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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 are considered one of the most prominent franchises in the NFL, but over the past seven years, it seems mediocrity has become the new standard.
The Steelers started off the season 3-0, but have dropped consecutive games to Indianapolis and Dallas, two teams that were struggling beforehand, and now find themselves tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North.
No matter who has been the offensive coordinator since Ben Roethisberger suffered a season ending elbow injury against Seattle back in 2019, the Pittsburgh offense has struggled to put points on the scoreboard.
From Randy Fichtner, to Matt Canada, to Arthur Smith, the results have been the same, and the common factor that has remained throughout all of their tenures, has been Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who continues to stand in the way of playing aggressively and finding the endzone.
When you play not to lose, most of the time, you are going to do just that… lose.
That was fully evident last week against an injury ravaged Dallas team missing their top two players on defense.
For some reason, Tomlin prefers that his quarterback, Justin Fields, to play it safe, instead of unleashing the potential that Fields possesses if allowed to do so.
Fields isn’t even allowed to call an audible at the line of scrimmage. That’s ludicrous, and we’re not talking about the damn rapper.
There are high school teams that allow their QB to make changes to the play.
Not Tomlin and the Steelers, who play like their coaches call the game… scared.
Plenty of people continue to line up against Fields and blame him for the last two losses.
Fields has been far from perfect, but considering he has one true receiver at his disposal in George Pickens (when he feels like running a route at full speed), what else is he supposed to do?
He put the team in position to win last week with two big time scoring drives in the 2nd half, but the defense handed the lead right back to the Cowboys when they couldn’t find a way to get off the field on 3rd downs.
Was it Fields that dropped pass after pass in the last two games?
Early in the game against Dallas, Fields through a bomb to Conner Heyward, who had his hands on the ball, but dropped the pass when he hit the ground.
Why isn’t that pass being thrown to Pickens, or even, God forbid, Roman Wilson?
Speaking of Wilson, what is going on here?
He’s practiced fully for three weeks, but he has yet to get a hat for the game, other than one out of uniform.
Enough with the excuses. Why is he sitting over the likes of Scotty Miller and Brandon Johnson?
In regards to Pickens, why the hell is on some kind of “snap management” as Tomlin stated in his press conference?
How is your best option in the passing game getting less playing time than Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson?
This week, with Russell Wilson finally practicing at full health, there are questions as to whether he will start this week when the Steelers travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday at 4:05 PM.
“That’s a good question,” Wilson said. “I think for me I’m preparing in my mind to be ready to go. That’s kind of my mentality, to help us win, whatever that is.”
Money says Fields will be the starter, but now with Wilson back, this team has yet another distraction to deal with going forward.
Fields will hopefully have a Pickens available that intends to give 100% every play.
“You have to understand where he is coming from,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “It’s not out of a bad place. He obviously wants to help us win as much as he can. He’s a great talent. We have to understand that and be there for him. But at the end of the day, he also has to understand this is a team sport. And he does. We’ve talked about that. He’s practicing hard. He’s doing all the right things. He’s been in a great mood this week, so he understands what we have to do as an offense.”
Maybe this will be the week Roman Wilson gets his chance to shine, as he will make his debut.
Najee Harris will continue to be the lead back, but Jaylen Warren should provide a boost to the run game, as he will return this Sunday after missing several games.
The Steelers defense is getting pounded by injuries, especially at outside linebacker, where Alex Highsmith and now Nick Herbig are out injured.
Jeremiah Moon will get his chance to showcase his skills until both return.
“We’re going to be short-handed,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, “in the sense of guys that haven’t played for us here, but we’ve got a couple of young guys that will possibly available for us.”
Pittsburgh’s defense will be facing Aiden O’Connell instead of Gardner Minshew at quarterback.
The Raiders will be without their top two receivers in Davante Adams, who waits to be traded (hopefully to the Steelers), and Jakobi Meyers.
Tre Tucker and D.J. Turner now emerge as their top two wide outs.
Brock Bowers, a rookie tight end, has been the top weapon in the Raider’s passing game, leading the team with 28 catches for 313 yards and a touchdown.
Zamir White and Alexander Mattison head a Las Vegas ground game that is averaging 84 yards a game, which is 30th.
White was in danger of missing his 2nd game in a row with a groin injury, but is expected to suit up.
The Steelers offensive line will have to contend with Maxx Crosby, who has five sacks on the season, and keeping him from getting to Fields when he drops back to pass.
Make no bones about it… this is a Raiders team that was smoked last week by Denver 34-18.
This is a team that the Steelers should defeat handily, but after the last two debacles, how can anyone feel comfortable making that prediction?
It’s been since 2020 since Pittsburgh won a road game by more than one score.
Call me crazy, but I’m putting my eggs back in the basket this week and envisioning Tomlin finally allowing this team to play without restrictions, or fear, or without it’s best offensive players on the field.
We will see what kind of genius Tomlin is this week.
If the Steelers are to ever get back to winning playoff games, or contending for the AFC North crown, Tomlin has to get out of the way and play to win. His way has failed miserably for seven years in a row now. Enough is enough.
The defense needs to elevate their games as well, and start acting like the highest paid defense in the league.
They are equally as responsible for the last two losses, just as much as Tomlin’s archaic offensive vision hamstringing the offense.
It’s the Steelers vs the Raiders. It may not have the same vibe with the team not playing in Oakland anymore, but it remains a bitter rivalry since the Immaculate Reception.
Black and Gold vs the Silver and Black just pops on the field and television.
Though this is a road game, Steeler Nation is expected to take over Allegiant Stadium.
For this week, this team stops the bleeding, and actually wins a game where they’re not sweating bullets late in the 4th quarter.
The defense shuts down O’Connell while Fields finally finds Pickens for a touchdown. Najee Harris also finds his way into the endzone for the first time this season.
Prediction: Steelers 27 Raiders 13
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
NFL Week 6
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -3
Game-time: Sunday, October 13th, at 4:05 PM
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV.
- Field: Bermuda Grass
Weather at kickoff: Dome
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS (Local: WPXI-TV channel 802 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) Charles Davis (analyst) | Evan Washburn (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: 3-2 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Dallas 20 Pittsburgh 17
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 176-102-2
- 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: 18.4 (26th)
- Total yards per game: 317.2 (23rd)
- Passing yards per game: 196 (24th)
- Rushing yards per game: 121.2 (13th)
QUARTERBACK
Justin Fields | #2
Fields has done as well as he can when allowed to go full throttle and not be hamstrung by Mike Tomlin. Like any quarterback, he’s missed throws, but he’s put the team in position to be 5-0 if the defense would live up to their expectations, and despite having one true receiver in George Pickens.
Passing Yards: 961 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 13
Rushing Yards: 172 | Rushing TD’s: 3
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. Wilson is healthy now and may start next week depending how Fields plays against the Raiders.
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. Needs to be quicker to the hole and accelerate.
Rushing Yards: 270 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 119 | 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: 92 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Aaron Shampklin | #33
Rushing Yards: 19 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jonathan Ward | #35
Rushing Yards: 9 | 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. Needs to grow up and stop pouting when his number isn’t called.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 310 | 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 has just eight catches so far this season.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 62 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson, the rookie out of Michigan, has been waiting to show off his skills after being injured ankle early in training camp, but has practiced fully for the last three weeks. What are the coaches waiting for?
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 time for Arthur Smith to get him the ball in space.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 131 | 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
Brandon Johnson | #89
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | 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: 20 | Receiving Yards: 178 | Receiving TD’s: 1
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: 3 | Receiving Yards: 25 | Receiving TD’s: 1
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: 4 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 1
MyCole Pruitt | #81
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Dan Moore| #65
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: Mason McCormick | #66
RT: Broderick Jones | #77
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 14.6 (2nd)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 298 (8th)
- Passing yards allowed: 206.8 (17th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 91.2 (5th)
- Sacks: 13 (14th)
- Interceptions: 6 (4th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 2
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0.5
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 4.5
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 1
OLB: Jeremiah Moon | #49
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 8-8
Field Goals: 12-13
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 2-2
- 40-49 yards: 3-3
- 50+ yards: 5-6
KICKOFF RETURNER
Aaron Shampklin | #33
Average: 25.3 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 10.3 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Las Vegas Raiders
Overall record: 2-3 (4th in AFC West)
Last game: Denver 34 Las Vegas 18
Head Coach: Antonio Pierce
- 2nd Season with Las Vegas
- Overall regular-season record: 7-7 | 7-7 with Raiders
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Raiders Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 19.2 (22nd)
- Total Offense per game: 322 (22nd)
- Passing yards per game: 238 (13th)
- Rushing yards per game: 84 (30th)
QUARTERBACK
Aiden O’Connell | #12
O’Connell gets the start after Gardner Minshew failed to get the Raiders offense playing effectively during his tenure.
Passing Yards: 176 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Gardner Minshew | #15
Passing Yards: 1,014 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 15
Rushing Yards: 38 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Zamir White | #3
White has been awful so far this year, averaging just 38 yards a game.
Rushing Yards: 152 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 16 | TD’s: 0
Alexander Mattison | #22
Mattison was given more time last week, but managed a paltry 38 yards against the Broncos.
Rushing Yards: 125 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 103 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Ameer Abdullah | #8
Abdullah is mainly used as a pass catcher out of the backfield and on special teams.
Rushing Yards: 43 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 23 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Davante Adams* | #17
Adams is one of the best in the game, but sits idle while waiting to be traded… hopefully to the Steelers.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 209 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jakobi Meyers* | #16
Meyers is 2nd on the team with 273 yards receiving and the top WR with Adams out.
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 273 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Tre Tucker | #11
Tucker is making a name for himself in Adam’s absence, 3rd on the team with 18 receptions for 190 yards.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 190 | Receiving TD’s: 1
D.J. Turner | #19
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 21 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Alex Bachman | #81
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Brock Bowers | #89
Bowers has become one of the top tight ends as a rookie, leading the team with 28 catches for 313 yards and a touchdown.
Receptions: 28 | Receiving Yards: 313 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Harrison Bryant | #84
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 21 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Michael Mayer | #87
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 21 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Raiders Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 26.2 (28th)
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 330.2 (17th)
- Passing yards allowed: 201.4 (16th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 131.8 (23rd)
- Sacks: 11 (19th)
- Interceptions: 2 (21st)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Maxx Crosby | #98
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 5
DT: John Jenkins | #95
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
DT: Christian Wilkins | #94
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 2
DE: Charles Snowden | #49
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Devine Diablo | #5
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0
MLB: Robert Spillane | #41
Tackles: 54 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
SLB: Amari Gainer | #53
Tackles: 1 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
RCB: Jakorian Bennett | #0
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Isaiah Pola-Mao | #20
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
FS: Tre’Von Moehrig | #7
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
LCB: Jack Jones | #18
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/out
Raiders Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Daniel Carlson | #2
Extra Points: 8-8
Field Goals: 8-10
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 3-3
- 40-49 yards: 1-2
- 50+ yards: 3-4
KICKOFF RETURNER
Ameer Abdullah | #8
Average: 27.6 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Tre Tucker | #11
Average: 7.3 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Raiders History
Series History: Began in 1970
Overall Record: 15-17
- Home: 9-6
- Away: 6-11
- Postseason: 3-3
Streak: Steelers won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 23-18 (Sept. 24, 2023)
Last postseason meeting: Raiders Win, 38-10 (Jan. 1, 1984)
Injury Report (10/11/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson, OL Troy Fautanu (Knee)
Out: S Damontae Kazee (Ankle)LB Alex Highsmith (Hamstring), TE MyCole Pruitt (Knee), RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson (Ankle), LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring), DE DeMarvin Leal (Neck)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Las Vegas Raiders
IR:
Out: WR Davante Adams (Hamstring), TE Michael Mayer (NIR – Personal), WR Jakobi Meyers (Ankle)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: LB Tommy Eichenberg (Hamstring), T Thayer Munford Jr. (Knee/Ankle), G Jackson Powers-Johnson (Knee), RB Zamir White (Groin), S Trey Taylor (Knee)
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.
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