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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
Not many experts in both the national and local sports media gave the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) much love coming into the regular season.
That is, except for this writer… who isn’t always right, but rises past the “No. Never. Can’t.” Pittsburgh media who always seem to cast a negative light upon any team that plays in this city.
I never shy away from looking at the negatives, but I also see the positives and the possibilities that this Steelers team can accomplish when they play to the level they are capable of, and so far, so good, as Pittsburgh is undefeated, with strong aspirations to continue this winning streak for the foreseeable future.
The defense has been outstanding, leading the league in allowing just 8.7 points per game, and an average of 229.6 total yards to opposing offenses.
Joey Porter, Jr. has been a shutdown corner, with Donte Jackson equal to the task, adding an 10 tackles and an interception. The deep middle has been a no-fly zone with Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliot making plays breaking up passes and leading the team in tackles.
The Steelers boast the best linebacking corps in the league with T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, and Alex Highsmith, not to mention Nick Herbig, who when rotates in, has come away with two sacks in three games.
Herbig will get an additional chance to shine with Highsmith out a few games with a hamstring injury.
The front three has been aggressive with Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and Larry Ogunjobi.
Now this fearsome defense pays a visit to Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday afternoon, to face the Indianapolis Colts (1-2) and quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has struggled with his game so far in 2024.
Richardson has thrown for 583 yards and three touchdowns, and has 117 yards on the ground with another TD, but has also thrown six interceptions, and has been sacked four times.
“He’s a big man who is agile,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “He’s strong. You’ll see him on some designed quarterback runs, guys will have angle on him and he’ll beat them out to the sideline. He’s unique in that way.
“And then, obviously, when you are talking about him running, he has the ability to — even as he’s moving a little bit off balance — to uncork a bomb. And so that’s always dangerous. So the thing we, obviously, preach with our guys is to make sure they don’t relax at any time versus this guy. He has enough ability to avoid rushes, create some space, and then also get the ball down the field.”
Richardson’s top weapon is normally Michael Pittman, Jr., but he’s managed just 11 receptions for 88 yards in three games.
It’s been Alex Pierce leading the way with nine catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Pierce is averaging 25 yards a catch. 2nd year pro Josh Downs played his first game of the year last week against Chicago, with Adonai Mitchell and Ashton Dulin combining for just four receptions for 99 yards. Dulin caught a 54 yard bomb from Richardson in the opener.
Jonathan Taylor leads the rushing game, and continues to be one of the best backs in the league, rushing for 261 yards and three touchdowns.
Kylen Granson and Mo Allie-Cox have been barely used as tight ends.
Defensively, the Colts are 13th in scoring defense, allowing just 20.3 points per game, but are giving up a ton of yards, ranking 31st in both total defense at 398.3 yards per game, and 179 yards a game in rushing.
The Steelers rushing attack behind Najee Harris and Justin Fields, when he takes off with the ball, have to be buzzing in anticipation of facing a defense giving up those types of numbers.
“I’m pretty sure they are aware of that and know what type of fight we’re going to bring,” Harris said. “It’s going to be one of those type of games, and they’ll prepare for it.”
Fields was winging it last week in the Steelers 20-10 victory over the Chargers, which could have been 27-10 if the Steelers didn’t take mercy upon LA at the goal-line late in the game.
All Fields did was complete 25 or 32 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown, and added six yards rushing and another score on the ground.
“I like his steady demeanor,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “I like that in a leader. He doesn’t ride the emotional roller coaster when things are going good or things are going bad. Guys can rally around that. He’s steady. He’s a competitor. He likes to compete. He doesn’t turn down things. He’s aggressive in play, scrambling and so forth. It’s just been fun to get to know him and not only know him as a guy but know him as a competitor.”
Fields’ touchdown pass was a 55 yard strike across the middle to Calvin Austin III, who took the pass in stride to the house.
“I think I’ve just grown a lot over the last year, over the past few months,” Fields said Sunday. “Really just this year. Definitely feeling more confident and more comfortable out there on the field.”
Fields will look to build off of last game, and George Pickens will be hungry to have a breakout game against a Colts secondary that was torched by #1 overall pick Caleb Williams of the Bears to the tune of 363 yards and two touchdown passes. Rookie Rome Odunze had his best game of the years, catching six passes for 112 yards and a score.
Right now, this looks like two teams going in opposite directions.
Look for the Steelers to try and establish that run game early, but to mix in play action and a few deep shots to keep the Colts defense honest. This is an Indianapolis defense that is there for the taking, especially by an offense that continues to improve and evolve by the week. Hopefully the passing game will get another weapon added to the mix in Roman Wilson, who could see the first action of his rookie season, if the coaches finally activate him.
Jaylen Warren is banged up, so Cordarrelle Patterson will get his chance to make a few plays when they spell Harris.
Richardson may rectify his overall game, but the prospects of it happening this week– going up against the likes of T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig chasing him down every time he drops back to pass, looks bleak at best.
“I love our defense,” Austin said. “I love our guys. We’re playing really good, sound football. We can be better. If we do start to get some of these turnovers and give our offense the short fields, those are always good things that help your team. We have some room for improvement, but I won’t be concerned if we don’t get a lot of takeaways because I feel really good in our ability to stop opponents. But we do want those takeaways. To me, those are things that help you win games.
“When you win the turnover battle, you win a lot of games. That’s been a guiding thing for us. We feel like we can win a lot of games if we create turnovers. Sometimes they come, and sometimes they don’t. I think they’ll start coming. That’s an emphasis of ours. That’s something we want to do. When you combine a team that takes the ball away with a really strong, solid defense then you have a chance to really dominate.”
Though the game is technically a road game, Lucas Oil Field could resemble Acrisure Stadium with the overwhelming amount of SteelerNation expected to be in attendance waving their Terrible Towels.
Fields should be set to have another above average day passing the ball, especially if Harris can pile up yards early.
The Pittsburgh offense will control the clock, play a balanced game, and the defense will keep the Colts offense under wraps by forcing a few turnovers and having Richardson see Steelers players in his dreams when he hits the sack late Sunday night.
Prediction: Steelers 24 Colts 13
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) at Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
NFL Week 4
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -2.5
Game-time: Sunday, September 29th, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.
- Field: Field Turf
Weather at kickoff: Dome
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: N/A
- Announcers:
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 3-0 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Pittsburgh 20 LA Chargers 10
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 176-100-2
- 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: 17.0 (24th)
- Total yards per game: 303.3 (24th)
- Passing yards per game: 172.7 (30th)
- Rushing yards per game: 130.7 (12th)
QUARTERBACK
Justin Fields | #2
Fields has been named the starter with Russell Wilson nursing an injured calf. Fields had been kept under wraps in his first two starts, but had his best game of the season when he was unleashed last week vs the Chargers.
Passing Yards: 518 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 6
Rushing Yards: 90 | Rushing TD’s: 1
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 four 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 has a bruising style of carrying the ball with a touch of finesse when needed. Good hands out of the backfield.
Rushing Yards: 209 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 30 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylen Warren* | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. He is a perfect change of pace back next to Harris and should see a minimum of 5-10 carries a game when healthy.
Rushing Yards: 54 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 28 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Patterson sees plenty of time on special teams, but with his speed and game-breaking ability, has also been utilized in both rushing and catching passes out of the backfield with Warren less than 100%.
Rushing Yards: 49 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
George Pickens | #14
Pickens is undoubtedly the top receiving threat in the Pittsburgh passing game. Only a matter of time till he has a career day.
Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 171 | 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 three 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. Last week he caught a laser from Fields across the middle and took it to the house.
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 108 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Scotty Miller | #13
Miller provides a veteran presence that could lead him to a few targets during a game.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 31 | 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 in receptions.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 99 | 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: 1 | Receiving Yards: 2 | 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: Mason McCormick | #66
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: 8.7 (1st)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 229.6 (1st)
- Passing yards allowed: 158.3 (5th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 71.3 (2nd)
- Sacks: 9 (10th)
- Interceptions: 4 (4th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 1
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 3
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 1
OLB: Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 2
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 3-3
Field Goals: 10-11
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 2-2
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 4-5
KICKOFF RETURNER
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 8.5 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Indianapolis Colts
Overall record: 1-2 (2nd in AFC South)
Last game: Indianapolis 21 Chicago 16
Head Coach: Shane Steichen
- 2nd Season with Indianapolis
- Overall regular-season record: 10-10 | 10-10 with Colts
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Colts Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 19.3 (17th)
- Total Offense per game: 325.7 (19th)
- Passing yards per game: 194.3 (25th)
- Rushing yards per game: 131.3 (11th)
QUARTERBACK
Anthony Richardson | #5
Richardson has a huge arm and can take off with the ball at any time, but consistency has plagued his play so far in 2024. Has a league high six interceptions.
Passing Yards: 583 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 4
Rushing Yards: 117 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Joe Flacco | #15
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Jonathan Taylor | #28
Taylor is one of the top backs in the game and has been solid so far in three games, with 261 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 261 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 57 | TD’s: 0
Trey Sermon | #27
Rushing Yards: 16 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tyler Goodson | #31
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Pittman, Jr. | #11
Pittman is the #1 receiver for the Colts, but hasn’t had a breakout game yet, catching 11 passes for just 88 yards so far.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 88 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Josh Downs | #1
Downs, in his 2nd year out of UNC, finally played last week against the Bears and managed just three receptions.
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Alex Pierce | #14
Pierce has been the big play threat for Richardson, nabbing nine catches for a team leading 225 yards and two touchdowns.
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 225 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Adonai Mitchell | #10
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 32 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Ashton Dulin | #16
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 67 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Kylen Granson | #83
Granson, the Colts top tight end, has been barely used in three games.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 49 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Mo Allie-Cox | #81
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Colts Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 20.3 (13th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 398.3 (31st)
- Passing yards allowed: 219.3 (21st)
- Rushing yards allowed: 179 (31st)
- Sacks: 8 (14th)
- Interceptions: 2 (11th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Kwity Paye* | #51
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 1.5
DT: Taven Bryan | #96
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 1
DT: Grover Stewart | #90
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 0
DE: Tyquan Lewis | #94
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
OLB: Segun Olubi | #50
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0
MLB: Zaire Franklin | #44
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 0
OLB: E.J. Speed | #45
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
RCB: Steve Womack III | #33
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Julian Blackmon | #32
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Nick Cross | #20
Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
LCB: Jaylen Jones | #40
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
*Injured/out
Colts Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Matt Gay | #7
Extra Points: 4-4
Field Goals: 1-2
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 0-1
KICKOFF RETURNER
Alex Gould | #6
Average: 27.3 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Alex Gould | #6
Average: 19.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Colts History
Series History: Began in 1950
Overall Record: 33-10
- Home: 20-3
- Away: 13-7
- Postseason: 5-0
Streak: Colts won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Colts Win, 31-13 (Dec. 16, 2023)
Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 21-18 (Jan. 15, 2006)
Injury Report (9/27/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson, OL Troy Fautanu (Knee)
Out: LB Alex Highsmith (Hamstring), TE MyCole Pruitt (Knee), RB Jaylen Warren (Knee)
Doubtful: G Isaac Seumalo (Pectoral)
Questionable: QB Russell Wilson (calf)
Indianapolis Colts
IR: None
Out: CB Kenny Moore II (Hip), DE Kwity Paye (Quadricep)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DE Kwity Paye (Quadricep), CB Chris Lammons (Knee/Ankle), DE Tyquan Lewis (Calf/Wrist), T Braden Smith (Knee)
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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