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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
Almost halfway through the 2024 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to head into their bye week on a roll and with plenty of momentum, if they can avoid any letdowns against the visiting New York Giants.
Pittsburgh (5-2), coming off a 37-15 thrashing of the Jets, now take on that other team from New York (2-5), and deal the Empire State two losses in a row to the City of Champions.
Russell Wilson made his Steelers debut against the Jets, passing for 264 yards and two touchdowns, and even added a rushing TD to his night on a goal line sneak. Any concerns about Wilson’s mobility were also quelled, as he was only sacked once.
George Pickens came alive to the tune of five catches for 111 yards and his first touchdown of the year.
Even Van Jefferson caught a touchdown pass.
Najee Harris continued to roll running the ball, recording his 2nd game in a row topping the century mark, and also found the end zone for his 2nd touchdown of the season.
Out went the Jets last Sunday night, and in come the Giants to Acrisure Stadium, to face the Steelers on Monday Night Football in Prime Time, and Harris and the rest of the offense look to continue the success they’ve achieved through the first seven games.
“This is the most efficient we’ve been, I think, in my years being here,” said Harris. “Usually we turn it around, I guess we’ll say later in the season, but to have it happen so early and to have this momentum going, I think that’s just a sign of what’s to come in the future.”
Both Harris and Wilson will have to contend with star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, who has recorded 24 tackles and nine sacks.
The Giants, on defense, are ranked 12th, allowing 21.3 points a game, but are weak in defending the run, coming in at 25th, giving up 138.1 yards rushing.
Harris’ teammates are certainly appreciating what he is bringing to the table week after week, even ones who used to be enemies in season’s past.
“I’m glad I’m on the same team as him,” said Patrick Queen, who faced Harris plenty of times as a Raven. “He’s doing his thing. That’s what I keep telling him every single game: ‘Just keep bringing your stuff, keep bringing your stuff. Nobody wants to tackle you. You’re too big.’
“He’s 230 pounds, 6-2, runs however fast as he wants to and is just a physical guy all around. A mean guy. A nasty guy. Whenever he runs like that, nobody wants to deal with that for four quarters. At least I know that.”
With offense putting up 67 points in the past two games, the sky is the limit in what this Pittsburgh team could accomplish with both the offense and defense playing at high levels.
The Steelers defense is 2nd in points allowed, giving up 14.4 points a game, and will take on Daniel Jones and a Giants offense that has been struggling mightily lately, scoring a total of 10 points in their last two games against the Bengals and Eagles.
Overall, only two teams score less than the Giants, who are putting up just 14.1 points per game.
Jones has thrown for 1,442 yards, with six touchdowns and four interceptions, and has rushed for 184 yards. He has been sacked 21 times.
The top weapon in the passing game for the Giants is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabors, who despite missing two games, has caught 39 passes for 427 yards and three touchdowns.
Wen’Dale Robinson is first on the team with 43 receptions, but is averaging just seven yards a catch, totaling 303 yards and two touchdowns.
Darius Slayton is the 3rd option, with 25 receptions for 312 yards and one touchdown.
Tight end Theo Johnson has just 11 catches for 115 yards.
Tyrone Tracy is the lead back, rushing for 231 yards, six less yards than former starter Devin Singletary. Tracy also has 14 receptions for 108 yards.
What more can you ask for if you are the Pittsburgh Steelers?
It’s going to be a relatively warm Monday night in late October, under the lights, on National Television, in front of a loud Steeler Nation fan base, going up against a below average Giants team.
The game-plan is simple… play to the level of your talent, execute the plays, and don’t commit any careless turnovers that could give New York any type of hope at all.
Despite the 37 points last week, it took a while until the Pittsburgh offense finally got rolling– something that was expected in what was Wilson’s first live action in nearly ten months, but one he shook off the rust, Wilson took the horse by the reigns and the team finally looked as dangerous on that side of the ball for the first time since Big Ben retired.
It will be a tough test for the offensive line, facing a Giants defense that is ranked 1st with 31 sacks, but that unit held it’s own last week against a Jets defense that had a fearsome pass rush of their own.
Look for the defense to keep Daniels and the Giants in check, especially with the lack of a running game behind Tracy and Singletary. Forcing the Giants to be one dimensional isn’t going to work in their favor with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward in quarterback hunting mode.
Wilson should look even better this week, so 225-250 or more yards through the air should be the target for him, with Pickens having another big game, as well as Pat Freiermuth. If you have Pickens in Fantasy Football, it’s a good bet he gets another touchdown this week.
Najee Harris is primed to have a third consecutive game in a row over the century mark, especially if they are able to get the run game going early behind both him and Jaylen Warren. That, combined with timely play action utilized by Wilson could see the Pittsburgh offense lighting up the scoreboard yet again.
Prediction: Steelers 31 Giants 13
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) vs New York Giants (2-5)
- NFL Week 8
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -6
Game-time: Monday, October 28th, at 8:15 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Natural Grass
Weather at kickoff: 60 and clear. Winds out of the South at 6 MPH.
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN (Xfinity: 850) (Local: WTAE-TV channel 804 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Joe Buck (play-by-play) Troy Aikman (analyst) | Lisa Salter (field reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Craig Wolfley (analyst) | Max Starks & Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: Westwood One Sports
- Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) Devin McCourty (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 5-2 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Pittsburgh 37 New York Jets 15
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 178-102-2
- 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: 23 (16th)
- Total yards per game: 314.1 (19th)
- Passing yards per game: 180.1 (26th)
- Rushing yards per game: 134 (9th)
QUARTERBACK
Russell Wilson | #3
Wilson made his Steelers debut in Prime Time against the Jets, and did not disappoint. Now with a game under his belt, looks to elevate his game even higher.
Passing Yards: 264 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 3 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Justin Fields | #2
Fields did all he could with Wilson out, but now takes a backseat for the time being. Should see playing time in certain situations, especially in the red zone.
Passing Yards: 1,166 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 16
Rushing Yards: 231 | Rushing TD’s: 5
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. Currently 11th in the league in rushing yards.
Rushing Yards: 478 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 135 | 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: 105 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 54 | 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 behind Warren and Harris.
Rushing Yards: 92 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Aaron Shampklin | #33
Rushing Yards: 17 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jonathan Ward | #35
Rushing Yards: 22 | 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. With Wilson under center, could be poised to dominate.
Receptions: 31 | Receiving Yards: 474 | Receiving TD’s: 1
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 ten catches so far this season.
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 77 | Receiving TD’s: 1
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. Finally made his debut against Las Vegas but did not get a pass thrown his direction.
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. When will Arthur Smith get him the ball in space?
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 203 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Scotty Miller | #13
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: 24 | Receiving Yards: 245 | Receiving TD’s: 2
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: 4 | Receiving Yards: 29 | 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: 10 | Receiving Yards: 91 | 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: Ryan McCollum | #62
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: 14.4 (2nd)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 298.2 (8th)
- Passing yards allowed: 217.2 (22nd)
- Rushing yards allowed: 81 (3rd)
- Sacks: 15 (18th)
- Interceptions: 9 (3rd)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 3
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 4.5
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 1
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 14-14
Field Goals: 19-20
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 4-4
- 30-39 yards: 4-4
- 40-49 yards: 5-5
- 50+ yards: 6-7
KICKOFF RETURNER
Aaron Shampklin | #33
Average: 25.3 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 9.5 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the New York Giants
Overall record: 2-5 (4th in NFC East)
Last game: Philadelphia 28 NY Giants 3
Head Coach: Brian Daboll
- 3rd Season with NY Giants
- Overall regular-season record: 17-23 | 17-23 with Giants
- Playoff Record: 1-1
Team Links
Giants Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 14.1 (30th)
- Total Offense per game: 290.7 (28th)
- Passing yards per game: 189.1 (23rd)
- Rushing yards per game: 101.6 (25th)
QUARTERBACK
Daniel Jones | #8
Jones has yet to live up to being the guy the Giants drafted him to be. Has a good arm, and can run out of the pocket, but accuracy is an issue as are turnovers and sacks taken.
Passing Yards: 1,442 | TD Passes: 6 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 21
Rushing Yards: 184 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Drew Lock | #2
Passing Yards: 6 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 13 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Tyrone Tracy | #29
Tracy has done well since taking over starting duties from Singletary. Averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Rushing Yards: 231 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 108 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Devin Singletary | #26
Was once the starter but has been limited to back-up duties to Tyrone Tracy.
Rushing Yards: 239 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 75 | TD’s: 0
Eric Gray | #20
Rushing Yards: 26 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 66 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Malik Nabors | #1
Nabors is quickly establishing himself as one of the best young receivers in the NFL. Undoubtedly Jones’ top weapon in the passing game.
Receptions: 39 | Receiving Yards: 427 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Darius Slayton | #86
Slayton is one of those receivers that leave you wanting more. Has the talent, but has never taken the role as the go to guy when needed.
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 312 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Wen’Dale Robinson | #17
Robinson has become one of Jones’ favorite targets, leading the team with 43 receptions.
Receptions: 43 | Receiving Yards: 303 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jalin Hyatt | #13
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 6 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Theo Johnson | #84
Johnson has had a quiet year as the top tight end, averaging 10.5 yards a reception.
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 115 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Daniel Bellinger | #82
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 31 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Giants Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 21.3 (12th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 317.5 (12th)
- Passing yards allowed: 179.4 (6th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 138.1 (25th)
- Sacks: 31 (1st)
- Interceptions: 1 (29th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Rakeem Nunez-Roches | #93
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 1
DT: Dexter Lawrence II | #97
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 9
DE: Elijah Chatman | #94
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Brian Burns | #0
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 4 | INT:0
LILB: Bobby Okereke | #58
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 1.5 | INT: 0
RILB: Micah McFadden | #41
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 1.5 | INT: 0
SLB: Azeez OjuLari | #51
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Nick McCloud | #44
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Tyler Nubin | #31
Tackles: 48 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Jason Pinnock | #27
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 0
RCB: Deonte Banks | #3
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Giants Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Greg Joseph | #34
Extra Points: 6-6
Field Goals: 9-12
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 4-4
- 40-49 yards: 2-5
- 50+ yards: 1-1
KICKOFF RETURNER
Eric Gray | #20
Average: 25.0 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Ihmir Smith-Marsette | #87
Average: 6.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Giants History
Series History: Began in 1933
Overall Record: 32-46-3
- Home: 15-22-3
- Away: 17-24
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: Steelers won the last three games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 26-16 (Sept. 14, 2020)
Last postseason meeting: N/A
Injury Report (10/26/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson, OL Troy Fautanu (Knee)
Out: C Zach Frazier (ankle), WR Roman Wilson (Hamstring), LB Tyler Matakevich (Hamstring), LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring), LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring)
Doubtful: RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson (Ankle)
Questionable: None
New York Giants
IR: N/A
Out: P Jamie Gillan (Left Hamstring), CB Adoree’ Jackson (Neck), LB Ty Summers (Ankle)
Doubtful: CB Cor’Dale Flott (Groin)
Questionable: DB Tre Hawkins (Ankle), OL Jermaine Eluemunor (Hip)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2024 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE (5-2)
Sun. Sept. 8: at Atlanta (W, 18-10)
Sun. Sept. 15: at Denver (W, 13-6)
Sun. Sept. 22: L.A. Chargers (W, 20-10)
Sun. Sept. 29: at Indianapolis (L, 24-27)
Sun. Oct. 6: Dallas (L, 17-20)
Sun. Oct. 13: at Las Vegas (W, 32-13)
Sun. Oct. 20: N.Y. Jets W, 37-15
Mon. Oct. 28: N.Y. Giants 8:15 p.m.
BYE WEEK
Sun. Nov. 10: at Washington* 1 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 17: Baltimore* 1 p.m.
Thur. Nov. 21: at Cleveland* 8:15 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 1: at Cincinnati* 1 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 8: Cleveland* 1 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 15: at Philadelphia* 4:25 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 21: at Baltimore* 4:30 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 25: Kansas City* TBD
* Game time/day subject to change
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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