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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 Pittsburgh Steelers spent the first two weeks of the season on the road, taking care of both Atlanta and Denver.
This Sunday the Steelers finally get to enjoy a home game at Acrisure Stadium.
Despite the shiny 2-0 record, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin knows that there are plenty of improvements that are needed if they wish to stay undefeated when this weekend comes to an end.
Defensively, the Steelers have been immaculate, holding their opponents to just eight points a game.
It’s the offense that needs to open up, and those very same improvements start with Tomlin allowing his quarterback, Justin Fields, to utilize his talents, instead of playing not to lose.
The ultra conservative, play-it-safe concept is eventually going to cost this team a game.
You can only ask the defense to take you so far. Sooner or later you are going to need the offense to score more than a paltry 15.5 points a game.
“I just think we just fix the details,” said Fields. “The big picture, I think everybody’s been great, but in just terms of mistakes, penalties and stuff like that, I think if we eliminate those, then we’ll definitely get the ball rolling.”
Penalties wiped out several big plays last week, including one that took away a touchdown to George Pickens.
“The biggest thing is staying on schedule first and second down, and making it third-and-manageable when we do get to that third down,” Fields said. “So, you never want to be third-and-11 plus where, you know, defense can just sit back and get the four main rush going and kind of tee off. So, definitely want to stay on schedule, for sure, to challenge the defense.”
The offensive line remains in flux with starting right tackle Troy Fautanu aggravating a knee injury suffered in preseason, so Broderick Jones may get another chance to get out of Tomlin’s doghouse, if Fautanu is out.
Whomever starts, the line will have their hands full containing Charger’s stars Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack from getting to their quarterback.
Fields could also get a big weapon back in rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson, if the coaching staff finally gives him a chance to contribute.
Other than George Pickens who has eight catches for 114 yards, the rest of the receivers, like Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin, have been virtually invisible.
“Things are starting to open up for us,” Jefferson said. “You have to run the routes that are called and the plays that are called and execute them to the best of your ability. All of us just want to win. It’s only two weeks. Stuff will start clicking soon.”
The running game has been strong on the legs of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, with Cordarrelle Patterson contributing when his number has been called.
The Los Angeles Chargers also come into this game undefeated at 2-0, and though this has been a team known for it’s passing game behind quarterback Justin Herbert, new head coach Jim Harbaugh has his offense dominating with the run game, behind J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, both former Ravens that played for his brother John.
All Dobbins has done is average 9.9 yards per carry, to the tune of 266 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Overall, the Chargers are averaging 197.5 yards a game on the ground, so to say the least, the Steelers front seven will face their most stern test of the year.
Herbert suffered a high ankle sprain in their win over Carolina last week, and despite a questionable listing on the injury report, it’s doubtful he suits up Sunday.
The Chargers wide receivers won’t remind you of the Detroit Lions or Houston Texans WR corps, as their #1 receiver in Joshua Downs has just four receptions for 34 yards. Quentin Johnson is playing much better in his 2nd year, leading the team with eight receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Ladd McConkey is the only other receiver with any stats, with McConkey grabbing seven passes for 65 yards and a score.
Whether it’s Herbert or Easton Stick, you can count on Harbaugh and Los Angeles to try and run the ball down the Steelers throats.
Buckle up them chin straps, as this will be a game that is decided by who can out physical the other in the trenches.
You can’t help but like Pittsburgh’s chances to stifle Dobbins, or at the very least, keep him from running wild as he has in the first two games vs lesser defenses.
This is a game tailor made for inside linebackers Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen.
The Chargers line is anchored by rookie tackle Joe Alt, who gets the task of keeping T.J. Watt from hunting down Herbert or Stick.
“I think he does some great things in the pass and the run game,” Watt said. “Obviously, when you’re selected that high, it’s for a reason. I think he’s done some good things through two weeks.”
Watt, though, is up for the challenge, especially in a big game that will be played in front of a rabid Steelers crowd witnessing their first game of the 2024 season.
“I’m pumped,” Watt said. “It’s just been a long time coming. I’m excited to get out in front of Steeler Nation, 2-0 versus 2-0. It should be an incredible atmosphere.”
All in all, the Steelers should be able to keep the Chargers offense at bay. Hopefully, this game won’t be as boring as the one SteelerNation suffered through last Sunday, when Pittsburgh took care of Denver 13-6.
I like Justin Fields to not only throw for over 200 yards, but to find an actual receiver in the endzone for a touchdown, if not two. Harris and Warren’s persistence in the run game will yield the benefits of opening up the passing lanes for Fields to hit some splash plays.
The Chargers inability to throw the ball will be their downfall, no matter how well Dobbins has been running.
This won’t be Carolina’s defense that LA will be facing this time out.
Prediction: Steelers 20 Chargers 13
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) vs Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)
NFL Week 3
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -2.5
Game-time: Sunday, September 22nd, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Natural Grass
Weather at kickoff: 79 and sunny. Winds light and variable.
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS (Local: KDKA-TV channel 802 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Tony Romo (analyst) | Tracy Wolfson (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: N/A
- Announcers:
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 2-0 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Pittsburgh 13 Denver 6
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 175-100-2
- 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: 15.5
- Total yards per game: 275.5
- Passing yards per game: 136.5
- Rushing yards per game: 139
QUARTERBACK
Justin Fields | #2
Fields has been named the starter with Russell Wilson nursing an injured calf. Fields has been used as a game manager so far in his two starts, but it’s about time for Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith to let him cook a little bit.
Passing Yards: 273 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 4
Rushing Yards: 84 | 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: 139 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 14 | 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: 49 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 32 | 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: 16 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
George Pickens | #14
Pickens is undoubtedly the top receiving threat in the Pittsburgh passing game.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 114 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Van Jefferson | #11
Jefferson signed with this team and seemed nothing more than an afterthought. His hard work and effort throughout camp and preseason impressed many, but he’s been silent in the first two games of the year.
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 15 | 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. So far in two games, he’s only caught two passes.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 13 | 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: 8 | Receiving Yards: 66 | 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, as he did when he caught his first career touchdown pass vs the Broncos in week two.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 10| Receiving TD’s: 1
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: Troy Fautanu | #76
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 8
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 260.5
- Passing yards allowed: 184
- Rushing yards allowed: 76.5
- Sacks: 4
- Interceptions: 4
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 2
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 1-1
Field Goals: 8-8
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 4-4
KICKOFF RETURNER
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 8.2 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Los Angeles Chargers
Overall record: 2-0 (1st in AFC West)
Last game: LA Chargers 26 Carolina 3
Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh
- 1st Season with LA Chargers
- Overall regular-season record: 46-19 | 2-0 with Chargers
- Playoff Record: 5-3
Team Links
Chargers Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 24
- Total Offense per game: 334.5
- Passing yards per game: 137
- Rushing yards per game: 197.5
QUARTERBACK
Justin Herbert* | #10
Herbert has his ankle injured in the win over Carolina, and
Passing Yards: 274 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 10 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Easton Stick | #2
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
J.K. Dobbins | #27
Dobbins is finally healthy and under the run heavy scheme of Jim Harbaugh has flourished so far in two games, leading the team with 266 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 266 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 0 | TD’s: 0
Gus Edwards | #4
Edwards, another Raven turned Charger, has been the change of pace back next to Dobbins.
Rushing Yards: 85 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Hassan Haskins | #28
Rushing Yards: 11 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Joshua Palmer | #5
Palmer has yet to live up to his billing.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Quentin Johnson | #1
Johnson has finally shown flashes of the player the Chargers had when they drafted him. Leads the team in all receiving categories.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 89 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Ladd McConkey | #15
The rookie out of Georgia has shown promise, even with the Chargers playing ball control with their rushing game.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 65 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Simi Fehoko | #87
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Brendan Rice | #6
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Will Dissly | #81
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 42 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Hayden Hurst | #88
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 38 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Chargers Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 6.5
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 227.5
- Passing yards allowed: 147
- Rushing yards allowed: 80.5
- Sacks: 5
- Interceptions: 2
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Morgan Fox | #56
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0.5
DT: Otito Ogbonnia | #93
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0
DE: Poona Ford | #95
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
EDGE: Khalil Mack | #52
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 1.5
ILB: Denzel Perryman | #6
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 1
ILB: Daiyan Henley | #0
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
EDGE: Joey Bosa | #97
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 2
SECONDARY
RCB: Kristian Fulton | #2
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Derwin James, Jr. | #3
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Alohi Gilman | #32
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
LCB: Asante Samuel, Jr. | #26
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/out
Chargers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Cameron Dicker | #11
Extra Points: 3-4
Field Goals: 5-5
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 1-1
KICKOFF RETURNER
Derius Davis | #19
Average: 24.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Derius Davis | #12
Average: 12.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Chargers History
Series History: Began in 1971
Overall Record: 24-11
- Home: 15-4
- Away: 9-7
- Postseason: 1-2
Streak: Chargers won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Chargers Win, 41-37 (Nov. 21, 2021)
Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 35-24 (Jan. 11, 2009)
Injury Report (9/20/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson
Out: G Isaac Seumalo (chest), TE MyCole Pruitt (Knee)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: QB Russell Wilson (calf), OL Troy Fautanu (Knee)
Los Angeles Chargers
IR: None
Out: LB Junior Colson (Hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: OLB Bud Dupree (Illness), QB Justin Herbert (Ankle), WR Josh Palmer (Elbow/Calf), DB Ja’Sir Taylor (Fibula)
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.
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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