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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
Two weeks ago the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) were sitting pretty. They were 4-1 and primed to run away with the AFC North Division if they could continue their winning ways.
Not so fast, my friend.
Two consecutive losses to Cincinnati and Green Bay have sent the team into disarray, especially defensively, where the team seemingly has no answers to get off the field, and prevent opponents from lighting up the scoreboard week after week.
Teryl Austin may be the defensive coordinator, but it’s head coach Mike Tomlin’s schemes.
It’s an outdated system that any opposing offensive coordinator with any sense is going to exploit.
That’s not without saying that higher echelon players like T.J. Watt and several other that need to play up to their expectations and make a damn play. Watt has just four sacks in his last 11 games. That’s unacceptable.
Even ESPN analysts like Rex Ryan, the former head coach of the Bills and Jets, have become critical of Pittsburgh’s defensive unit.
“They look old,” said Ryan. “It looks like they just fell off a cliff. The names look great, Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey. You have all these names. It doesn’t matter. All of a sudden, the play has stopped. This is a team that has no speed.”
This is what you get from the NFL’s highest paid defense?
Heading into Sunday, the Steelers rank 22nd in points allowed, giving up 25 a game. They are 30th, giving up 386 yards a contest, and dead last in pass defense, allowing 273.3 yards a game.
“For me, I look at what we’re doing, the process, trying to make sure I’m getting the right point across so we’re all on the same page,” Austin said. “I just continue to look at my process and make sure it’s right. That’s my job, to help our guys play better. Whether that’s playing well, playing bad, you always have to do that. We just happen to be in a bad stretch right now. The process for me doesn’t change. It’s just about getting it across to the guys.”
Nothing seems to be getting through to this defense, as they are always out of position, and the communication breakdowns continue.
It was bad enough to let Joe Flacco rip your defense apart, but to allow Jordan Love to complete 20 straight passes on you… I mean, c’mon man, you don’t even see that during your local Turkey Bowl games coming up in a few weeks.
Someone has to step up and be a leader here for Pittsburgh. Maybe it’s Cam Heyward, who spoke his mind after practice this week.
“I challenge everybody,” Heyward said. “I challenge myself first and foremost. The way to get this bad taste out of our mouths is just to play better football.”
Someone had better step up, because the Indianapolis Colts are coming to town. That’s the Colts with the league’s best record at 7-1, and the top ranked offense, putting up 33.8 points per game.
Daniel Jones has resurrected his career with Indy, passing for 2,062 yards, 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
Michael Pittman, Jr. is his top receiver with 43 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns. Josh Downs is 3rd on the team with 29 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Alec Pierce is averaging 21,4 yards per catch, with 18 receptions for 386 yards.
It’s former Penn State star, tight end Tyler Warren, who has become a major weapon in his rookie season. Warren is 2nd on the team with 37 receptions for a team leading 492 yards and three touchdowns.
“You got to see him when he was at Penn State,” Austin said, “and all the different things that he did there, he’s doing the same things there.”
Then you add the league’s leading rusher in Jonathan Taylor, who has 850 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns, along with 25 catches for 206 yards and two more TD’s.
The Colts are ranked 6th in the league giving up 19.6 points a game, but they do give up a lot of yards in the process. One area the Pittsburgh offense could attack is through the air, as the Colts are giving up 252 yards a game, which is 29th.
It just might be the game where Aaron Rodgers has to take the team on his back and be the defining factor to get this team back on track in the win column.
Rodgers has thrown for 1,489 yards, but is 3rd in the league with 16 touchdowns passes. He has five interceptions.
D.K. Metcalf is the leading receiver with 27 receptions for 461 yards and five touchdowns. He needs to be involved even more. Calvin Austin III returned after missing a few games and has 14 catches for 167 yards and two TD’s. Roman Wilson had a breakout game last week, and now has eight catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. It’s been far past the time to see what Wilson can add to the offense.
“Roman’s been the same player since I first got here,” Metcalf said practice on Wednesday. “Very dynamic, very fast, good hands, very good attention to detail with how he goes about his business every day — he’s very willing to listen and very coachable. It’s a joy to be in the same room as a guy that loves football that much and does his thing. Kind of gives you an extra motivational juice whenever you’re out there on the field.”
His quarterback certainly likes what he sees of him.
“I’ve liked him since the first time we got to know each other out in Malibu,” Rodgers said of Wilson. “I told him back then, ‘I’m going to coach you to your potential, not to what I’m seeing.’ So I’m going to hold him to a high standard and I was really proud of him in the game for the couple reaction plays that he made, and we just need to see consistency from him. But that starts in practice, and I thought Thursday was a really good practice for him, and today he had another nice practice.”
The tight ends continue to be a big part of the offense. Pat Freiermuth has 16 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Jonnu Smith is 3rd on the team with 22 catches for 134 yards and two scores. Darnell Washington has nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Jaylen Warren leads the team with 373 yards rushing. He’s also caught 19 passes for 195 yards and a score. Kenneth Gainwell has 221 yards and two touchdowns, and is 2nd on the team with 23 catches for 84 yards. Kaleb Johnson has barely been used this year despite being a 3rd round pick.
It’s a shame to see a team with the talent that Pittsburgh has continuing to produce failing results.
For eight seasons in a row, it’s basically been the movie Groundhog Day for Pittsburgh. As of right now there are zero expectations to be successful so as long Mike Tomlin remains as head coach.
Is this a game that the Steelers can win and shock the one loss Colts? Yes.
But how can anyone have any confidence in a team whose defense gets torn to shreds every game?
I actually think the Steelers could bully the Colts defense on Sunday. Their jumbo package could do some damage on the ground behind Warren and Gainwell… and if they’re smart, Kaleb Johnson. Possessing the ball would be a priority, and having that rushing attack set up Rodgers to pick apart a suspect Indy secondary.
Aggression is another trait that both the offense and defense have to employ. Enough with the field goals. If the team is in favorable 4th and short situations, go for it!
Problem is, as many points as I think Pittsburgh can put up, I can’t see them keeping the Colts out of the end zone, because Tomlin’s defense is as predictable as a game of tic-tac-toe.
It’s sad to feel this way, but it is what it is.
Prediction: Colts 38 Steelers 34
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) vs Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
- NFL Week 9
Vegas line: Indianapolis -3.5
Game-time: Sunday, November 2nd, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Bluegrass
Weather at Kickoff: Clear and 58. Winds out of the South at 3 MPH.
NFL Links
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS/KDKA-TV (Xfinity: Channel 802)
- Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) J.J. Watt (analyst) | Evan Washburn (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: Compass Media Networks
- Announcers: Chris Carrino (play-by-play) Brian Baldinger (analyst)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 4-3 (1st in AFC North)
Last Game: Packers 35 Steelers 25
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 19th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 187-110-2
- Playoff record: 8-11 (Qualified for playoffs 12 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: 25 (12th)
- Total yards per game: 308.7 (27th)
- Passing yards per game: 214.4 (23rd)
- Rushing yards per game: 94.3 (25th)
QUARTERBACK
Aaron Rodgers | #8
Rodgers may be 41, but the arm and his wits are still top notch. Currently tied for 3rd in the NFL with 16 touchdown passes.
Passing Yards: 1,489 | TD Passes: 16 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 12
Rushing Yards: 18 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mason Rudolph | #2
Passing Yards: 12 | 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. 1st on the team with 373 yards rushing and has 19 catches for 195 yards receiving.
Rushing Yards: 373 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 19| Receiving Yards: 195 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Gainwell is a Swiss Army knife that can step in at any time. Was superb while being the #1 back with Warren out against Minnesota. 2nd on the team with 23 catches.
Rushing Yards: 221 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 84 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Johnson is a 3rd round rookie out of Iowa.
Rushing Yards: 36 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | 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. Can make the most spectacular of catches, but is also prone to occasional drops. Leads the team with 27 catches.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 461 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin, now in his 4th year, has taken over as the team’s #2 receiver.
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 167 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson is finally being integrated into the offense, now up to eight catches on the season, for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 110 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Scotty Miller* | #13
Miller returns to the Steelers after catching five passes for 69 yards last year.
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Brian Skowronek | #15
Great blocker and special teams player, Skowronek had five catches for 69 yards last season. The pride of Notre Dame was the recipient of Aaron Rodger’s first TD pass as a Steeler.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 35 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Thought be headed for a solid season as Rodgers likes utilizing his tight ends. Caught 65 passes for 653 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. Had his best game last week against Cincinnati, catching five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 200 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Jonnu Smith | #81
Smith is a hybrid tight end/receiver… 3rd on the team with 22 receptions.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 134 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure at 6’7, 264 pounds. Big part of the offense, aiding the run game with his blocking, but now contributing with nine receptions for 84 yards.
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 84 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward will be utilized in a fullback/tight end role.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 1
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Broderick Jones | #77
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #54
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: 25 (22nd)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 386 (30th)
- Passing yards allowed: 273.3 (32nd)
- Rushing yards allowed: 112.7 (18th)
- Sacks: 22 (25thnd)
- Interceptions: 5 (16th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 1.5
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 2.5
DE: Derrick Harmon | #99
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 31 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 1
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 1
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 50 | Sacks: 1
ROLB: Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 4.5 | INT: 1
- OR Alex Highsmith | #56
- Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 1.5
SECONDARY
LCB: Darius Slay | #23
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Juan Thornhill | #22
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: DeShon Elliot* | #25
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NCB: Jalen Ramsey | #5
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 17-17
Field Goals: 14-16
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 1-2
- 40-49 yards: 7-7
- 50+ yards: 6-7
KICKOFF RETURNER
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Average: 25.5 | TD Returns: 0
Ka’Shawn Williams | #85
Average: 24.9 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 4.5 | TD Returns: 0
Ka’Shawn Williams | #85
Average: 11.1 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the Indianapolis Colts
Overall record: 7-1 (1st in AFC South)
Last game: Indianapolis 38 Tennessee 14
Head Coach: Shane Steichen
- 3rd Season with Indianapolis
- Overall regular-season record: 24-18 | 24-18 with Colts
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Colts Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 33.8 (1st)
- Total Offense per game: 393.3 (3rd)
- Passing yards per game: 258.9 (6th)
- Rushing yards per game: 134.4 (6th)
QUARTERBACK
Daniel Jones | #17
“Indiana” Jones has rejuvenated his career with the Colts, throwing for 2,062 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
Passing Yards: 2,062 | TD Passes: 13 | INT’s: 3 | Sacked: 9
Rushing Yards: 86 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Back-up: Riley Leonard | #15
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Jonathan Taylor | #28
Taylor leads the NFL with 850 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 850 | Rushing TD’s: 12
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 206 | Receiving TD’s: 2
DJ Giddens | #23
Rushing Yards: 55 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 31 | TD’s: 0
Ameer Abdullah | #26
Rushing Yards: 37 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 20 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Pittman, Jr. | #11
Pittman is the Colts top receiver with 43 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns.
Receptions: 43 | Receiving Yards: 446 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Alec Pierce | #14
Pierce is averaging 21.4 yards per reception.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 386 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Josh Downs | #1
Downs is 3rd on the team with 29 catches.
Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 256 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Adonai Mitchell | #10
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 145 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Ashton Dulin | #16
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 58 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Tyler Warren | #84
Warren is quickly becoming one of the best tight ends in the game, leading the team with 492 yards receiving.
Receptions: 37 | Receiving Yards: 492 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Mo Alie-Cox | #81
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 50 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Colts Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 19.3 (6th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 345.1 (24th)
- Passing yards allowed: 252 (29th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 93.1 (8th)
- Sacks: 23 (7th)
- Interceptions: 10 (3rd)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Kwity Paye | #51
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 3
LDT: Grover Stewart | #90
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RDT: DeForest Buckner | #99
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 4
RDE: Laiatu Latu | #97
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 2.5 | INT: 2
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Germaine Pratt | #53
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
MLB: Zaire Franklin | #44
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
SLB: Segun Olubi | #50
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Mekhi Blackmon | #29
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2
SS: Nick Cross | #20
Tackles: 56 | Sacks: 1.5 | INT: 1
FS: Cam Bynum | #0
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
RCB: Johnathan Edwards | #35
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Colts Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Michael Badgley | #12
Extra Points: 12-13
Field Goals: 3-3
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 2-2
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Anthony Gould | #6
Average: 26.6 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Anthony Gould | #6
Average: 9.7 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Colts History
Series History: Began in 1933
Overall Record: 33-11
- Home: 20-3
- Away: 13-8
- Postseason: 5-0
Streak: Indianapolis won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Colts Win, 27-24 (Sept. 29, 2024)
Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 21-18 (Jan. 15, 2006)
Injury Report (10/31/25)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: OL Max Scharping (Knee)
Out: CB Cory Trice Jr.* (Hamstring/Knee), S Jabrill Peppers (Quadricep), WR Scotty Miller (Finger)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: QB Will Howard* (Right Hand), S Chuck Clark (Illness), LB Malik Harrison* (Knee), LB Cole Holcomb (Illness)
*in the 21-day window designated to return from Injured Reserve
Indianapolis Colts
Out: WR Anthony Gould (Knee), DE Samson Ebukam (Knee)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: CB Jaylon Jones (Hamstring), DE Tyquan Lewis (Groin), DT Grover Stewart (Foot)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2025 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE (4-3)
Sun. Sept. 7 at N.Y. Jets | W- 34-32
Sun. Sept. 14 vs Seattle | L- 31-17
Sun. Sept. 21 at New England | W- 21-14
Sun. Sept. 28 vs Minnesota | W- 24-21
BYE WEEK
Sun. Oct. 12 Cleveland | W- 23-9
Thur. Oct. 16 at Cincinnati | L- 33-31
Sun. Oct. 26 vs Green Bay | L- 35-25
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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