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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
If you are a regular reader of my work, then you are going to see similar breakdowns when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) this week, and the Pitt Panthers next week when they take on Louisville.
Suffice to say, I’m at my wits end for both teams.
How many times can you reach into the bag and get bitten before you just slam the bag up against a tree, ala Jason Vorhees?
Let’s get to these Steelers…
Say you own a fabulous restaurant that once received raving reviews and was thee place to eat at.
Unfortunately, over the past seven to eight years, business has not been a booming.
First, you thought, maybe the equipment in the kitchen has gone bad. Maybe it’s old and outdated. So, you buy a whole new kitchen, with the best ratings and all the bells and whistles.
Yet… the same. Food is still coming back, and barely anyone is filling up your dining room.
So, you decide to change the vendors who you buy the food from. Maybe their quality is no longer up to standards.
And…?
Nothing has changed. Profits are at a minimum and soon you may have to mortgage your three houses to add equity to the business just to make payroll.
Now what?
How about the damn Head Chef? Isn’t that the guy prepping the food in the first place? The equipment is new… the food is new… but the food still sucks!
Maybe it’s time to make a change and find some new blood, with new ideas, and new techniques that will have your dining room filled with happy customers and telling their friends and family there is no better place to go.
Sound familiar? Say a certain team that wears Black and Gold?
Minor coaching changes have been made. New players have been drafted and added through free agency.
Yet, the product on the field remains pathetic, and the excuses just keep piling up.
Enough is enough… it’s time for results.
But the head chef, aka head coach Mike Tomlin, is still here, and the breakdowns continue year after year.
It’s been eight years going on nine since the Steelers have won a playoff game.
That is the longest drought Pittsburgh has endured in my lifetime, and I was born in 1975.
You have to go back to 1971, the year before the Immaculate Reception, to find a longer period of time that the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game, and prior to that year, they never won a playoff game.
What is going on here?
Despite having the league’s highest paid defense at $158 million dollars, the 2025 Steelers are giving up an average of 31.5 points a game.
The last ten games of 2024, including the humbling 28-14 playoff loss to Baltimore, the defense is giving up 25.6 points a game.
The last five playoff games have all been blowout losses, in which the defense allowed an eye-popping 38.3 points per game.
Who’s defense? Mike Tomlin’s defense.
The coaching, or lack thereof, is overwhelmingly evident defensively and offensively.
Last week, the Seahawks had a 3rd and goal from the 19 yard line, and Kenneth Walker III basically walked untouched into the end zone, to seal the game for Seattle. That was the first time in NFL history such a play occurred on 3rd or 4th down.
Earlier in the game, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored a touchdown on the same play and route that the New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson executed a week before.
“I thought we had it fixed,” Steelers safety Juan Thornhill said. “Me communicating with one guy, I guess he didn’t see the communication. It was frustrating.”
Steelers defensive coordinator (in name only) Teryl Austin, expressed his frustrations with the same mistakes being made over and over and over, especially when the blame fingers are pointed at him instead of the head coach.
“Not do that sh*t,” Austin said on how to correct the weaknesses shown on film. “It’s just f***ing bad, and that can’t happen, because it wasn’t something that was un-addressed during the course of the week. Those are things that I think sometimes as a coach, get you a little bit off-kilter, knowing things that happened that you work on that still occur in the game.
“We all know in this league, if you show a weakness in something, it’s going to continue to show up, keep coming at you, and we’ve opened the door to have those things come at us every week now. So that’s why I get a little bit pissed off.
“We have to be better than that because I think our guys are better than that. If I thought that they couldn’t do it, then we’ve got the wrong guys in there. I think our guys can do it, they’ve just got to get it done.”
The front seven continues to get gouged on the ground to the tune of 149.5 yards per game, and the secondary has given up 13 pass plays of over 16 plus yards.
A decade ago, you wouldn’t dream about rushing for over 100 yards on the Steelers defense.
Primal instincts kicked in and there was a fear factor when facing them on the field of play.
Jack Lambert was asked after Super Bowl X on why he tossed Dallas safety Cliff Harris to the ground like a rag doll after he taunted kicker Roy Gerala.
“We’re the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Lambert snarled. “WE do the intimidating.”
Not anymore.
Offensive line coach Pat Meyer continues to collect a paycheck while his unit continues to break down, and fails to improve in any area at all. Tomlin refused to replace him in the off-season.
Why is Kenneth Gainwell getting almost as much playing time as Jaylen Warren? Warren has 61 snaps to Gainwell’s 56. Why did this team draft Kaleb Johnson in the 3rd round if they are barely going to utilize him? The kid looks lost out there. Where is the coaching to develop him??
Why do they keep putting defensive lineman Keeanu Benton at nose tackle? He doesn’t have the size to play there, yet there he is every week, being blown off the line of scrimmage. While rookie Derrick Harmon has been out, Yahya Black should’ve been the choice to play NT, especially with a build of 6’5, 330. Benton is 6’4, 309.
Yes, I understand that players need to be accountable for their play, but the fact remains, they aren’t getting the proper coaching, and are often being played out of position.
Hopefully Harmon, who is listed as questionable, will be able to make his NFL debut and get the start at nose tackle, and move Benton to DE, opposite of Cam Heyward.
The defensive schemes, as a whole, are outdated. An analyst talked about how the Pittsburgh defense was in a Cover Two all game against Seattle. The problem wasn’t being in Cover Two, but the failure to even try to be deceptive and hide what they are doing. The opposing quarterback, last week being Sam Darnold, didn’t have to think twice, or make a different read, and that fraction of a second spent analyzing the coverage could’ve been the difference in Patrick Queen getting to him for a sack on that blitz. Instead, Darnold stepped to his side, made a throw, and got another back breaking first down for his team.
It’s much easier to beat another team when you know what they are doing, or going to do.
That, my friends, is all on Tomlin.
Unfortunately, it looks as if nothing is going to change, so all you can do is hope that the team can overcome it’s glaring problems, and find a way to play to their supposed standards.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers offered his thoughts after the team’s 1-1 start.
“I haven’t seen anybody hanging their heads,” Rodgers said. “The most important thing, like I said after the game, is it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Can’t ride the ups and downs. You have to embrace the results that happen and take a look at your process every single week, whether it’s a win on the scoreboard or a loss.
“And great competitors know that sometimes their best is not going to be good enough on some days, but your best is not just a game-day performance. Your best is a weekly accumulation of how you prepared on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, how you practice Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and then the communication that you exhibited during the week as well. So as long as we stay on those things, game days take care of themselves.”
Rodgers was blunt about what Pittsburgh’s offense has to do to be successful.
“We gotta run the ball,” said Rodgers. “They play two-high, you gotta run the ball. And that’s the last five or six years coming out of the Seahawks (cover) Three that went around the league. You’ve got to run the football against these combo coverages and two-high coverages. If you run the football, you have a chance to have some good play-action stuff.”
Warren combined for 134 all-purpose yards against Seattle, but only 48 of those yards were on the ground.
As much as Rodgers would like to establish the run game, the stats say the Steelers can attack their opponent through the air, and be very successful at it.
The New England Patriots (1-1), are giving up 315 passing yards a game, which ranks dead last in the NFL.
Perhaps if Rodgers can continue to exploit that weakness, it could open up some lanes to run in for Warren, Gainwell, and Johnson.
It would be nice to get D.K. Metcalf into the end zone, Calvin Austin back on track like he was in week one, and Roman Wilson into any type of offensive game plan.
Utilize the weapons you have, to the abilities they have. Every other team does.
On the beleaguered defense, perhaps we could see T.J. Watt record a sack, something we haven’t seen in six games.
“I’m trying to find each and every way, trying to turn over every stone, trying to flip sides, trying to do stunts, trying to do everything,” said Watt. “So we’ll see. Trying to continue to get better each and every day.”
Newly acquired safety Jabrill Peppers is eager to play against his former teammates Sunday. His ability should help a defense that has missed 28 tackles so far.
“My biggest asset as a player is my football IQ,” Peppers said. “When you’ve been a lot of places, played a lot of ball, you just have to turn their verbiage into things you can go back to and have register with you. There are only but so many defenses you can play. It’s not like offenses. There are different words for them, different techniques, different drops.
“It’s about being a pro, getting into the book, watching tape and applying what you’ve learned in the meetings and take it to the field.”
Drake Maye is getting better each week as New England’s quarterback. He’s thrown for 517 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He’s sneaky as a runner as well, rushing for 42 yards and a touchdown in two games.
Stephon Diggs is listed as the Patriot’s top receiver, but his production continues to slip as he ages. Kayshon Boutte has seven receptions for a team leading 119 yards and one touchdown. DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams round out the rest of the receivers.
Hunter Henry is the top tight end, with Austin Hooper a good 2nd option for Maye.
The New England defense could be aided by the return of starting corner Christian Gonzalez, who is questionable to play his first game of the season.
Milton Williams and Harold Landry III are the standouts on the front seven, with Williams collecting two sacks at defensive tackle, and Landry recording eight tackles and 3.5 sacks.
After ripping Mike Tomlin and this team apart this entire article, and having no confidence about the short-term future of this franchise, this is exactly the kind of game his teams are known to win.
That’s why the “Standard” has been the standard, which has now become no losing seasons.
Who cares about playoff wins and Super Bowl trophies when you have 18 consecutive non-losing seasons?
Despite being down starters in Joey Porter, Jr., DeShon Elliot, and Alex Highsmith, there is still plenty of talent to go around, despite the poor play and the decades old defensive schemes. Harmon returning to the line-up is huge, even though he’ll be brought along slowly. Jack Sawyer has looked good in Highsmith’s absence. Peppers and his abilities will add a different dynamic this week.
At the same time, would you be surprised if Stevenson and Henderson pumped out a minimum of 150 yards combined after what we’ve watched the past year?
That’s what watching and covering this team can do to a person. You have absolutely no idea what you’re going to get. Even big time handicappers like Nick Kostos can’t figure out what team you’ll see from game to game.
Something inside me is telling me that the Steelers will claw their way to a victory this week.
I see Rodgers (508) passing Brett Favre on the all-time touchdowns list, and adding another to set his sights on catching Peyton Manning (539) next. Christian Gonzalez or no Christian Gonzalez for the Patriots, D.K. Metcalf will find the endzone this week.
The Steelers definitely don’t want to be heading across the globe to face Minnesota in Ireland on a two game losing streak.
Prediction: Steelers 31 Patriots 24
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at New England Patriots (1-1)
- NFL Week 3
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -1.5
Game-time: Sunday, September 21st, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA.
- Field: FieldTurf
Weather at Kickoff: Partly sunny and 67. Winds out of the East at 6 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: Sports USA
- Announcers: John Ahlers (play-by-play) Brandon Noble (analyst)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 1-1 (2nd in AFC North)
Last Game: Seahawks 31 Steelers 17
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 19th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 184-108-2
- 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: 25.5 (8th)
- Total yards per game: 206.5 (27th)
- Passing yards per game: 218 (18th)
- Rushing yards per game: 62.5 (30th)
QUARTERBACK
Aaron Rodgers | #8
Rodgers may be 41, 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.
Passing Yards: 447 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 7
Rushing Yards: 2| 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. Listed as the starter, but will more than likely end up in a timeshare with rookie Kaleb Johnson, if he’s ever given the chance.
Rushing Yards: 85 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 108 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Johnson is a rookie out of Iowa, and by talent alone, will one day be 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: -1 | 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. Not sure why he is being used as much as he has been.
Rushing Yards: 39 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 20 | 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.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 103 | Receiving TD’s: 1
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: 5 | Receiving Yards: 92 | 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: 1 | Receiving Yards: 7 | 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. 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: 6 | Receiving Yards: 59 | 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, but was an afterthought in week two.
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: 1 | Receiving Yards: 6 | Receiving TD’s: 0
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: 31.5 (29th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 394.5 (29th)
- Passing yards allowed: 245 (25th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 149.5 (28th)
- Sacks: 3 (25th)
- Interceptions: 2 (7th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0
NT: Derrick Harmon | #99
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
DE: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 1
ROLB: Jack Sawyer | #33
Tackles: 5 | Sacks: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: Darius Slay | #23
Tackles: 7 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Juan Thornhill | #22
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Chuck Clark | #21
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr.* | #24
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NCB: Jalen Ramsey | #5
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Steelers Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 4-4
Field Goals: 5-5
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 0-0
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 3-3
- 50+ yards: 2-2
KICKOFF RETURNER
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Average: 26.5 | TD Returns: 0
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Average: 23.8 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Calvin Austin III | #19
Average: 0.0 | TD Returns: 0
Scouting the New England Patriots
Overall record: 1-1 (2nd in AFC East)
Last game: Patriots 33 Dolphins 27
Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
- 1st Season with New England Patriots
- Overall regular-season record: 55-46 | 1-1 with Patriots
- Playoff Record: 2-3
Team Links
Patriots Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 23 (14th)
- Total Offense per game: 334.5 (13th)
- Passing yards per game: 243.5 (10th)
- Rushing yards per game: 91 (23rd)
QUARTERBACK
Drake Maye | #10
Maye is improving each week, and has the capabilities to become a top flight QB in the NFL. Currently completing 71% of his passes, and has good legs, as evidenced by his 42 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
Passing Yards: 517 | TD Passes: 3 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 7
Rushing Yards: 42 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Josh Dobbs | #11
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Rhamondre Stevenson | #38
Stevenson is the leading rusher for the Patriots, and has kept the starting job despite the Patriots trying to replace him.
Rushing Yards: 69 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 100 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TreVeyon Henderson | #32
Henderson was thought to become the main guy for New England in the rushing game, but is off to a slower start, thanks to Mike Vrabel making him earn his way. Getting eight carries in two games is both surprising and puzzling to many.
Rushing Yards: 37 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 54 | TD’s: 0
Antonio Gibson | #4
Gibson is kinda like the Kenneth Gainwell for New England.
Rushing Yards: 30 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 1 | TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Stefon Diggs | #8
Diggs was once one of the best receivers in the league, but has seen his numbers decline as he has gotten older.
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 89 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Kayshon Boutte | #9
Boutte is in his 3rd year, and leads the team with 119 yards receiving.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 119 | Receiving TD’s: 1
DeMario Douglas | #3
Douglas is in his 3rd year. Last year he had 66 receptions for 621 yards and three touchdowns.
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 6 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Mack Hollins | #13
The Patriots are Hollins’ 6th team played for in the NFL.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 11 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kyle Williams | #18
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Hunter Henry| #85
Henry is the Patriots top tight end, catching five passes for 75 yards.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 75 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Austin Hooper | #81
Hooper is a solid option as a #2 tight end for New England. has caught 413 passes for 4,226 yards and 28 touchdowns in his career.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 48 | Receiving TD’s: 0
*Injured/out
Patriots Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.5 (19th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 373.5 (25th)
- Passing yards allowed: 315 (32nd)
- Rushing yards allowed: 58.5 (3rd)
- Sacks: 9 (1st)
- Interceptions: 2 (7th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Christian Barmore | #90
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 0
NT: Khyiris Tonga | #95
Tackles: 3 | Sacks: 0
RDE: Milton Williams | #97
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Harold Landry III | #2
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 3.5 | INT:0
LILB: Robert Spillane | #14
Tackles: 6 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
RILB: Christian Elliss | #53
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SLB: K’Lavon Chaisson | #44
Tackles: 4 | Sacks: 1.5 | INT:0
SECONDARY
LCB: Carlton Davis III | #7
Tackles: 8 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Jaylinn Hawkins | #21
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
FS: Craig Woodson | #31
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Christian Gonzalez* | #0
Tackles: 0 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Marcus Jones | #25
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Patriots Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Andy Borregales | #36
Extra Points: 2-4
Field Goals: 4-5
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 1-1
- 40-49 yards: 1-2
- 50+ yards: 1-1
KICKOFF RETURNER
Antonio Gibson | #4
Average: 29.9 | TD Returns: 1
PUNT RETURNER
Marcus Jones | #25
Average: 8.0 | TD Returns: 0
Steelers vs Patriots History
Series History: Began in 1972
Overall Record: 16-19
- Home: 12-12
- Away: 4-7
- Postseason: 1-4
Streak: Patriots won the last three games.
Last regular-season meeting: Patriots Win, 21-18 (Dec. 7, 2023)
Last postseason meeting: AFC Championship- Patriots Win, 36-17 (Jan. 22, 2017)
Injury Report (9/21/25)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: QB Will Howard (finger)
Out: S DeShon Elliot (knee), CB Joey Porter Jr. (Hamstring), LB Alex Highsmith (ankle), OL Max Scharping (Knee)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DL Derrick Harmon (knee)
New England Patriots
IR: N/A
Out: CB Christian Gonzalez (Hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: FB Jack Westover (Hamstring)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2025 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE (1-1)
Sun. Sept. 7 at N.Y. Jets | W- 34-32
Sun. Sept. 14 vs Seattle | L- 31-17
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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