The next generation of Jaquezes — siblings Jaime Jr., Gabriela and Marcos — are upholding the family tradition while staying connected to their roots.
Month: October 2024
Takeaways: Steelers elevate play, beat Raiders
Steel City Underground offers post-game takeaways for every 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL regular season game, focusing on the black and gold, just for members of Steelers Nation.
There was a sense of trepidation on the part of Steelers fans entering Week 6; Pittsburgh would be on the road facing the Las Vegas Raiders with several injuries forcing the team’s hand in selecting the right replacements. The prospect of playing down to a team the Steelers should be able to handle was also discussed. Fortunately, as the game played out, the Steelers found some of their mojo and, even though they didn’t run the table in Vegas, the elevation in team play certainly gave them a jackpot of a win. We look at three key takeaways from the 32-13 victory.
Playing the style of play they desire to play
In his post-game conference, head coach Mike Tomlin described the style the Steelers showed Sunday night by saying, “Winning is our business. Football is our game. Winning is our business… it was just good to get back to taking care of business. This is a normal state for us. It needs to be.” Their normal state was once domination of opponents and, after a slow start, the Steelers found ways to make business work for them, again.
While quarterback Justin Fields worked as the pit boss, managing the offense with the help of his group of wheelers and dealers across the board, T.J. Watt acted as enforcer on defense. Both had complimentary play from their teammates; that work-together mentality helped shape their efforts into a much-needed and deserved win.
Shutdown defense from Steelers
After they allowed the Raiders to exert their will in Vegas’ opening series, giving away six first down conversions in a row that led to a touchdown, the Steelers defense stood its ground. Collectively, they allowed just three first downs, total, on the next six Raiders offensive possessions. By cutting off the lanes for Alexander Mattison and doubling-up to defend tight end Brock Bowers, Pittsburgh forced the Raiders to send in more pass plays to quarterback Aidan O’Connell. That one-dimension look created opportunities that the Steelers took advantage of.
Watt forced two fumbles by punching the football free of Raiders players’ hands, literally, that the Steelers were able to secure, while Jeremiah Moon – who played outside linebacker opposite Watt – earned a punt block that set up a touchdown, and Donte Jackson grabbed an interception and ran it for a 24-yard gain.
Over the moon
Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnrEBK pic.twitter.com/Gk6mCYIMmg
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 13, 2024
Finishing the game off on top
The defense shut the door on the Raiders. Najee Harris slid the deadbolt home.
Harris, carrying the load despite Jaylen Warren‘s greatly-welcomed return from injury, finally had his “statement game” of 2024. On 14 carries, Harris rushed for 106 yards. On paper, that might seem like just another day, but every inch Harris earned was fought for against a Raiders defense that was tossing Maxx Crosby into the backfield every opportunity it got and playing hard nosed at the point of contact.
Harris’ 36-yard touchdown blast went into the books at the Steelers’ longest offensive play of the game, but it was also his first trip into the end zone for a score this season. The win was also Harris’ first 100-yard game of the season.
A lot of credit goes to the Pittsburgh offensive front: the linemen as well as the tight ends that created the right amount of leverage to push the Raiders back. When Zach Frazier left the game with an ankle injury, Ryan McCollum didn’t miss a beat as the center. There were some fantastic pulls and shifts up front, but the strength was evident when Harris’ teammates would move in to help push him forward as he kept his legs churning in the scrum, as well.
“I just thought it was a collective effort, not only the bigs,” Tomlin said after the game, with the “bigs” being the linemen, “but the perimeter people and obviously Najee and everybody else… It is a collective.”
The Steelers got ahead in this game and never looked back, which was also a difference-maker this team needed. They moved to 4-2 on the season with the victory and will face the New York Jets in their Week 7 matchup.
Cam Heyward, Dan Moore Jr., Pat Freiermuth, Donte Jackson, Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen, and George Pickens talk to the media about the Steelers win over the Raiders in Week 6. @TicketMaster pic.twitter.com/ptgFcb8djA
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) October 14, 2024
Takeaways: Steelers elevate play, beat Raiders appeared first on Steel City Underground.
Aidan O’Connell Could Impact Possibility Of Davante Adams Trade?
In keeping with recent reports suggesting that the trade market for Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams could be cooling, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms that Adams may indeed remain with Las Vegas for the rest of the season. That is primarily because the club continues to push for a second-round pick plus additional compensation in an Adams trade, and it also wants the acquiring team to cover the entirety of Adams’ remaining 2024 base salary.
In addition to the Raiders’ demands – to say nothing of how the Jets’ firing of HC Robert Saleh and the multi-week injury to Saints QB Derek Carr might impact trade talks – a more unexpected factor could play a role in keeping Adams in Nevada. Per Schefter, the Raiders’ recent decision to bench quarterback Gardner Minshew in favor of second-year passer Aidan O’Connell could make Adams reconsider his desire to be traded.
Last year, Adams was frustrated when Las Vegas deployed Jimmy Garoppolo under center, and those frustrations dissipated when O’Connell emerged as the QB1 (a move that Adams endorsed and to which he tied his future with the Raiders). Sources tell Schefter that Adams believes O’Connell is one of the best signal-callers he has played with, and he is intrigued by the prospect of catching passes from the Purdue product once again.
That said, both Schefter and Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required) report that the Jets, Saints, Steelers, and Bills continue to discuss a potential deal with the Raiders. Schefter adds that Pittsburgh brass was expected to continue those discussions in person yesterday, as the Steelers are in Las Vegas for their Week 6 game against the Raiders.
Additionally, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda hears that an Adams trade could happen as early as next week, and that the Jets are the most aggressive suitor at the moment (last week, New Orleans was reportedly making the hardest push to land the soon-to-be 32-year-old). According to Pauline, the Saleh firing and the subsequent demotion of OC Nathaniel Hackett has not made Adams any less open to playing for Gang Green, but Pauline is in agreement with Schefter that O’Connell’s presence could scuttle trade talks.
Mark Davis is fond of Adams, who is said to have the owner’s ear. Pauline says it is certainly possible that, with O’Connell back in the starting lineup, Adams could ask Davis to break off discussions with rival clubs.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, however, believes the reports indicating that the Raiders could keep Adams are being driven by the team itself in order to create leverage that it does not presently have. After all, regardless of whether Minshew or O’Donnell is at the helm, it is difficult to envision Las Vegas making a deep playoff run, and as a non-contender with a talented but aging player who is due a non-guaranteed $35.6MM base salary in 2025, the only logical move for the Raiders is to deal the decorated wideout.
Likewise, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports hears from multiple league sources that Las Vegas is merely bluffing. One source said, “feels a bit like Vegas is trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube to salvage Davante’s market. I think everyone knows their only play is to deal him.”
In Florio’s estimation, the Jets are the only club that truly wants Adams at the moment, and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network hears that this could be a “Jets or bust” situation (video link). Garafolo adds that if New York should win its game against the Bills tomorrow night – which would move Gang Green into first place in the AFC East – the club may be more inclined to make a bold strike for their long-desired target (even though Jones, contrary to Pauline, says the Saleh firing has indeed made Adams a little more wary of going to the Jets).
Adams will be sidelined for today’s matchup with the Steelers due to a hamstring ailment. It will mark his third straight absence.
SCU Week in Review – October 13th
In case you missed it (or anything) the SCU Week in Review recaps all articles, videos, posts and more, shared via Steel City Underground’s various platforms throughout the week.
Previewing the Raiders game and more
The Las Vegas Raiders have their backs against a wall due to several injuries and a change at the quarterback position. But are they any different than the Steelers?
We’ve seen these “winnable” games before! This season, the Steelers lost two close matchups to the Colts and Cowboys. Should the Raiders game even be competitive?
Joe dives in the huge injury list and the side stories surrounding Pittsburgh’s problems, including the possibility of Russell Wilson starting over Justin Fields this Sunday.
View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.
More Steelers-Raiders Coverage
Tina dives into the Steelers Week 6 matchup with this week’s Scouting Report and her 5 Steelers to Watch.
Plus, find out where to watch and listen to the Steelers-Raiders game plus other key facts in this week’s GameDay Cheat Sheet.
Joe also explains why the Steelers are in trouble with injuries and what they’re doing to work around them.
Steelers-Cowboys Postgame Coverage
Joe and Brian run through all of the “legitimate” reasons Steelers fans should be alarmed following a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Can we point the finger of blame at the defense? Coaching? Justin Fields? The offense, offensive line, run game, Arthur Smith, or what or who exactly?
The hosts run through all of the names, situations, and more in this postgame episode.
Christina Rivers takes you through her game takeaways while Joe highlights his surprises from the Cowboys game. Click below for each article.
Plays of the Week
SCU brings you all of the highlights from last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Watch each one below!
SCU Week in Review – October 13th appeared first on Steel City Underground.
Steelers Place DL DeMarvin Leal On IR
It sounds like DeMarvin Leal‘s season has come to an end. The Steelers announced that they’ve placed the defensive lineman on injured reserve.
Leal suffered a neck injury last Sunday that limited him to only 12 snaps. Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the defender is expected to miss the rest of the 2024 campaign.
The former third-round pick has spent most of this season serving as a linebacker while helping to fill in for the injured Alex Highsmith. Leal mostly played defensive end through his first two seasons in the NFL, starting six of his 23 appearances. In total, the third-year player has collected 33 tackles, one sack, and three QB hits.
In corresponding moves, the Steelers signed linebacker Ade Ogundeji to the 53-man roster and promoted linebacker Eku Leota and running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad. Ogundeji caught on with Pittsburgh’s practice squad at the end of August and is set to make his season debut. The former fifth-round pick started his career in Atlanta, collecting 75 tackles in 27 starts. He missed the entire 2023 campaign with a foot/ankle injury.
There was also some good news on the injury front this morning. The Steelers removed Jaylen Warren from the injury report, meaning the running back should be back on the field for Week 6. Warren missed Week 4 and Week 5 while nursing a knee injury, and he’ll now rejoin a depth chart that’s co-led by Najee Harris.
Steelers GameDay Cheat Sheet: Week 6 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders
Steelers GameDay Cheat Sheet is a weekly series featuring a quick glance at the upcoming Steelers game, including odds, records, things to watch for, and how to watch/listen to the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
- Pittsburgh owns a 22-38 (.367) regular-season road record against teams that comprise the Pacific time zone (L.A. Rams, Oakland/L.A./Las Vegas Raiders, San Diego/L.A. Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks).
- Pittsburgh travels to the Pacific time zone for the only time in 2024 when it plays at Las Vegas (Week 6).
- The Steelers traveled to the Pacific time zone three different times in 2023: Las Vegas (Week 3), L.A. Rams (Week 7) and Seattle (Week 17).
- The Steelers are 5-8 (.385) in the regular season on the road against the Raiders.
- Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Steelers have played in a dome in 79 overall and 75 regular-season games.
- Pittsburgh owns a 44-35 (.557) overall mark in games played indoor since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
- The Steelers have owned a 41-34 (.547) regular-season mark in indoor games since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
- Pittsburgh has played in 17 domes in franchise history, including first-time visits to SoFi Stadium (L.A. Chargers) and U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings) in 2021, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons) in 2022 and Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders) in 2023.
- The Steelers are scheduled to play in a dome three times in 2024 (Week 1 at Atlanta, Week 4 at Indianapolis and Week 6 at Las Vegas).
- Pittsburgh has a 17-10 (.630) record under head coach Mike Tomlin in regular season games played in a dome since 2007.
- The Steelers’ .630 winning percentage under head coach Mike Tomlin in regular-season games played in a dome is the second-highest in the NFL among non-dome teams since 2007 (min. 15 games played).
Series Notes
- All-Time Raiders lead, 17-15
- Last: Steelers Win, 23-18 (Sept. 24, 2023)
- Home Steelers lead, 9-6
- Last: Steelers Win, 13-10 (Dec. 24, 2022)
- Away Raiders lead, 11-6
- Last: Steelers Win, 23-18 (Sept. 24, 2023)
- Playoffs Series tied, 3-3
- Last: Raiders Win, 38-10 (Jan. 1, 1984)
The Coaches
- Steelers: Mike Tomlin
- At Franchise: 176-102-2 (18)
- Overall: 176-102-2 (18)
- Versus Opponent: 3-5
- Raiders: Antonio Pierce
- At Franchise: 7-7 (2)
- Overall: 7-7 (2)
- Versus Opponent: 0-0
Gameday Information
- Date: Sunday, October 13
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET - Location: Allegiant Stadium
Las Vegas, NV
Capacity 65,000 // Natural Grass - TV: CBS & Paramount Plus, Locally KDKA-TV (Check listings below for affiliates)
- Ian Eagle (play-by-play)
- Charles Davis (analysis)
- Evan Washburn (field reporter)
- Satellite Radio
- Raiders: Sirius 162, XM/SXM 228, Internet 816
- Steelers: Sirius 158, XM/SXM 382, Internet 826
- Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network
Locally: 102.5 WDVE-FM (Pittsburgh) & 970 WBGG-AM (Pittsburgh)
(48 affiliates – see below)- Rob King (play-by-play)
- Craig Wolfley (analysis)
- Max Starks (sideline)
- Referee: Alan Eck
- Vegas: Steelers -3.0 | Over/Under: 36.5
Steelers-Raiders Pregame Show
The Las Vegas Raiders have their backs against a wall due to several injuries and a change at the quarterback position. But are they any different than the Steelers?
We’ve seen these “winnable” games before! This season, the Steelers lost two close matchups to the Colts and Cowboys. Should the Raiders game even be competitive?
Joe dives in the huge injury list and the side stories surrounding Pittsburgh’s problems, including the possibility of Russell Wilson starting over Justin Fields this Sunday.
View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.
SCU Steelers News & Notes
- Takeaways: Steelers didn’t capitalize in loss to Cowboys
- 5 Steelers surprises in Sunday’s loss against the Cowboys
- Previous positions of strength now areas of concern for Steelers
- Steelers Scouting Report: Las Vegas Raiders, Week 6
- 5 Steelers players who’ll step up against Raiders
- Official Injury Report
Team Rankings
| PIT | LV | |
|---|---|---|
| Home Record | 1-1-0 | 1-1-0 |
| Away Record | 2-1-0 | 1-2-0 |
| Record vs. Spread | 3-2-0 | 2-3-0 |
| Points Scored/Game | 18.4 (26th) | 19.2 (22nd) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 14.6 (2nd) | 26.2 (28th) |
| Takeaway Diff. | +4 (5th) | -7 (30th) |
| Pass Yds/Game | 178 (27th) | 213 (15th) |
| Rush Yds/Game | 121 (13th) | 84 (30th) |
| Def. Pass Yds/Game | 206 (17th) | 201 (16th) |
| Def. Rush Yds/Game | 91 (5th) | 131 (23rd) |
Team Leaders
| Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Leaders | |
|---|---|
| Justin Fields | 92/136, 961 yds, 5 TDs |
| George Pickens | 23 rec, 310 yds, 0 TD |
| Najee Harris | 82 rush, 270 yds, 0 TD |
| Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Leaders | |
|---|---|
| Gardner Minshew II | 99/140, 1014 yds, 4 TDs |
| Brock Bowers | 28 rec, 313 yds, 1 TD |
| Zamir White | 49 rush, 152 yds, 0 TD |
Steelers Notes
- QB JUSTIN FIELDS totaled 158 yards (131 pass, 27 rush) & had season-high 2 TD passes vs. 0 INTs with 93.3 rating last week. Is only QB with 90+ rating in 5 games this season. Has 0 INTs in 4 of 5 games in 2024. Passed for 111 yards & TD with 91.9 rating in only career start vs. LV (10/10/21 w/ Chi.).
- RB NAJEE HARRIS led team with 77 scrimmage yards (42 rush, 35 rec.) last week. Has 70+ scrimmage yards in 8 straight games, longest active streak in NFL. Is 1 of 2 RBs (Jordan Mason) with 70+ scrimmage yards in 5 games this season. Has 65+ scrimmage yards in each of 3 career games vs. LV.
- WR GEORGE PICKENS has 5+ catches & 55+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3. Has 85+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 on road. Had 75 rec. yards in last meeting.
- WR VAN JEFFERSON had TD catch in only career game vs. LV (12/8/22 w/ LAR).
- TE PAT FREIERMUTH aims for 3rd in row with rec. TD. Aims for his 4th in row on road with 4+ catches. Had rec. TD in last meeting.
- TE CONNOR HEYWARD had 1st rec. TD of season last week.
- LB T.J. WATT set season highs in tackles (8) & sacks (1.5) & had 1st FF of season last week. Is 1 of 3 in NFL (Gervon Dexter & Derick Hall) with sack in 4 games this season. Had 2 sacks in last meeting & has sack in 2 of past 3 vs. LV. Has 101 career sacks, 4th player since 1982 with 100+ sacks in 1st 8 seasons.
- LB PATRICK QUEEN had season-high 9 tackles last week. Aims for 4th in row with 8+ tackles. Had 9 tackles & sack in only career game vs. LV (9/13/21 w/ Bal.).
- DT CAMERON HEYWARD has sack in 2 of past 3. Had 7 tackles, 2 sacks & PD in his last game vs. LV (12/24/22) & aims for his 3rd in row vs. LV with PD.
- S MINKAH FITZPATRICK led team with season-high 10 tackles & had PD last week. Has 7+ tackles in 4 of 5 games this season. Had 11 tackles in last meeting.
- CBs DONTE JACKSON & JOEY PORTER JR. each had INT in Week 5.
Raiders Notes
- QB GARDNER MINSHEW completed 12 of 17 atts. (70.6 pct.) for 137 yards & TD last week. Passed for 215 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 123.4 rating in only career start vs. Pit. (12/16/23 w/ Ind.).
- QB AIDAN O’CONNELL can make 1st start of season. Is 4-2 with 8 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 94.4 rating in 6 career home starts.
- RB ALEXANDER MATTISON had 61 scrimmage yards (38 rush, 23 rec.) last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 60+ scrimmage yards.
- RB AMEER ABDULLAH rushed for season-high 42 yards & TD in Week 5.
- WR DAVANTE ADAMS has TD catch in 2 of his past 3 at home. Had 13 catches for 172 yards & 2 TDs in last meeting.
- WR JAKOBI MEYERS had 6 catches for season-high 72 yards last week. Aims for 4th in row with 5+ catches. Has rec. TD in 3 of his past 4 at home. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Pit. with 7+ catches & 85+ rec. yards.
- WR TRE TUCKER aims for his 4th in row at home with 5+ catches.
- TE BROCK BOWERS (rookie) led team with 8 catches for 97 yards & 1st-career TD last week. Ranks 2nd among rookies with 28 catches & 3rd with 313 rec. yards.
- DE MAXX CROSBY had 2 sacks in Week 5, 13th-career game with 2+ sacks, 3rd-most in NFL since 2019. Has 2 sacks in 2 of past 3. Has PD in 2 of past 3. Has TFL in 4 of his past 5 at home. Had sack in last meeting.
- DT CHRISTIAN WILKINS had 5 tackles, 2 TFL & sack last week & aims for 4th in row with 0.5+ sacks. Had half sack in his last game vs. Pit. (10/23/22 w/ Mia).
- LB ROBERT SPILLANE is only player in NFL with 10+ tackles in 5 games this season. Aims for 4th in row with TFL. Had 7 tackles in last meeting.
- S TRE’VON MOEHRIG had season-high 8 tackles & PD last week. Aims for 5th in row with 5+ tackles & 3rd in row with PD.
Steelers TV Coverage
This week’s game will be broadcast on nationally on CBS (Pittsburgh local affiliate KDKA) and Paramount Plus.
Regional broadcast image courtesy of 506sports.com – Steelers coverage in BLUE.
Steelers Radio Coverage
Flagship Stations
- WDVE-FM (102.5)
- WBGG-AM (970)
Pennsylvania Affiliates
- Altoona-WVAM (1430)
- Altoona-WRKY (104.9)
- Beaver Falls-WBVP (1230)
- Beaver Falls-WMBA (1460)
- Bedford-WBVE (107.5)
- Butler-WISR (680)
- Chambersburg-WCHA (800)
- Clarendon-WKNB (104.3)
- Clarion-WCCR (92.7)
- Cooperstown-WUUZ (107.7)
- DuBois-WIFT (102.1)
- DuBois-WKFT (101.3)
- Erie-WRKT (104.9)
- Johnstown-WNTJ (1490)
- Johnstown-WRKW (99.1)
- Latrobe-WCNS (1480)
- Milton-WVLY (100.9)
- Saegertown-WUZZ (94.3)
- Somerset-WNTI (990)
- Starview-WONN (92.7)
- State College-WQWK (1450)
- Uniontown-WMBS (590)
- Washington-WJPA (1450)
- Williamsport-WCXR (99.3)
- Williamsport-WZXR (103.7)
Maryland Affiliates
- Cumberland-WRQE (106.1)
- Hagerstown-WHAG (1410)
Ohio Affiliates
- Fremont-WOHF (92.1)
- Marietta-WJAW (630)
- Youngstown-WNIO (1390)
Virginia Affiliates
- Vienna-WDMX (100.1)
West Virginia Affiliates
- Fairmont-WRLF (94.3)
- Fairmont-WMMN (920)
- New Martinsville-WXCR (92.3)
Steelers Nation Radio
Steelers Nation Radio is a 24-hour/day HD radio station dedicated specifically to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It can be heard on www.steelers.com, the official Steelers app or the iHeart app on your smartphone, and at 102.5 WDVE HD2.
Statistics and game information courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers and/or National Football League.
Steelers GameDay Cheat Sheet: Week 6 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders appeared first on Steel City Underground.
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5 Steelers players who’ll step up against Raiders
The Pittsburgh Steelers exited their Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys during the 2024 NFL regular season with a few more injuries. That will require that the Steelers initiate their “next man up” mantra and ask previous depth players to step up into bigger roles, including starting, against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.
Jeremiah Moon and Isaiahh Loudermilk
Moon and Loudermilk are a combo deal this week. With injuries to Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, Moon looks to start opposite T.J. Watt at outside linebacker, but the Steelers have, and can, move Loudermilk to the outside.
With DeMarvin Leal dealing with a neck injury that was described as a “stinger,” Loudermilk may also line up along the defensive line.
“We’ve done that in the past, and we will moving forward.. (Isaiahh is) just a versatile guy. He, and Leal, are defensive linemen that are participants in special teams, both guys are on kickoff. I think that speaks to their unique skill sets and allows them the position flexibility to slide outside and give us some big man presence when lines get short.” – Mike Tomlin
Regardless, both Moon and Loudermilk will see their snap counts increase against the Raiders.
Aaron Shampklin
The running back position is thin due to injuries to Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson. Najee Harris is considered the workhorse out of the offensive backfield, but Shampklin – who also was a special teams returner in Week 5 – will be the guy that backs Harris up.
Warren did practice this week and made statements to the effect that he could enter the game if he’s called upon, but there was no official decision made about his physical readiness as of Wednesday.
If Warren can go on Sunday, Shampklin will still dress and be a go-to in situations.
Isaac Seumalo
Seumalo played in Week 5’s game but he’s still coming off of an injury. Tomlin told the media that the team would “manage” his work at practices early in the week but expects Seumalo to get the start at left guard against the Raiders.
Should Seumalo have a setback, Spencer Anderson is the likely replacement.
DeShon Elliott
Elliott has seen playing time this regular season, but he may get more snaps on defense this weekend due to an injury to Damontae Kazee. Kazee rolled his ankle during pregame warmups against the Dallas Cowboys, but still played in the game. That ankle has swollen and Tomlin said, “He’s not in a good spot,” when talking about injury updates.
Elliott has a 84.9 percent snap count on defense in 2024, so he’s no stranger to stepping into a bigger role.
5 Steelers players who’ll step up against Raiders appeared first on Steel City Underground.
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Steelers Scouting Report: Las Vegas Raiders, Week 6
Steel City Underground scouts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents each week of the 2024 NFL regular season ahead of the games to inform fans of the latest news, roster moves, important players, and latest social media chatter.
The 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face the 2-3 Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. at Allegiant Stadium as both historic franchises do battle with another for a third consecutive season.
In 2023 the Steelers went into Las Vegas and made a statement in a 23-18 win. Previously in 2022, the two teams clashed in Pittsburgh on Christmas Eve where the Steelers won a close game dedicated to Franco Harris and the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
A lot has changed between both organizations over the past few years and the teams heading into Sunday’s matchup feature new and familiar faces on both sides of the football. Here are some of the major highlights to scout for in this game.
Who’s starting at quarterback?
The Steelers aren’t the only team with a question mark at the quarterback position as the Raiders make a change at the position heading into Sunday. Following a slow start with Gardner Minshew as the starting quarterback, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce was non-committal in naming the team’s QB earlier in the week. However, it is now confirmed that Minshew is being benched for second-year pro Aidan O’Connell.
O’Connell, a fourth-round draft pick of the Raiders in 2023, will be making his eleventh NFL start and first of the 2024 season. Last season, O’Connell completed 62.1% of his 343 passes for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He has 32 attempts this season for 176 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Those figures may not be an uptick over Minshew, who has thrown for 1,014 yards through five games but has four touchdowns to five interceptions and has been sacked 15 times. Both passers have struggled to protect the football in general, with O’Connell fumbling four times in his ten starts last season while Minshew added to fumbles to his turnover margin through five weeks.
The Raiders locker room appears to be behind the young O’Connell, but it remains to be seen if he can advance a Raiders offense that only scored ten points against the Denver Broncos last weekend.
Weakened pass rush
While we know the Steelers are dealing with their own injury bug to outside linebackers Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and DeMarvin Leal, the Raiders are similarly pressed to get after the quarterback with reserves as well. Their pass rush took a massive hit when Christian Wilkins was placed on injured reserve this week due to a Jones fracture. Wilkins had two sacks and six quarterback hits in five games.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby is among the league’s elite pass rushers, often in the NFL Defensive MVP conversation alongside Steelers LB T.J. Watt. Crosby has a respectable five sacks in four games this season, but has been hampered with an ankle injury that saw him as a DNP in Wednesday’s practice. He was able to return in last week’s game against Denver after being inactive in Week 4 against the Browns. His progress will be monitored through the week.
When the Steelers have the ball
If Crosby can’t go, he’ll cede playing time to second-year DE Tyree Wilson, the Raiders first round pick from one year ago. The seventh overall pick of the 2023 draft appeared in 17 games last season collecting 3.5 sacks as a rotational player. Wilson is still trending as a backup to Crosby and Janarius Robinson, but is still a player to keep an eye on during passing downs.
Another familiar face to Steelers fans is middle linebacker Robert Spillane, who has flourished in Las Vegas’ system. Spillane leads the NFL with 54 tackles and has at least ten tackles in each of the Raiders five games played. He is the only player in the league to do so this season.
Pittsburgh will also need to keep an eye on S Tre’von Moehrig, who had an interception two weeks ago and has knocked down a pass in each of his last two contests.
When the Raiders have the ball
With O’Connell in the huddle the Steelers will face some unpredictability during the quarterback’s first 2024 start. His top target, WR Davante Adams, has been the subject of trade rumors over the last few weeks, sitting out the team’s last two games since being blown out by the Carolina Panthers 36-22. Adams is reportedly sidelined with a hamstring injury, and not due to his unhappiness with the organization.
Coach Pierce has stated that if and when Adams is healthy, he will play. (Adams was a DNP for Wednesday’s practice.)
The Raiders may also be without their other starting wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers, who missed Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury. Starting tackles Kolton Miller (DNP, Knee/Shoudler) and Thayer Munford Jr. (Limited, Knee/Ankle), plus starting guard Dylan Parham (Limited, Achilles) all showed up on the injury report as well. Starting running back Zamir White, was also a DNP, and both Munford and White were inactive last Sunday against the Broncos.
This leaves Las Vegas in a potential situation with a backup quarterback making his first start of the season, without their starting running back, two starting receivers, and as many as three starting offensive linemen. O’Connell will have to lean heavily on feeding the ball to rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who leads his team with 28 catches for 313 yards and a touchdown through five games.
Steelers Scouting Report: Las Vegas Raiders, Week 6 appeared first on Steel City Underground.