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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 with The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game Prediction, Broadcast Information, and a complete breakdown of each team. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff!
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
When the first game of the NFL season gets recorded in the books, you never want to get too excited–or disappointed, when analyzing the performance of your team.
That said, you can’t help but feel damn good about what Aaron Rodgers did in his Pittsburgh Steelers debut.
Rodgers threw for 244 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in Pittsburgh’s 34-32 victory over the New York Jets.
Rodgers drove the Pittsburgh offense straight down the field in their opening drive, finding Ben Skowronek for a 22 yard touchdown pass to give the Steelers a 7-3 lead.
It was Pittsburgh’s first touchdown on an opening drive in a season opener since 2008, and the first touchdown on any opening drive since December 23rd, 2023 against the Bengals.
“It was nice to win,” Rodgers said after the victory, “especially hearing some of the catcalls out there and the boo birds. I’m not sensitive about that. I expected that. I kinda like that, but there were probably people in the organization that didn’t think I could play anymore. So it was nice to remind those people that I still can.”
D.K. Metcalf showed why Pittsburgh traded to make him their new #1 receiver, catching four passes for 83 yards. Metcalf, who will be licking his chops to face his former team, had 68 yards after the catch.
Calvin Austin III was impressive with four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. As mentioned, Skowronek contributed with a touchdown. Roman Wilson remains on a Milk Carton.
The tight end room showed their promise, with Jonnu Smith going for five receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown. Pat Freiermuth had three catches for 28 yards. Darnell Washington could have contributed, but he was too busy helping Broderick Jones block.
More on that in a moment.
Jaylen Warren ran for 37 yards, adding two catches for 22 yards and a touchdown. Kenneth Gainwell saw a lot of game time, rushing for 19 yards, and collecting three catches for four yards.
Kaleb Johnson was an afterthought, rushing the ball just one time for -2 yards.
Gainwell is a good player, but Johnson needs more work. That is why they drafted him in the 3rd round.
As for the blocking and pass protection… yikes.
Jones allowed a sack on the very first offensive play, and the line gave up four sacks overall. There was very little room to run for Warren and Gainwell, who averaged 3.4 and 2.7 yards per carry, respectively.
I’ve been a big backer of this offensive line, dreaming up excuses after excuses for them, but enough is enough.
It’s time to play up to expectations.
“I can’t put that on tape,” Jones said. “I know that. Everybody knows that.”
The talent and the pedigree is there for Jones. It’s up to him to live up to expectations.
His teammates, especially Rodgers, has his back.
“I really like Brod,” Rodgers said. “I got to know him during training camp. I like what he’s about. I like his attitude. He’s a genuinely positive guy. I’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”
While we’re ripping apart the play of Jones and the line, it’s time to turn our attention to the other side of the ball.
As bad as the o-line was, the defensive front seven was awful last week, allowing the Jets to gouge them for 182 yards on the ground.
Yes, 1st round pick Derrick Harmon was out injured, but c’mon man, give me a break here.
Make a play. Tackle someone. Quit being blown off the line of scrimmage.
You’d hope the pride would be there after the debacle in the playoffs, when the Ravens treated the Pittsburgh defense like a sissy on D-Block, rushing for 299 yards.
“I don’t think it’s done in one game,” said defensive end Cam Heyward. “We have to answer for that. Guys have to get off blocks. Up front, if we get doubled, we still have to maintain our gaps. Everyone has an assignment. Run defense isn’t just an up-front job. It all works together. We can’t make excuses for it, but we have to be better.”
It used to be a shock when a team ran for over 100 yards against the Steelers.
Now it’s happened 10 out the last 20 games.
“We just didn’t play well in a lot of areas,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “We have to get them better calls. We have to get them where they need to be. When you looked at the film, we have to do a better job of tackling, getting off blocks, being in the right spots, giving the guys an opportunity to do that.
“It happened. Every now and then, you have a stinker like that. You don’t like them, but it gives us an opportunity to get back to work and get better at it.”
In the home opener, the Seattle Seahawks (0-1) will travel across the country to face the Steelers (1-0), this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM.
Like last week, the defense won’t be at full strength, in fact, it will be missing even more starters.
Harmon will remain out this week, and will be joined by corner Joey Porter, Jr., who pulled his hamstring last week, and safety DeShon Elliot, who hurt his knee.
Linebacker Nick Herbig returns after missing the opener, and safety Jabrill Peppers will make his Steelers debut after being signed as a free agent this week.
The Seahawks are led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who passed for just 150 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions, and was sacked just once, in Seattle’s 17-13 loss to the 49ers.
Darnold joined Seattle after resurrecting his career in Minnesota last season, when he had 4,319 yards passing, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was his main target, catching nine passes for 124 yards. Cooper Kupp, another new acquisition previously of the Rams. had just two catches for 15 yards. That was it from the wide receivers.
Tight end Elijah Arroyo had one catch for seven yards, while A.J. Barner had a catch for no gain.
Kenneth Walker III, the lead back, managed just 20 yards rushing, with Zach Charbonnet tallying 47 yards and a touchdown.
The Seattle front seven is pretty stout, knocking 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy from the game last week. They got to Purdy for one sack, and forced two interceptions.
The Seahawk secondary will be hurting without safety Nick Emmanwori, and will likely be missing corner Devon Witherspoon, who is one of the top young corners in the NFL.
This game is pretty simple.
On offense, the line has to elevate their play, opening up some running lanes for Warren, Gainwell, and hopefully Johnson. Keep the pressure off of Rodgers and give him time to hit his targets down field.
If Seattle wants to get ultra aggressive, then punish them with some quick hitters in stride, as you witnessed last week with Metcalf and Austin. It would be nice to see Wilson, but I’ll believe that when I actually see it. A well timed screen could be deadly, especially with the abilities out of the backfield displayed by Warren and Gainwell.
On defense… do we really have to say it?
STOP THE RUN.
Walker and Charbonnet didn’t do squat last week against San Francisco. Let’s keep that trend going, and make Darnold have to beat you through the air, especially if Jalen Ramsey can keep Smith-Njigba at bay.
It’s a good bet T.J. Watt will get a sack or two.
It’s going to be a hot Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh on Sunday. The welcome Aaron Rodgers should get upon hearing his name announced coming out of the tunnels should be a memorable moment.
It will be rough for the Seahawks to come across country after losing their opener last week, to what will be a very hostile environment. Rodgers should be focused and motivated to pass Brett Favre on the all-time passing touchdowns list. Rodgers, at 507, needs just two TD’s to leap over Favre (508) into 4th place in history. He’s also just 245 yards in the air from passing Phillip Rivers for 6th place all-time.
I think he’ll accomplish both feats, and the Steelers will roll to 2-0 to start the season.
Prediction: Steelers 27 Seahawks 14
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) vs Seattle Seahawks (0-1)
- NFL Week 2
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -3
Game-time: Sunday, September 14th, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Bluegrass
Weather at Kickoff: 81 and clear. Winds out of the NNE at 5 MPH.
NFL Links
Broadcast Information
TV: FOX / WPGH-TV (Xfinity: Channel 803)
- Announcers: Adam Amin (play-by-play) Mark Sanchez (analyst) | Kristina Pink (field reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Max Starks (analyst) | Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: ESPN Radio
- Announcers: Steve Levy (play-by-play) Sal Paolantonio (analyst) | Courtney Cronin (field reporter)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 1-0 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Steelers 34 Jets 32
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 19th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 184-107-2
- Playoff record: 8-11 (Qualified for playoffs 11 times)
Team Links
- Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
- Steelers Team/Individual Statistics
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Schedule
Steelers Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 34
- Total yards per game: 271
- Passing yards per game: 218
- Rushing yards per game: 53
QUARTERBACK
Aaron Rodgers | #8
Rodgers may be 42, but the arm and his wits are still top notch. If the Pittsburgh offensive line can provide him time, Rodgers should have no problem resurrecting a dormant Pittsburgh offense that has been below average since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Certainly looked the part last week, ripping the Jets for 244 yards and four touchdowns.
Passing Yards: 244 | TD Passes: 4 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 4
Rushing Yards: -1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mason Rudolph| #2
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Jaylen Warren | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. Listed as the starter, but will more than likely end up in a timeshare with rookie Kaleb Johnson.
Rushing Yards: 37 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Johnson is a rookie out of Iowa, and by talent alone, will eventually become the lead back in the Steeler run game. As usual, Tomlin is bringing his young buck along slowly till he learns his trust.
Rushing Yards: -2 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Gainwell is a Swiss Army knife that can step in at any time.
Rushing Yards: 19 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
D.K. Metcalf | #4
Metcalf is a big, physical receiver, that will be Aaron Rodgers’ top weapon in the passing game. Caught 66 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns last year in Seattle. Looked good in his debut vs the Jets despite a few drops.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 83 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin, now in his 4th year, will battle Roman Wilson to become Rodgers’ #2 wide receiver. Showed he’s ready to be a major part of the passing game as he caught four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown vs the Jets.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson is set to make amends for a lost rookie season. Can he become the receiver he was at Michigan, and show the Steelers why he was drafted in the 3rd round?
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Scotty Miller | #13
Miller returns to the Steelers after catching five passes for 69 yards last year.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Brian Skowronek | #15
Great blocker and special teams player, Skowronek had five catches for 69 yards last season. Last week he was the recipient of Aaron Rodger’s first TD pass as a Steeler.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Could be headed for a really good season as Rodgers likes his tight ends. Caught 65 passes for 653 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 28 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jonnu Smith | #81
Smith is a hybrid tight end/receiver… had 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns last year in Miami. Had five receptions and a touchdown against the Jets.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure at 6’7, 264 pounds. Rodgers raved about him in Camp and could be set to surpass his numbers last year, when he caught 19 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward will be utilized in a fullback/tight end role.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Broderick Jones | #7
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #62
RG: Mason McCormick | #66
RT: Troy Fautanu | #76
*Injured/Out
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 32
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 394
- Passing yards allowed: 212
- Rushing yards allowed: 182
- Sacks: 1
- Interceptions: 0
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
DE: Yahya Black | #94
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
ROLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: Darius Slay | #23
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Juan Thornhill | #22
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Chuck Clark | #21
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr.* | #24
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NCB: Jalen Ramsey | #5
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 4-4
Field Goals: 2-2
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 0-0
- 50+ yards: 2-2
KICKOFF RETURNER
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Average: 33 | TD Returns: 0
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Average: 26.4 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Seattle Seahawks
Overall record: 0-1 (4th in NFC West)
Last game: 49ers 17 Seahawks 13
Head Coach: Mike Macdonald
- 1st Season with Seattle Seahawks
- Overall regular-season record: 10-8 | 10-8 with Seahawks
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Seahawks Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 13
- Total Offense per game: 230
- Passing yards per game: 146
- Rushing yards per game: 84
QUARTERBACK
Sam Darnold | #14
Darnold resurrected his career in Minnesota last year, and now hopes to continue his success as the starter in Seattle. Had an unimpressive debut throwing for just 150 yards, no touchdowns, and getting sacked once.
Passing Yards: 150 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 14 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Drew Lock| #2
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Kenneth Walker III | #9
The football world, especially the Fantasy one, is waiting for Walker to display his talents every game, not just in spurts. Managed just 20 yards on the ground last week.
Rushing Yards: 20 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 4 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Zach Carbonnet | #26
Carbonnet is a heartbeat away from assuming the lead role from Walker, leading the team with 47 yards rushing last week.
Rushing Yards: 47 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jaxon Smith-Njigba | #11
Smith-Njigba isn’t just the best receiver for the Seahawks… he’s slowly becoming one of the best at his position league-wide.
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 124 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Cooper Kupp | #10
Kupp joins the Seahawks after a successful career with the Rams. The biggest question for Kupp is if he can avoid the injury bug that has hampered him the last few years.
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tory Holton | #15
Holton has opened some eyes during preseason, and may soon be #2 on the depth chart if given the opportunity, and if Kupp gets injured again.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Cody White | #82
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jake Bobo | #19
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
A.J. Barner | #88
Barner is in his 2nd year out of Michigan.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Elijah Arroyo | #18
Arroyo is a 2nd round rookie out of Miami, Fl.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Seahawks Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 17
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 384
- Passing yards allowed: 265
- Rushing yards allowed: 119
- Sacks: 1
- Interceptions: 2
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Jarran Reed | #90
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0
NT: Byron Murphy II | #91
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0
RDE: Leonard Williams | #99
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
WLB: DeMarcus Lawrence | #0
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0 | INT:0
LILB: Tyrice Knight | #48
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RILB: Ernest Jones IV | #13
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SLB: Boye Mafe | #53
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT:0
SECONDARY
LCB: Ric Woolen | #27
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Coby Bryant | #8
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Julian Love | #20
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
RCB: Josh Jobe | #29
Tackles: 2 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
NB: Devin Witherspoon | #21
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Seahawks Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Jason Myers | #5
Extra Points: 1-1
Field Goals: 2-2
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Cody White | #82
Average: 29.5 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Tory Holton| #15
Average: 12.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Seahawks History
Series History: Began in 1977
Overall Record: 11-10
- Home: 8-3
- Away: 2-7
- Postseason: 1-0
Streak: Steelers won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 30-23 (Dec. 31, 2023)
Last postseason meeting: Super Bowl XL- Steelers Win, 21-10 (Feb. 5, 2006)
Injury Report (9/12/25)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: QB Will Howard (finger)
Out: DL Derrick Harmon (knee), S DeShon Elliot (knee), CB Joey Porter Jr. (Hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Seattle Seahawks
IR: N/A
Out: S Nick Emmanwori (Ankle)
Doubtful: CB Devon Witherspoon (Knee)
Questionable: None
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2025 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE (1-0)
Sun. Sept. 7 at N.Y. Jets | W- 34-32
Sun. Sept. 14 vs Seattle 1 p.m.
Sun. Sept. 21 at New England 1 p.m.
Sun. Sept. 28 vs Minnesota 9:30 a.m.
BYE WEEK
Sun. Oct. 12 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Thur. Oct. 16 at Cincinnati 8:15 p.m.
Sun. Oct. 26 vs Green Bay 8:20 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 2 vs Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 9 at L.A. Chargers* 8:20 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 16 vs Cincinnati* 1 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 23 at Chicago* 1 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 30 vs Buffalo* 4:25 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 7 at Baltimore* 1 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 15 vs Miami* 8:15 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 21 at Detroit* 4:25 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 28 at Cleveland* 1 p.m.
TBD TBD vs Baltimore* TBD
* *Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling
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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