England 36-17.
Not one single playoff win since.
Arthur Smith was brought in as the new offensive coordinator after years of futility under Matt Canada.
All three quarterbacks from last season, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph were jettisoned from the roster, and in came Russell Wilson from the Broncos, Justin Fields via trade from the Bears, and Kyle Allen as the 3rd stringer.
Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (Washington) was drafted in the 1st round, with center Zach Frazier (WVU) going in the 2nd round, and another lineman in Mason McCormick (South Dakota State) in the 4th round. Roman Wilson, a very talented receiver from Michigan, was selected in the 3rd round.
Diontae Johnson was traded to Carolina for cornerback Donte Jackson.
Linebacker Patrick Queen was signed as a free agent, as was safety DeShon Elliot.
It was, in all terms, a pretty good overhaul of a team desperately needing upgrades.
Unfortunately, one area that was never addressed was the wide receiver room, as the Steelers missed out on signing Mike Williams, and failed to pull off a trade that went on for months with the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk.
Thus, the Steelers were left with only one truly proven receiver in George Pickens, along with Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, and the aforementioned rookie Roman Wilson.
Jefferson, to his credit, has looked good all training camp and preseason, but now the pretend games are over, and it’s time for the real deal. Wilson has been injured since the first day of camp, and is out for the opener, too.
Also injured in camp was Russell Wilson, who was mindblowingly hurt while doing drills pushing a blocking sled.
The calf injury, at first thought to be just an afterthought, has now lingered to week one’s practices, where on Thursday Wilson reported soreness, and was limited in practice both that day and Friday, and is officially listed as questionable for the opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
“Just felt a little tight. Just wanted to be smart about it,” Wilson said. “Obviously, we play the game on Sunday, and I’m hoping I get to be in it. Just trying to get ready to go.”
So, more than likely, it will be Justin Fields who will be under center when the Pittsburgh offense takes the field this Sunday.
Fields will rely on his big play ability, both with a strong arm and taking off with the ball. George Pickens will assume the role as his top weapon in the passing game, with Jefferson, Austin III, and Miller hoping to chip in when called upon.
One player that will get a chance to have a career year will be tight end Pat Freiermuth, who should be featured often in the Smith offensive system. Freiermuth signed a five year contract extension on Friday afternoon. Expect to see fellow tight ends Conner Heyward, Darnell Washington, and possibly MyCole Pruitt from time to time.
“Pat is going to have a big role for us this year,” said Steelers receiver Scotty Miller. ”Art is going to put Pat out wide. He’s going to do so many things with all of those guys. Pat’s ability to block and catch and his ability to understand the playbook and how smart he is, that’s going to give him a lot of opportunities. I think he’s going to show out this year.”
Running-backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren form one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL, and look to power a rushing attack that the Steelers want to physically dominate opposing defenses with.
Star power absent in the receiving corps aside, this has the makings of an offense that could be very effective if either Fields or Wilson can elevate their games. The offensive line looked chaotic in preseason, with tackle Broderick Jones looking subpar, and guard Isaac Seumalo suffering a pectoral injury that will cost him at least three games. Fautanu has been injured since the first preseason game, but has a full bill of health after practicing all week. It will be key for the line to come together as a unit, providing pass protection for either QB, and opening up running lanes for Harris and Warren.
The defense could be one of the league’s best, with Cam Heyward leading the way on the defensive line, along with rising star Keeanu Benton, and Larry Ogunjobi.
T.J. Watt headlines a stellar linebacking crew, with Queen, Elandon Roberts, and Alex Highsmith starting, with Nick Herbig and rookie Payton Wilson rotating in.
The secondary will be solid with Jackson on one side, and Joey Porter, Jr. on the other. Elliot is an upgrade at safety, and Minkah Fitzpatrick should be able to go back to roaming in the middle of the field and making the big plays he had been known to create.
The Atlanta Falcons come into this game with big expectations, too.
It was Steelers OC Smith who was fired by the Falcons after last season, and replaced by Raheem Morris.
Kirk Cousins was brought in as the starting quarterback, a bridge until Michael Pennix, Jr. is ready someday.
Cousins will have to prove he can still play at a high level after suffering a torn Achilles last season in Minnesota, and has yet to take a live snap since.
Cousins has pretty solid weapons in WR Drake London as his top target, and Darnell Mooney, who spent his first four years in Chicago. Like the Steelers, Atlanta is a bit thin at wide receiver, with Ray Ray McCloud listed 3rd on the depth chart, followed by KhaDarel Hodge and Casey Washington.
Will this be the year that tight end Kyle Pitts finally breaks out and utilizes his immense talent? With Cousins throwing the ball, Pitts could be one of the league’s best, if he can stay healthy.
Bijan Robinson is set to take the league by storm in his 2nd season, and his back-up, Tyler Allgeier, is very solid as a change of pace back, as evidenced by his 683 yards rushing last year.
The Atlanta defense was bolstered by the additions of pass rusher Matthew Judon, and safety Justin Simmons.
So, what can we expect as the Steelers take the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as three point underdogs?
Personally, methinks both the local and national media are overlooking this team, most of which predict a drab 8-9, or 9-8 season.
Yes, the schedule is tough, but so is the ones played by the opposing teams in the AFC North.
Remember, this was a team that finished 10-7 last year, and made drastic upgrades to the quarterback room, offensive line, linebacker, safety, and… special teams, with the addition of Cordarrelle Patterson, a Swiss Army knife kinda player that can return punts, kicks, and contribute as a running back.
The Steelers running game should flourish this season, with an improved line, a better OC, and the duo of Harris and Warren.
Harris is enamored with Patterson as a teammate and mentor.
“To have a veteran in the room who played a lot of years and had success and might go to the Hall of Fame, to have that presence in the room is helpful to me personally,” Harris said. “Just him being there I think that was a big pickup this year.”
Harris believes Smith’s offense will be one to be reckoned with.
“I like Arthur Smith as a coach. He’s a great coach,” said Harris. “He has control of the offense. I think that’s a great thing. He’s shown that he’s been in this position before. Experienced. He’s got examples how maybe when he was in Tennessee or in Atlanta, certain situations or certain schemes come up and how to attack it. But just him as a leader, his comfortablility in being in this spot, I think that’s beneficial.”
As for quarterback, Harris says the team is ready to go no matter who starts.
“We’re confident in whoever’s at quarterback,” Harris said. “We know the game plan. We’re gonna execute it. We’re confident in whoever’s there.”
As murky as the quarterback situation has been for Pittsburgh, at least both quarterbacks have played in the preseason, and honestly, Fields has the higher ceiling and much greater potential than Wilson.
Not that the 35 year old Wilson can’t either. He did throw 26 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions for lowly Denver last year.
As for Cousins, he’ll be going under center for the first time since last October… that’s ten months, and his first go is facing a Steelers defense that could be one of the league’s best?
Make no mistake, the Pittsburgh pass rush, led by Watt, Highsmith, Heyward, and Herbig, will have their ears pinned back and be in full blown quarterback hunting mode.
Bijan Robinson may be ready to have a big year, but he may be in for tough sledding with Queen and Roberts locked in on him.
Expect a much sharper Pittsburgh offense than the version you painfully watched in August. The true Smith system has yet to be fully unleashed, and will get even better if and when Roman Wilson returns to action.
Unless some type of miracle happens, Fields will start Sunday and will have moments that will have you jumping out of your chair with his play-making abilities. His biggest keys will be protecting the ball and hitting his open receivers in stride. Pickens will be itching to have a big day, as will Freiermuth across the middle. Harris and Warren will grind out tough yards and provide some time of possession for the Pittsburgh offense.
The Falcons could very well be as good as described, and could even end up as NFC South champions, but this Sunday at home, the Kirk Cousins era is going to experience a bumpy first game against a Steelers defense that will rise to the occasion. That, combined with some splash plays by the offense will end up with a tough, well earned road win by Pittsburgh.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Falcons 20
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-0)
NFL Week 1
Vegas line: Atlanta -3
Game-time: Sunday, September 8th, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA.
- Field: A-Turf Titan 50
Weather at kickoff: Dome
Broadcast Information
TV: FOX (Local: WPGH-TV channel 803 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Joe Davis (play-by-play) Greg Olsen (analyst) | Pam Oliver (field reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Craig Wolfley (analyst) | Max Starks (sideline)
National Radio: ESPN Radio
- Announcers: Steve Levy (play-by-play) Harry Douglas (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 0-0 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game:
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 173-100-2
- Playoff record: 8-10 (Qualified for playoffs 11 times)
Team Links
- Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
- Steelers Team/Individual Statistics
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Schedule
Steelers Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 0
- Total yards per game: 0
- Passing yards per game: 0
- Rushing yards per game: 0
QUARTERBACK
Russell Wilson | #3
Wilson joins the Steelers after a two year stint in Denver, and looks to lead the Steelers offense back to respectability. Last season as a Bronco, Wilson threw for 3,070 yards, with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The biggest question is, will Wilson do enough to keep Mike Tomlin from inserting Justin Fields into the line-up to replace him?
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Justin Fields | #2
Fields has all the talent in the world, but has to cut down on the fumbles, and make better reads out of the pocket. It seems as if it may only be a matter of time before he takes over as full-time starter as a Steeler, but it will up to Mike Tomlin if Fields gets his chance this year, or next. No matter what, expect to see Fields get a set of plays depending on the situation in the games.
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Najee Harris | #22
Harris comes into 2023 without a contract signed for next year and beyond, so he will be motivated to have his best season yet. The offensive line should be vastly improved, so Harris should be able to put up some nice numbers, even with Jaylen Warren getting plenty of carries alongside him.
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylen Warren | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. He is starter 1A next to Harris and should see a minimum of 5-10 carries a game.
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Patterson will be mainly utilized on special teams, but with his speed and game-breaking ability, don’t be surprised if he gets a few chances to shine during the course of a game.
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
George Pickens | #14
Pickens will undoubtedly be the top receiving threat in the Pittsburgh passing game.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Van Jefferson | #11
Jefferson signed with this team and seemed nothing more than an afterthought, but his hard work and effort throughout camp and preseason has paid off as possibly being the #2 receiver behind Pickens.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Roman Wilson* | #10
Wilson, the rookie out of Michigan, will get his chance to show off his skills early on, especially after he shakes off the rust from being out with an injured ankle for most of training camp.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin III has plenty of skills to shine in this league. Now it’s up to him to make a name for himself in the new Arthur Smith offense as a serviceable weapon.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Scotty Miller | #13
Miller provides a veteran presence that could lead him to a few targets during a game.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth became an afterthought in the offense under Matt Canada, but under Arthur Smith, the talented tight end out of Penn State could be headed for a career year.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward is a jack of all trades, lining up at tight end, full back, and anywhere the team needs him to take advantage of his versatility.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure that could see plenty of looks inside the redzone, if Smith uses him as he should be played.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
MyCole Pruitt | #81
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Dan Moore| #65
LG: Spencer Anderson | #74
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: James Daniels | #78
RT: Broderick Jones | #77
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 0
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 0
- Rushing yards allowed: 0
- Sacks: 0
- Interceptions: 0
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 0-0
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 RETURNER
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Atlanta Falcons
Overall record: 0-0 (1st in NFC South)
Last game:
Head Coach: Raheem Morris
- 1st Season with Atlanta
- Overall regular-season record: 21-38
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Atlanta Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 0
- Total Offense per game: 0
- Passing yards per game: 0
- Rushing yards per game: 0
QUARTERBACK
Kirk Cousins | #18
Cousins joins the Falcons after six above average years in Minnesota. His biggest question to answer will be whether he can bounce back to a high level of play after suffering a season ending Achilles injury in 2023.
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Michael Penix, Jr. | #9
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Bijan Robinson | #7
Robinson, entering his 2nd year, is set to take the league by storm and become one of the best backs in the league.
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | TD’s: 0
Tyler Allgeier | #25
Allgeier is one of the best backups you could ask for, rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie, and 683 yards last season. Both he and Robinson are a formidable duo to deal with.
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Drake London | #5
London is the go-to receiver for Kirk Cousins in the Falcons passing attack. He had 69 receptions for 905 yards and two touchdowns last year.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Darnell Mooney | #1
Mooney provides a great #2 option behind London for Cousins. This will be his 5th season after being in Chicago for his first four, where he compiled 213 catches for 2,593 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Ray Ray McCloud | #34
McCloud is a weapon that can be utilized in a variety of formations, but especially as a kick returner.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
KhaDarel Hodge | #12
Hodge has 57 receptions in his six year career.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Casey Washington | #82
Washington is a rookie out of Illinois.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Kyle Pitts | #8
Pitts is hoping this is the breakout year he has been waiting for since being a highly touted prospect out of the draft.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Charlie Woerner | #89
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Atlanta Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 0
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 0
- Passing yards allowed: 0
- Rushing yards allowed: 0
- Sacks: 0
- Interceptions: 0
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Grady Jarrett | #97
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
DT: David Onyemata | #90
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
DE: Zach Harrison | #96
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
OLB: Matthew Judon | #15
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Kaden Elliss | #55
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Troy Andersen | #44
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
OLB: Arnold Ebiketie | #17
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
CB: A.J. Terrell | #24
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Justin Simmons | #31
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Jessie Bates III | #3
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Mike Hughes | #21
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/out
Atlanta Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Younghoe Koo | #6
Extra Points: 0-0
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 RETURNER
Avery Williams | #26
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Ray Ray McCloud | #34
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Falcons History
Series History: Began in 1966
Overall Record: 15-2-1
- Home: 7-0-1
- Away: 8-2
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: Steelers won the last four games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 19-16 (Dec. 4, 2022)
Last postseason meeting: N/A
Injury Report (9/6/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: None
Out: G Isaac Seumalo (chest), WR Roman Wilson (Ankle), DT Logan Lee (Calf)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: QB Russell Wilson (Calf),
Atlanta Falcons
IR: None
Out: CB Antonio Hamilton (Groin)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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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.
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!
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