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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that follows the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. The Six-Time Super Bowl Champions have a tradition that 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 GameDay Preview, an all-inclusive guide that all Steelers fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about their team and Pittsburgh’s 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 a weekly game story, score prediction, game day information, broadcast information, and complete breakdown of each team, complete with stats. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff!
STEELERS AIM FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN AS THEY TRAVEL TO PARIS TO FACE THE SAINTS
Through three quarters last week, it wasn’t looking peachy for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tampa Bay held a 16-3 lead, and the offense was lethargic at best.
Then the 4th quarter began, and the Steelers offense rose from the dead like The Undertaker.
Outscoring the Bucs 16-3 in the final quarter, and punching in the lone touchdown in overtime, the Steelers prevailed 26-19.
The last time the Steelers came back from a 13 point deficit in the 4th quarter was 2002 when Tommy Maddox and the Steelers stormed back to shock the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wildcard Game.
Now the Steelers (4-2) will be going for their third straight win this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints (2-4), but instead of enjoying gumbo in Louisiana, it will be duck a l’orange in Paris, France, at the Stade de France. Kickoff is at 9:30 AM EST.
It’s going to be a really early wake-up call for SteelerNation on the East Coast, let alone on the West Coast.
Hopefully, both teams and their fan-bases will be safe despite the major civil unrest going on in France.
“That’s my responsibility to always be aware of anything that surrounds our football team,” said Steelers head Coach Mike McCarthy. “I think the NFL and the local government and everybody involved have done an excellent job communicating. We’re very confident our experience here is going to be very positive.”
Despite the chaos outside the stadium, many of the Steelers are looking forward to the experience, and they want to be the winner of the first game ever played in the country.
“I can’t treat it like a normal game. It’s just very special,” defensive end Cam Heyward said. “We’re the first teams to play in Paris, and so there’s a lot of excitement around that. I have a lot respect for the culture here. To come here and put on a game… hopefully we can win. I’m looking forward to that.”
McCarthy is excited to represent both Pittsburgh and the USA in a game that will watched exclusively worldwide.
“When you play on national TV, when you’re the game of the week, it means a lot to the organization, the fans and definitely the players and the coaches,” he said. “And now we get to come to Paris for the first time. So, yeah, this is a big deal for us. We’re excited to represent the NFL in in our game and bring it here to France.”
For the Pittsburgh offense, Aaron Rodgers says age is but a number. Through six games, he’s passed for 1,487 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s been sacked 19 times.
His top target is DK Metcalf, who has 30 catches for 318 yards and a touchdown. The rookie Germie Bernard has elevated his play with Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson out, catching 24 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown.
After those two, your guess is as good as anyone’s… depending on who is active, it could be Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Brandon Smith, Brandon Johnson, or even Kayden Wetjen if the team ever gives him a chance.
Needless to say, GM Omar Khan had better be active on the phone lines looking for a few quality receivers at the trade deadline.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth has 21 catches for 180 yards and a team leading four touchdowns. Darnell Washington has 15 receptions for 156 yards and a TD. Rarely used Robert Tonyan has one catch for two yards.
Jaylen Warren has been exceptional as the starting running back, rushing for 460 yards and a touchdown, and catching 21 passes for 258 yards and another TD. Rico Dowdle has 77 yards rushing, and has caught seven passes for 37 yards. .
The Pittsburgh offense is 17th in the NFL averaging 22.8 points a game, and giving up 21.3, good for 12th.
The Saints (2-4) stroll into this week after defeating the New York Giants 34-24. New Orleans had a 34-10 advantage before J.J. McCarthy came in for NY, passing for 234 yards in the 4th quarter and leading them to two scoring drives.
Tyler Shough is the starting quarterback, passing for 1,443 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He’s rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns, and has been sacked 13 times.
Chris Olave is the Saints top wide receiver with 43 catches for 580 yards and two touchdowns. Devaughn Vele has 28 receptions for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Bryce Lance has seven receptions for 66 yards and a TD. Cedric Tillman was elevated from the practice squad last week but did not record a catch.
Tight end Juwan Johnson is 3rd on the team 25 receptions for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Noah Fant has nine catches for 73 yards and three touchdowns.
With Travis Etienne out, Alvin Kamara is considered the starter, but Kendre Miller is the guy who leads the team with 153 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Kamara has rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns, while catching 15 passes for 76 yards and a TD.
New Orleans is 10th in the NFL scoring 25.3 points a game, while ranked 31st giving up 29.7 a game.
This game has all the makings of a big day offensively for Pittsburgh. One can’t help but think, if JJ McCarthy was able to rip the Saints defense to the tune of 234 yards in one quarter, what could a confident Aaron Rodgers produce?
The Saints are 31st in scoring defense, giving up nearly 30 points a game. 25th in passing defense allowing 239.7 yards a game, and 3oth against the run, at 138 yards a game.
Both Rodgers and Jaylen Warren have to be salivating.
Talking the talk is one thing, now the Pittsburgh offense has to walk the walk.
Establishing that run game is key with Warren and Rico Dowdle. It’s a luxury to have a duo of talented RB’s like the Steelers possess.
“I think it’ll be really good for us,” guard Brock Hoffman said. “I think it keeps both of them fresh. But I think that’s what they both want — being able to run fast and physical. They both have their own styles. They are both very dynamic playmakers. We’re very excited to have both of them.”
That will open the passing lanes for Rodgers to pick apart a weak Saints defense with DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington. Heck, maybe Marques Valdes-Scantling gets a deep shot if he suits up.
It will be a great test for the defense, as well, as New Orleans boasts a top tier offense, with the likes of star receiver Chris Olave leading the way.
Pittsburgh could be bolstered by the return of safety DeShon Elliot, who is questionable on the final injury report.
“I mean, DeShon Elliott, he’s one of our leaders, number one,” McCarthy said. “You look at just what he brings to the locker room. So just to watch him fight back from this injury, he’s definitely someone you root for. It’s been a real milestone for him to get to this point.”
Jenny Myer might not be serving Frawnch fries, Frawnch dressing, Frawnch bread, and Peru at the pregame meal, but all signs point to the Steelers chewing up the Saints for lunch this Sunday.
So pay that paperboy his two dollars, and enjoy watching Rodgers, Warren, and Metcalf pad some stats, and the Steelers defense keeping Tyler Shough and the Saints offense in check when the game is on the line.
Game Prediction: Steelers 34 Saints 24
GameDay Information
Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) at New Orleans (2-4)
Game-time: Sunday, October 25th, at 9:30 PM.
Venue: Stade de France, Paris, France.
- Field: Natural Grass
Vegas line: Steelers -3.5
Weather at kickoff: 60 with a 25% of rain. Winds out of the West at 10-20 MPH.
Broadcast Information
TV: NFL Network | Local: WTAE-TV (Xfinity: 860 or 804 | Dish: 154 or 4 | DirecTV: 212 or 4)
- Announcers: Dave Pasch (play-by-play) Kurt Warner & Jason Kelce (analysts) | Molly McGrath (field reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Max Starks (analyst) | Missi Matthews (field reporter)
National Radio: Westwood One Sports
- Announcers: Oliver Wilson (play-by-play) Christian Scotland-Williamson (analyst)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 4-2 (Tied for 1st in AFC North)
Last game: Steelers 26 Bucs 19 OT
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy
- 1st Season with Steelers
Overall regular-season record: 178-114-2 | 4-2 with Steelers
Playoff record: 11-11
Team Links
Steelers Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Angelichio
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 22.8 (17th)
- Total yards per game: 347 (17th)
- Passing yards per game: 247.8 (12th)
- Rushing yards per game: 99.2 (20th)
- Time of Possession: 31:34 (7th)
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Aaron Rodgers | #8
Passing Yards: 1,487 | TD Passes: 12 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 19
Rushing Yards: 17 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mason Rudolph | #2
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
RB#1: Jaylen Warren | #30
Rushing Yards: 460 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 258 | Receiving TD’s: 1
RB#2: Rico Dowdle | #13
Rushing Yards: 77 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 37 | Receiving TD’s: 0
FB#1: Riley Nowakowski | #37
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#3: Lew Nichols | #31
Rushing Yards: 6 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#4: Travis Homer | #21
Rushing Yards: 15 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#5: Eli Heidenreich | #29
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
WR#1: D.K. Metcalf | #4
Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 318 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#2: Germie Bernard | #17
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 227 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#3: Brian Skowronek* | #15
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 32 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#4: Brandon Smith | #87
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#5: Brandon Johnson | #89
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#6: Marquez Valdez-Scantling | #11
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#7: Kaden Wetjen | #10
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Injured
WR: Michael Pittman, Jr.* | #11
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 89 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR: Roman Wilson* | #14
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 188 | Receiving TD’s: 2
TIGHT ENDS
TE#1: Pat Freiermuth | #88
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 180 | Receiving TD’s: 4
TE#2: Darnell Washington | #80
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 156 | Receiving TD’s: 2
TE#3: Robert Tonyan | #85
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
KICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 12-12
Field Goals: 13-17
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 4-4
- 40-49 yards: 3-5
- 50+ yards: 4-6
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Troy Fautanu | #76
LG: Mason McCormick | #66
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: Brock Hoffman | #67
RT: Max Iheanachor | #71
Steelers Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Patrick Graham
Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 21.3 (12th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 307.5 (9th)
- Passing yards allowed: 204.3 (7th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 103.2 (14th)
- Sacks: 16 (9th)
- Interceptions: 6 (5th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 20| Sacks: 1
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0
DE: Derrick Harmon* | #99
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 1.5
OR
Yahya Black | #94
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 4.5 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
ROLB: Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 0
OR Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Asante Samuel, Jr. | #22
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Jaquan Brisker | #3
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SS: Rayshawn Jenkins | #20
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Jamel Dean | #35
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
OR Daylen Everette | #23
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
NB: Jalen Ramsey | #5
Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
*Injured/Out
Scouting the New Orleans Saints
Overall record: 2-4 (Tied for 2nd in NFC South)
Last game: Saints 34 Giants 24
Head Coach: Kellen Moore
- 2nd Season with New Orleans
- Overall regular-season record: 8-15 | 8-15 with Saints
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Saints Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 25.3 (11th)
- Total Offense per game: 337.8 (21st)
- Passing yards per game: 240.5 (18th)
- Rushing yards per game: 97.3 (21st)
- Time of Possession: 29:35 (23rd)
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Tyler Shough | #6
Passing Yards: 1,443 | TD Passes: 12 | INT’s: 5 | Sacked: 13
Rushing Yards: 104 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Spencer Rattler | #2
Passing Yards: 0 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
RB#1: Alvin Kamara | #41
Rushing Yards: 120 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 76 | Receiving TD’s: 1
RB#2: Kendre Miller | #5
Rushing Yards: 153 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#3: Travis Etienne, Jr.* | #3
Rushing Yards: 128 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 51 | Receiving TD’s: 0
RB#4: CJ Donaldson | #43
Rushing Yards: 81 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 10 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
WR#1: Chris Olave | #12
Receptions: 21 | Receiving Yards: 192 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 11 | Rushing TD’s: 1
WR#2: Devaughn Vele | #14
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 179 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 18 | Rushing TD’s: 0
WR#3: Bryce Lance | #18
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 66 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WR#4: Cedric Tillman | #13
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#5: Barion Brown | #19
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WR#6: Jordan Tyson* | #0
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
TE#1: Juwan Johnson | #83
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 182 | Receiving TD’s: 2
TE#2: Noah Fant | #87
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TE#3: Oscar Delp | #4
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
KICKER
Daniel Carlson | #10
Extra Points: 15-17
Field Goals: 7-10
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 3-3
- 30-39 yards: 0-0
- 40-49 yards: 1-1
- 50+ yards: 3-6
Saints Defense
Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 29.7 (31st)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 377.7 (29th)
- Passing yards allowed: 239.7 (25th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 138 (30th)
- Sacks: 15 (12th)
- Interceptions: 4 (12th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Cameron Jordan | #94
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NT: Nathan Shepherd | #93
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 0.5
RDE: Vernon Broughton | #91
Tackles: 10 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Carl Granderson | #96
Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 0
LILB: Kaden Elliss | #55
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RILB: Pete Werner | #20
Tackles: 46 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 0
SLB: Chase Young | #99
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 5.5 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Kool-Aid McKinstry | #1
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Justin Reid | #21
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Julian Blackmon | #23
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 2
RCB: Quincy Riley | #29
Tackles: 20 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
NB: Jonas Sanker | #7
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/Out
Steelers vs Saints History
Series History: Began in 1967
Overall Record: 9-8
- Home: 4-3
- Away: 4-6
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: (1) Steelers won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 20-10 (Nov. 13, 2022)
Last postseason meeting: N/A
Injury Report (10/23/2026)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: WR Michael Pittman (foot), WR Roman Wilson (Finger)
Out: WR Ben Skowronek (Calf), CB Brandin Echols (Hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: RB Rico Dowdle (Knee), S DeShon Elliott* (Knee)
New Orleans Saints
IR: N/A
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: G Cesar Ruiz (Knee), DT Nathan Shepherd (Illness/NIR/Rest)
* In designated to return from IR window
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule (4-2)
Sunday, Sept. 13 Atlanta | W, 20-13
Sunday, Sept. 20 at New England | L, 3-20
Sunday, Sept. 27 Cincinnati | W, 30-27
Thursday, Oct. 1 at Cleveland | L, 24-27
Sunday, Oct. 11 Indianapolis* | W, 34-22
Sunday, Oct. 18 at Tampa Bay* | W, 26-19 (ot)
Sunday, Oct. 25 vs New Orleans at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1 vs Cleveland* at 1:00 p.m.
BYE WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 15 at Cincinnati* at 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22 at Philadelphia* at 4:25 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 27 vs Denver* at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6 vs Houston* at 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 14 at Jacksonville* at 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20 vs Baltimore* at 1:00 p.m.
TBD TBD vs Carolina* TBD TBD
Sunday, January 3 at Tennessee* at 1:00 p.m.
TBD TBD at Baltimore* TBD TBD
*Time and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling
NOTE: All times are Eastern Home games in BOLD
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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