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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
At first glance, the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) shouldn’t even bother travelling across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) this weekend.
On Sunday, at 4:25 PM, in the unfriendly confines that is Lincoln Financial Field, the Steelers will be without the services of leading receiver George Pickens, one of their best players in the secondary in DeShon Elliott, and starting defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi.
The Eagles have won nine in a row.
The last time these teams met, A.J. Brown had six catches for 156 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-13 rout.
The Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia since 1965.
And then this gem from former NFL head coach Jon Gruden…
“The offensive line, this Mekhi Becton, playing right guard, he’s 350 pounds. He almost killed an L.A. Ram on the second level. I really have Philadelphia getting the boot and sticking it up Pittsburgh’s ass in this game. They are physical on the line,” said Gruden on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast.
Like Private Hudson said in Aliens… “Game over man, game over.”
Not so fast my friend.
Last I checked, this is the same Philadelphia team that should have lost to Carolina last week.
A dropped pass by a wide open Xavier Legette, that would have been a touchdown, saved the Eagles last week late in the game against the Panthers.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin thrives in games in which his team is the underdog, 5-0 alone this year.
The Steelers also have this guy named Russell Wilson, who starts at quarterback for them.
Heard of him? Wilson is only 6-0 against Philadelphia in his career, including four of those wins in Philly.
As for not winning in Philadelphia in 59 years, perhaps you’ve heard of the saying, “The sun doesn’t shine on the same dog’s ass all day.”
The hell with statistics or streaks.
This is for the Pennsylvania State Title. Let’s get it on.
“I’m excited about representing WPIAL in this. I made the joke this morning that we could play this game in Breezewood, that’d be awesome,” said Tomlin during his press conference.
The Eagles have Jalen Hurts at quarterback, who has thrown for 2,602 yards, with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s been sacked 35 times, despite rushing for 544 yards, and 13 touchdowns, courtesy of the “Tush Push” employed by Philly at the goal line.
Hurts hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire the past three games, averaging just 135 yards in those contests.
His top target, A.J. Brown, has expressed his frustrations in not getting the ball over the past month, causing unnecessary tensions in the Philly locker room. He has caught 48 passes for 836 yards and four touchdowns.
Brown, along with DeVonta Smith, will be a priority to stop this Sunday, if the Eagles and Hurts decide to open up the passing game on Sunday. Smith is 2nd on the team with 45 receptions for 553 yards and a team leading five touchdowns.
“We’ll just say that we’re going to do our best to try to limit both of these guys,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “However we do it, as far as traveling, whatever we do coverage-wise to try to help whoever has him, I don’t think it’s a job for one person. I think you’ve got to mix them in terms of who covers it, you got to mix them in terms of what kind of coverage.
“Is he double-teamed, is he single-teamed? I think we have a to do a good job…excuse me- I’ve got to do a good job of helping our guys make them guys face a variation of coverages, various coverages, different looks, different things. That helps them probably more than individual match-ups, ‘mano-a-mano’ out there.”
The Eagles bread and butter is their rushing attack, which is ranked 1st in the league averaging 190.5 yards per game.
Saquon Barkley leads the NFL with 1,623 yards, finding the end zone 11 times. He’s also caught 29 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns.
This game starts and ends with containing Barkley if Pittsburgh wants to come out of this game with the upset.
“He’s dynamic,” said Tomlin. “He checks all the boxes, in terms of physical talent: He’s got top-end speed. He can hit a home run, as evidenced by the Rams game. He’s good in tight-space areas. He can get downhill. He can lower his pads and run behind his pads. He’s got good lateral abilities. He can make people miss. He’s just a really complete player, and obviously that’s been a significant acquisition for them.”
The good thing for the Steelers is that they are more than familiar going up against star running backs, and keeping them under their normal expectations.
“When you play in the AFC North, we go against a lot of great running backs and ball carriers,” said Steelers rookie nickel back Beanie Bishop Jr.. “You’ve got Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore and Nick Chubb in Cleveland, so we’re familiar with going against good backs. When we played against Derrick Henry, he was the leading rusher. Things don’t change here in Pittsburgh. One of the things we pride ourselves on is being able to stop the run.”
Through 13 games, the Pittsburgh rush defense is ranked 4th, allowing just 91.4 yards a game.
With Dave Goedert sidelined, the Eagles will have to rely on Grant Calcaterra at tight end. Goedert was 3rd on the team with 38 receptions. Calcaterra has 20 receptions for 232 yards and one touchdown.
If Wilson wants to continue his unbeaten streak against the Eagles, he’ll have to do it without his top playmaker in George Pickens, who will miss his 2nd straight game with a hamstring injury.
It will be up to Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and even Brian Skowronek to elevate their games at wide receiver.
Expect plenty of looks to tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is 2nd on the team with 44 receptions for 470 yards and a team leading five touchdowns.
Fellow tight ends Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt, and possibly Connor Heyward could be heavily involved, too, with Wilson’s penchant for spreading the ball around to his weapons.
The Pittsburgh tun game will be headed by Najee Harris, who has rushed for 877 yards and five touchdowns. Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson will see plenty of action behind Harris, trying to solve a Philadelphia run defense that is ranked 8th in the league.
This is a game that will be won in the trenches. The more physical team will win.
The Steelers are shorthanded, but these seem to be the type of games they thrive being involved in, when their backs are against the wall, and everyone expects them to lose.
The key to this game is limiting Barkley as much as possible. If ever there was a game designed for the likes of Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen, it’s this one.
If the Eagles do decide to pass more than they recently have, then the responsibilities fall upon the pass rush of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nate Herbig, and Preston Smith, to punish Hurts every time he drops back to pass, or takes off with the ball.
A fast start is another area of focus for Pittsburgh, especially against an Eagles team that is averaging just 1.3 points in the first quarter this season. That awful number ranks 792 out of 796 in offenses since 2000.
Problem is, the Steelers have yet to score a touchdown on any of their opening drives.
The direction of this game could be told after both teams have each possessed the ball.
Crazy as it may sound, despite the odds, the stats, and all else, it just feels like Pittsburgh is going to shock the world in this game.
This is a team and a head coach that is very comfortable in a rock fight that comes down to the last possession.
It’s the first of a brutal three game stretch in which Pittsburgh will play on the road in Philadelphia, then Baltimore, before a home game against Kansas City on Christmas Day… for those counting, that’s three games in eleven days.
So much for the concern for player safety preached so often by the NFL hierarchy.
Wilson shocks Philly again, with two touchdowns passes, while the Pittsburgh defense rises to the occasion to limit the Eagles offense in a tight game. Chris Boswell hits a walk-off field goal to stun the Eagles and send Pittsburgh to a playoff berth and their 11th win.
Prediction: Steelers 23 Eagles 20
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)
- NFL Week 15
Vegas line: Philadelphia -5.5
Game-time: Sunday, December 15th, at 4:25 PM
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA.
- Field: Grassmaster Hybrid
Weather at kickoff: 40 and cloudy. Winds out of the ENE at 7 MPH.
Broadcast Information
TV: FOX (Local: WPGH-TV channel 803 on Xfinity)
- Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play) Tom Brady (analyst) | Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (field reporters)
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) Harry Douglas (analyst) | Courtney Cronin (field reporter)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
NFL Links
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 10-3 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Pittsburgh 27 Cleveland 14
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 18th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 183-103-2
- 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: 24.8 (10th)
- Total yards per game: 338.1 (17th)
- Passing yards per game: 206 (23rd)
- Rushing yards per game: 132.1 (9th)
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: 1,784 | TD Passes: 12 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 19
Rushing Yards: 44 | 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 and short yardage situations.
Passing Yards: 1,106 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 16
Rushing Yards: 281 | 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 12th in rushing yards.
Rushing Yards: 877 | Rushing TD’s: 5
Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 249 | 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: 359 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 222 | 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: 123 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 69 | 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, he has been one of the best receivers in the game. Out this week with a hamstring.
Receptions: 55 | Receiving Yards: 850 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin III has plenty of skills to shine in this league. Now showing what he is capable of with Wilson throwing him the ball.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 387 | Receiving TD’s: 4
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 has made the catches when given the opportunity.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 231 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Mike Williams | #18
Strong, physical receiver that will try to get his career back on track with the Steelers. Has caught just one pass so far, against the Commanders, and it was a mesmerizing touchdown. It’s time to get him more involved down field.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 68 | 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 in his direction. Currently on IR.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Scotty Miller | #13
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 69 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Brian Skowronek | #15
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 27 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth is 2nd on the team with 44 receptions, and leads the team with five touchdown receptions.
Receptions: 44 | Receiving Yards: 470 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure that has become a big part of the passing game. God help any corner he happens to be bearing down upon on a swing pass.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 192 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Conner Heyward | #83
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 29 | Receiving TD’s: 1
MyCole Pruitt | #81
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 39 | 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: 18.3 (5th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 310.1 (7th)
- Passing yards allowed: 218.6 (18th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 91.5 (4th)
- Sacks: 32 (15th)
- Interceptions: 15 (3rd)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 55 | Sacks: 8
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
DE: Larry Ogunjobi | #99
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 9.5
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 98 | Sacks: 0
RILB: Elandon Roberts | #50
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 1
ROLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 4
SECONDARY
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 56 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | #39
Tackles: 72 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot* | #25
Tackles: 96 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
LCB: Donte Jackson | #26
Tackles: 31 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 5
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 29-29
Field Goals: 36-39
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 9-9
- 30-39 yards: 10-10
- 40-49 yards: 6-7
- 50+ yards: 11-13
KICKOFF RETURNER
Cordarrelle Patterson | #84
Average: 19.3 | TD Returns: 0
Jaylen Warren | #30
Average: 22.7 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 11.3 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Philadelphia Eagles
Overall record: 11-2 (1st in NFC East)
Last game: Philadelphia 22 Carolina 16
Head Coach: Nick Siriani
- 4th Season with Philadelphia
- Overall regular-season record: 45-19 | 45-19 with Eagles
- Playoff Record: 2-3
Team Links
Eagles Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 26.3 (8th)
- Total Offense per game: 371,1 (7th)
- Passing yards per game: 180.6 (31st)
- Rushing yards per game: 190.5 (1st)
QUARTERBACK
Jalen Hurts | #1
Not exactly lighting it up passing the ball, averaging just 135 yards through the air in his past three games. Deadly when running the ball, and when used in short yardage or goal line situations.
Passing Yards: 2,602 | TD Passes: 16 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 35
Rushing Yards: 544 | Rushing TD’s: 13
Back-up: Kenny Pickett | #7
Passing Yards: 5 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: -1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Saquon Barkley | #26
Barkley has found a home in Philadelphia and has established himself as one the game’s best backs once again. Leads the NFL with 1,623 yards.
Rushing Yards: 1,623 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 267 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Rushing Yards: 245 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 56 | TD’s: 0
Will Shipley | #28
Rushing Yards: 50 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
A.J. Brown | #11
Has played well, but not happy with his usage under Hurts the past month. Averaging 83.6 yards receiving a game.
Receptions: 48 | Receiving Yards: 836 | Receiving TD’s: 4
DeVonta Smith | #6
Smith is 2nd on the team with 45 receptions despite missing several games. Leads the team with five touchdown catches.
Receptions: 45 | Receiving Yards: 553 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Jahan Dotson | #83
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 122 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Parris Campbell | #80
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 30 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Johnny Wilson | #89
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 14 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Dallas Goedert* | #88
Goedert is the Eagles top tight end, but has been placed on IR.
Receptions: 38 | Receiving Yards: 441 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Grant Calcaterra | #81
With Goedert out, has the opportunity to step up and elevate his play in an offense that loves utilizing their tight ends.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 232 | Receiving TD’s: 1
*Injured/out
Eagles Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 18 (2nd)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 284.2 (1st)
- Passing yards allowed: 178.4 (2nd)
- Rushing yards allowed: 105.7 (8th)
- Sacks: 37 (7th)
- Interceptions: 8 (16th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Milton Williams | #93
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 5
NT: Jordan Davis | #90
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Jalen Carter | #98
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 4.5
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Nolan Smith, Jr. | #3
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 4.5 | INT:0
LILB: Zack Baun | #53
Tackles: 128 | Sacks: 3.5 | INT: 1
RILB: Nakobe Dean | #17
Tackles: 106 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 1
SLB: Josh Sweat | #19
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Quinyon Mitchell | #27
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: C.J. Gardner-Johnson | #8
Tackles: 55 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
FS: Reed Blankenship | #32
Tackles: 67 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
RCB: Darius Slay, Jr. | #2
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Eagles Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Jake Elliott | #4
Extra Points: 34-35
Field Goals: 18-24
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 6-6
- 30-39 yards: 7-7
- 40-49 yards: 5-6
- 50+ yards: 0-5
KICKOFF RETURNER
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Average: 24.6 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Cooper DeJean | #33
Average: 11.1 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Eagles History
Series History: Began in 1933
Overall Record: 29-49-3
- Home: 19-19-1
- Away: 10-29-2
- Postseason: 0-1
Streak: Philadelphia won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Eagles Win, 35-13 (Oct. 30, 2022)
Last postseason meeting: Eagles Win, 21-0 (Dec. 21, 1947)
Injury Report (12/13/24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: P Cam Johnson, OL Troy Fautanu (Knee)
Out: WR George Pickens (Hamstring), S DeShon Elliott (Hamstring), DT Larry Ogunjobi (Groin)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DT Montravius Adams (Knee), OL Calvin Anderson (Groin)
Philadelphia Eagles
IR: TE Dave Goedert (knee)
Out: WR Britain Convey (Neck)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2024 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE (10-3)
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 (W, 28-27)
Sun. Nov. 17: Baltimore (W, 18-16)
Thur. Nov. 21: at Cleveland (L, 19-24)
Sun. Dec. 1: at Cincinnati (W, 44-38)
Sun. Dec. 8: Cleveland (W- 27-14)
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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