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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
The NFL season kicked off last week and the Pittsburgh Steelers and it’s defense were determined to prove the doubters wrong.
Most of the media, both local and national, have made it a point to overlook this team, pretty much all predicting an 8-9 or 9-8 year for the Black and Gold.
Up first was a road trip to Atlanta, where for some unknown reason, experts thought that Kirk Cousins, who hadn’t taken a snap in over ten months, and coming off an Achilles injury, was going to just appear and rip apart a healthy Steelers defense with All-Pros on each of the three levels, that being Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Watt and his teammates had other ideas, limiting the Falcons to 10 points off of 226 yards, and both sacking and intercepting Cousins twice.
Those totals would have been higher if it weren’t for a few suspect calls that cost Watt an additional two sacks, including a strip sack in what appeared to be perfect timing on the snap.
“I am never going to really stop trying to gain advantage and trying to time things up if I can,” Watt said in regards to the penalty call. “Just need to find a way.”
Now Watt and the defense will head to Denver to face rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos, who were taken down last week by Seattle 26-20.
Nix struggled to the tune of 26 of 42 passes, for just 138 yards, and two interceptions. Nix was also sacked twice.
Nix was impressive running the ball, gaining 35 yards and scoring a touchdown.
Now he’ll face an even better defense hellbent on creating havoc upon opposing quarterbacks and offenses week in and week out.
Joey Porter, Jr. was impressive shutting down Falcon’s #1 receiver Drake London, and this week his assignment will be Courtland Sutton.
“That’s probably going to be the matchup,” Porter said. “It doesn’t really matter what kind of size wide receiver I’m going against. But he is a bigger type of wide receiver. It just makes sense that I would go against him and do what I do.”
In addition to Sutton, the Broncos have Josh Reynolds and little used Marvin Mims at receiver for Nix and the passing game.
Devaughn Vele, who leads the team with eight catches, is out with a rib injury.
Tight end Greg Dulcich has yet to live up the promise he was given upon being drafted out of UCLA.
The Denver running game has Javonte Williams as their starter, but his performances have left the door open for rookie Jaleel McLaughlin to see more action.
The Broncos as a whole, had just 231 total yards against the Seahawks.
On the flipside, the Pittsburgh offense will try to find their way into the endzone, instead of relying on the leg of Chris Boswell to the tune of six field goals last week.
Justin Fields will start yet again in place of Russell Wilson, who continues to recover from a calf injury.
The offense may get a boost if rookie receiver Roman Wilson is able to suit up.
Every ounce of help will be welcomed with open arms in the Pittsburgh receiving room, after Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller caught a combined two passes for eight yards last week.
George Pickens was the star, catching six passes for 85 yards.
Three separate tight ends were beneficiaries of a catch last week, including Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and MyCole Pruitt. Friermuth had four receptions for 27 yards, and all three hope to contribute more against Denver.
“It’s got to be where you think it’s an advantage,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in regards to having all three on the field at the same time. “Week to week, it’ll change, but, certainly, going on that week, it was unknown. (Atlanta) had a lot of five down, six down structures.
“I joke that when you get into combination with Darnell Washington and one of our tackles, that’s 650 pounds coming at you. So most of these OLBs aren’t made to do that. But it’ll change week to week depending on schemes, matchup, but I thought they handled that part well.”
Najee Harris ran the ball like a madman, and Cordarrelle Patterson saw time with the team bringing Jaylen Warren along slowly after pulling a hamstring in preseason.
Warren, in one of his two carries, absolutely demolished a Falcons defender along the sidelines.
This week, it’s hard not to love the match-up between Nix and the Pittsburgh defense, which significantly favors the Steelers.
On offense, Fields will hopefully get the shackles taken off his throwing game.
Playing not to lose will eventually come back to bite you.
The offensive line should be bolstered by 1st round draft pick Troy Fautanu, who will get his first start at right tackle.
Last year’s first rounder, Broderick Jones, will shockingly be the back-up to Dan Moore, Jr., at left tackle. One can only think it’s a matter of time until Jones becomes the full time starter, but the coaches love affair with Moore, Jr. continues.
I like the balance of the Pittsburgh offense to breakthrough this week and utilize Boswell to kicking more extra points.
As long as there aren’t any erroneous turnovers that lead to easy drives for Denver, this is a game that is squarely there for the taking for Pittsburgh to improve to 2-0, before their home opener next week against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Broncos 13
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1)
NFL Week 2
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -2.5
Game-time: Sunday, September 15th, at 4:25 PM
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO.
- Field: Natural Grass
Weather at kickoff: 87 and sunny. Winds out of the South 10-15 MPH.
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS (Local: KDKA-TV channel 802 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Spero Dedes (play-by-play) Adam Archuleta (analyst) | Aditi Kinkhabwala (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: Sports USA
- Announcers: Larry Kahn (play-by-play) Brandon Noble (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 1-0 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Pittsburgh 18 Atlanta 10
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 174-100-2
- 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: 18
- Total yards per game: 293
- Passing yards per game: 156
- Rushing yards per game: 137
QUARTERBACK
Justin Fields | #2
Fields has been named the starter with Russell Wilson nursing an injured calf. Fields didn’t light up the stat sheet last week against the Falcons, but his timely passes and running ability were all the team needed to defeat Atlanta 18-10 in the opener. This week, Fields looks to get the team into the endzone rather than relying on the leg of Chris Boswell.
Passing Yards: 156 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 57 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Russell Wilson | #3
Wilson was slated to be the starting quarterback, but a calf injury has kept him off the field for the majority of training camp, and now two weeks into the season.
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: 70 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | 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: 7 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 13 | 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: 13 | 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: 6 | Receiving Yards: 85 | 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: 1 | Receiving Yards: 1 | 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: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | 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: 4 | Receiving Yards: 27 | 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: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
MyCole Pruitt | #81
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | 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: 10
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 226
- Passing yards allowed: 137
- Rushing yards allowed: 89
- Sacks: 2
- Interceptions: 2
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 1
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 0-0
Field Goals: 6-6
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 3-3
KICKOFF RETURNER
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 11.8 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Denver Broncos
Overall record: 0-1 (4th in AFC West)
Last game: Seattle 26 Denver 20
Head Coach: Sean Payton
- 2nd Season with Denver
- Overall regular-season record: 160-99 | 8-10 with Denver
- Playoff Record: 9-8
Team Links
Denver Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 20
- Total Offense per game: 237
- Passing yards per game: 138
- Rushing yards per game: 99
QUARTERBACK
Bo Nix | #10
Nix, a rookie, will have his hands full against a stout Steelers defense.
Passing Yards: 138 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 35 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Jarrett Stidham | #8
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Javonte Williams | #33
Williams is the starting back for Denver, but was out-rushed by Jaleel McLaughlin 27-23 in the opener.
Rushing Yards: 23 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 0 | TD’s: 0
Jaleel McLaughlin | #38
McLaughlin, a rookie, is currently #2 on the depth chart, but his ability may lead him to a starting role in the near future.
Rushing Yards: 27 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 1 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Michael Burton | #82
Rushing Yards: 27 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 3 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Courtland Sutton | #14
Sutton is the go to receiver in the Broncos passing attack.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 38 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Josh Reynolds | #11
Reynolds comes over from Detroit looking to establish himself as a deep threat for Bo Nix.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 48 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Devaughn Vele | #17
Vele is listed as 3rd on the depth chart but is the team leader with eight receptions after week one.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 39 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Marvin Mims | #19
The 2nd year pro out of Alabama has yet to shine in the Denver passing game.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Troy Franklin | #16
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Greg Dulcich | #80
Pitts is hoping this is the breakout year he has been waiting for since being a highly touted prospect out of the draft.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Adam Trautman | #82
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Denver Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 26
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 304
- Passing yards allowed: 158
- Rushing yards allowed: 146
- Sacks: 2
- Interceptions: 1
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Zach Allen | #99
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
DT: D.J. Jones | #93
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
DE: John Franklin-Myers | #98
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
OLB: Baron Browning | #5
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Cody Barton | #55
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Alex Singleton | #49
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
OLB: Jonathon Cooper | #0
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Pat Surtain | #2
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: P.J. Locke | #6
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Brandon Jones | #22
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
CB: Riley Moss | #21
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/out
Denver Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Wil Lutz | #3
Extra Points: 1-1
Field Goals: 3-3
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 2-2
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Marvin Mims | #19
Average: 23.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Marvin Mims | #19
Average: 9.4 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Broncos History
Series History: Began in 1970
Overall Record: 13-20-1
- Home: 8-7
- Away: 5-13-1
- Postseason: 2-4
Streak: Steelers won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 27-19 (Oct. 10, 2021)
Last postseason meeting: Broncos Win, 23-16 (Jan. 17, 2016)
Injury Report (9/13/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson
Out: G Isaac Seumalo (chest)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: WR Roman Wilson (Ankle), QB Russell Wilson (calf)
Denver Broncos
IR: None
Out: WR Devaughn Vele (Ribs)
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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