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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 a mystery.
Despite coming out of their bye week at 6-2, and leading the AFC North by one game over the Baltimore Ravens, not many in the national or local media are giving the team much respect.
Everyone seems enamored by the Ravens, or even the Cincinnati Bengals, who prior to their Thursday night game against those same Ravens, had a record of 4-5.
All Pittsburgh has done is start the year with Justin Fields at quarterback, who played well and had the Steelers at 4-2, before head coach Mike Tomlin made an eye opening decision to replace Fields with Russell Wilson, who was injured the first day of training camp.
With Wilson under center, the Pittsburgh offense is averaging 31.5 points a game, while the defense continues it’s policy of bend but not break, giving up just 14.2 points a game, good for 2nd in the league.
In two games, Wilson has thrown for 542 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception.
“I’ve learned to not to over-analyze it,” said Tomlin. “There’s an axiom in coaching: You are what your record is. I don’t waste a lot of time pondering it, to be honest with you. I’m just trying to focus on victory Number 7.”
The eyes will be opened by Sunday evening if the Steelers can travel to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, and take down the surprising Washington Commanders, who come into this game leading the NFC East division at 7-2.
The Commanders are lead by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels at quarterback, who has thrown for 1,945 yards, with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. Daniels has also rushed for 459 yards and another four touchdowns.
He had the play of 2024, launching a 52 yard Hail Mary that was caught by Noah Brown to defeat the Chicago Bears 18-15.
Terry McLaurin is Daniel’s main weapon, leading the team with 42 receptions for 598 yards and six touchdowns.
Brown has come in to his own lately, and has 22 catches for 318 yards and that touchdown he caught.
Olamide Zaccheaus is 5th on the team with 21 catches for 224 yards.
Tight end Zach Ertz is 2nd on the team with 33 catches for 350 yards and one touchdown, while running back Austin Ekeler, who is the change of pace back, is tied with Brown with 22 receptions for 248 yards. Ekeler has also rushed for 282 yards and a touchdown.
Brian Robinson has battled through injuries to lead the team with 461 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Robinson doesn’t offer much in the passing game, catching just nine passes so far. Unfortunately for him, he’ll miss his 2nd straight game.
So the big question is… who wins the battle between the Washington offense, ranked 4th averaging 29.2 points a game, against that 2nd ranked Steelers defense?
The Commander’s defense is ranked 11th, giving up 21 points a game, but they are susceptible to the ground game, giving up 143 yards a game, which is 29th out of 32 teams.
Enter Najee Harris, who has rushed for over 100 yards in the last three games.
With Wilson keeping defenses honest with the deep ball, and the offensive line getting a boost with the return of center Zach Frazier, Harris could be primed for another big day on the ground.
Wide receiver George Pickens has looked rejuvenated with Wilson throwing him the ball, and if not for penalties, could have as many as three touchdowns catches instead of one, but the fact remains, Pickens is now a major threat to score every time he gets a ball thrown his way.
Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have also looked good and elevated their games since Wilson took over, and now the receiving corps have a new addition with the acquisition of Mike Williams from the New York Jets.
Williams 6’4 frame will be a perfect compliment for Wilson across the field from Pickens.
“I’m a playmaker,” Williams said. “I want to make plays. I’m going to work and show I deserve to be on the field.”
The run game, behind the one-two punch of Harris and Jaylen Warren, could also get another weapon back in Cordarrelle Patterson, who is set to return after a four game absence.
Wilson, who has looked good in his first two games, should continue to elevate his game with an offense getting healthier by the day, and the addition of a new weapon to the passing game. Pickens is a good bet to find the end zone, and it’s far past time for tight end Pat Freiermuth to start getting more work across the middle and in the red zone.
Despite how well Daniels has played, he’s yet to face a defense quite like what the Steelers offer with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith hunting him down, and the addition of Preston Smith from Green Bay.
I like for these two teams to trade a few scores early on before the Steelers defense tightens up and starts getting inside Daniel’s head. Rookie quarterbacks rarely, if ever, are successful against Pittsburgh defenses, but Daniels will definitely test that theory as far as it goes.
The key to this game is keeping Daniels inside the pocket contained, and to tighten up the run defense, which has been a sore spot for most of the past month. Washington will have to rely on Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez, Jr. at running back with Robinson out.
Joey Porter, Jr. will have the assignment of keeping McLaurin from making any big plays downfield from Daniels. I like his chances, as he tends to step his games up when he goes up against the best in the league.
Harris will have another big day on the ground, and you can expect contributions from both Warren and Patterson as well. With the ability to run, Wilson will take advantage of some mismatches down field, especially off of play action.
Pickens is a good bet to get a receiving touchdown, and Wilson will find Williams for at least one moon ball.
Should be a tough, physical game, but this will be a day where the Steelers prove they are indeed a team to be reckoned with, and set themselves up for a war with the Ravens the following week for control of the AFC North.
Prediction: Steelers 31 Commanders 20
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) at Washington Commanders (7-2)
- NFL Week 10
Vegas line: Washington -2.5
Game-time: Sunday, November 10th, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD.
- Field: Bermuda Grass
Weather at kickoff: 59 and cloudy. Winds out of the South at 7 MPH.
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS (Local: KDKA-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 & Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: ESPN Radio
- Announcers: Steve Levy (play-by-play) Sal Paolantonio (analyst)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 6-2 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Pittsburgh 26 New York Giants 18
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 179-102-2
- 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: 23.4 (13th)
- Total yards per game: 328.1 (19th)
- Passing yards per game: 190 (26th)
- Rushing yards per game: 138.1 (8th)
QUARTERBACK
Russell Wilson | #3
Wilson made his Steelers debut in Prime Time against the Jets, and did not disappoint. Now he has the Steelers primed for a run at the AFC North Title.
Passing Yards: 542 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 5
Rushing Yards: 10 | 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: 592 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 17 | Receiving Yards: 152 | 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: 151 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 67 | 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
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: 35 | Receiving Yards: 548 | 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, and now looks rejuvenated with Wilson as QB.
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 139 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Mike Williams | #18
Strong, physical receiver that will try to get his career back on track with the Steelers.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 166 | 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 starting to be a factor with Wilson throwing him the ball.
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 257 | Receiving TD’s: 2
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
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: 26 | Receiving Yards: 264 | 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: 11 | Receiving Yards: 120 | Receiving TD’s: 1
MyCole Pruitt | #81
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 19 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Dan Moore| #65
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #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: 14.9 (2nd)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 310.2 (9th)
- Passing yards allowed: 219.7 (21st)
- Rushing yards allowed: 90.5 (4th)
- Sacks: 19 (22nd)
- Interceptions: 10 (4th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 3
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
OLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 6.5
ILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 55 | Sacks: 0
ILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 1
OLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 3
SECONDARY
CB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot | #25
Tackles: 58 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 16-16
Field Goals: 23-24
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 7-7
- 30-39 yards: 5-5
- 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: 12.9 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Washington Commanders
Overall record: 7-2 (1st in NFC East)
Last game: Washington 27 NY Giants 22
Head Coach: Dan Quinn
- 1st Season with Washington
- Overall regular-season record: 50-44 | 7-2 with Commanders
- Playoff Record: 3-2
Team Links
Commanders Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 29.2 (4th)
- Total Offense per game: 392 (3rd)
- Passing yards per game: 228.1 (10th)
- Rushing yards per game: 163.9 (3rd)
QUARTERBACK
Jayden Daniels | #5
Daniels is having a sensational rookie season, throwing down 1,945 yards, with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. He’s just as dangerous out of the pocket, rushing for 459 yards and four more touchdowns.
Passing Yards: 1,945 | TD Passes: 9 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 17
Rushing Yards: 459 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Back-up: Marcus Mariota | #18
Passing Yards: 203 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 36 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Brian Robinson* | #8
Tough runner for the Commanders, but will miss his second straight game.
Rushing Yards: 461 | Rushing TD’s: 6
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 79 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Austin Ekeler | #30
With Robinson out, Ekeler should get the bulk of the carries. Good dual threat, but not what he once used to be.
Rushing Yards: 282 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 248 | TD’s: 0
Jeremy McNichols | #26
Rushing Yards: 183 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 6 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Chris Rodriguez, Jr. | #36
Rushing Yards: 52 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Terry McLaurin | #17
McLaurin leads the team in every receiving category, catching 42 passes for 598 yards and six touchdowns.
Receptions: 42 | Receiving Yards: 598 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Noah Brown | #85
Brown is quietly having a good year, and was the hero catching the Hail Mary pass from Jayden Daniels to beat the Bears.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 318 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Olamide Zaccheaus | #14
Zaccheaus is averaging 6.5 yards per catch.
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 224 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Dyami Brown | #2
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 158 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Luke McCaffrey | #12
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 111 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Zach Ertz | #86
Ertz may be getting older, but the stats remain, coming in at 2nd on the team with 33 catches for 350 yards and a score.
Receptions: 33 | Receiving Yards: 350 | Receiving TD’s: 1
John Bates | #87
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 34 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Ben Sinnott | #82
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Commanders Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 21.0 (11th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 226.3 (14th)
- Passing yards allowed: 183.3 (5th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 143 (29th)
- Sacks: 24 (8th)
- Interceptions: 3 (26th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Clelin Ferrell | #99
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 2
DT: Daron Payne | #94
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 1.5
DT: Jer’Zhan Newton | #95
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 1
DE: Dorance Armstrong | #92
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 3
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Frankie Luvu | #4
Tackles: 54 | Sacks: 4 | INT:0
MLB: Bobby Wagner | #54
Tackles: 76 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
SLB: Dante Fowler, Jr. | #6
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 6.5 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: Benjamin St. Juste | #25
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Jeremy Chinn | #11
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Quan Martin | #20
Tackles: 45 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Mike Sainristil | #0
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Commanders Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Austin Seibert | #3
Extra Points: 22-22
Field Goals: 25-27
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 10-10
- 30-39 yards: 7-7
- 40-49 yards: 7-7
- 50+ yards: 1-3
KICKOFF RETURNER
Austin Ekeler | #3
Average: 31.6 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Olamide Zaccheaus | #14
Average: 15.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Commanders History
Series History: Began in 1933
Overall Record: 34-44-4
- Home: 20-23-1
- Away: 14-21-3
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: Washington won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Washington Wins, 23-17 (Dec. 7, 2020)
Last postseason meeting: N/A
Injury Report (11/9/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson, OL Troy Fautanu (Knee)
Out: LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Washington Commanders
IR: N/A
Out: CB Marshon Lattimore (Hamstring), T Cornelius Lucas (Ankle), RB Brian Robinson Jr. (Hamstring), TE Colson Yankoff (Hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: K Austin Seibert (Right Hip), G/T Andrew Wylie (Shoulder)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2024 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE (6-2)
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 W, 26-18
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
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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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