Category: Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers GameDay Cheat Sheet: Week 12 vs. the Cleveland Browns

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 (8-2) at Cleveland Browns (2-8)

For the second time since 1970 (2017), six teams enter Week 12 on a winning streak of four-or-more games: Detroit (eight consecutive wins), Buffalo (six), Philadelphia (six), Pittsburgh (five), Arizona (four) and the Los Angeles Chargers (four).

Additionally, six teams have eight-or-more wins through Week 11: Detroit (9-1), Kansas City (9-1), Buffalo (9-2), Minnesota (8-2), Philadelphia (8-2) and Pittsburgh (8-2). It marks only the third time in the past 35 seasons (1990-2024) that six-or-more teams had at least eight wins at this point of a season, along with 2019 (seven teams) and 1999 (six).

The Steelers have won five straight games, the first time Pittsburgh has won five games in a row in a single season since 2020. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has a .500-or-better record in each of his 18 seasons as the Steelers head coach since being hired in 2007. With a win on Thursday night, he can extend his streak for the most consecutive seasons with a .500-or-better record by a head coach to begin a career.

If you’re looking to get in on the action Thursday night, the over/under is set at 36.0 points with the Steelers entering Cleveland as three-point favorites. Place your wagers on everything from professional football to cricket betting over at Melbet.

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Series History

  • Thursday’s game will mark the 146th overall and 143rd regular-season meeting between the Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
  • The Steelers own a 18-game advantage in the overall series (81-63-1) and a 17- game lead in the regular-season series (79-62-1).
  • Thursday’s game will mark the 72nd regular-season meeting between the Steelers and Browns in Cleveland.
  • The Browns own a 12-game advantage in the regular-season series (41-29-1) vs. Pittsburgh in Cleveland.
  • Thursday’s game will mark the 26th regular-season meeting between the Steelers and Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
  • The Steelers own an eight-game advantage in the regular-season series (16-8-1) vs. Cleveland at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
  • Thursday’s game will be the 45th regular-season meeting between the two teams in the month of November.
  • The Steelers own a six-game advantage in the regular-season series (25-19) in the month of November.
  • Thursday’s game will be the 25th regular-season meeting in Cleveland between the two teams in the month of November.
  • The regular-season series is tied (12-12) in Cleveland in the month of November.
  • The 102 regular-season meetings with the Browns are the second-most of any opponent since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

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Series Notes

  • All-Time Steelers lead, 81-63-1
    • Last: Browns Win, 13-10 (Nov. 19, 2023)
  • Home Steelers lead, 52-22
    • Last: Steelers Win, 26-22 (Sept. 18, 2023)
  • Away Browns lead, 41-29-1
    • Last: Browns Win, 13-10 (Nov. 19, 2023)
  • Playoffs Steelers lead, 2-1
    • Last: Browns Win, 48-37 (Jan. 10, 2021)

The Coaches

  • Steelers: Mike Tomlin
    • At Franchise: 181-102-2 (18)
    • Overall: 181-102-2 (18)
    • Versus Opponent: 26-7-1
  • Browns: Kevin Stefanski
    • At Franchise: 39-38 (5)
    • Overall: 39-38 (5)
    • Versus Opponent: 3-5

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Gameday Information

  • Date: Thursday, November 21
    Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Location: Huntington Bank Field
    Cleveland, OH
    Capacity 67,431 // Natural Grass
  • TV: Prime Video, Locally WPXI-TV (NBC, Channel 11)
    • Al Michaels (play-by-play)
    • Kirk Herbstreit (analysis)
    • Kaylee Hartung (field reporter)
  • Satellite Radio
    • Browns: Sirius 81, XM/SXM 226, Internet 807
    • Steelers: Sirius 83, XM/SXM 225, Internet 826
  • National Radio: Westwood One Sports
    • Ian Eagle (play-by-play)
    • Mike Golic (analysis)
  • Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network
    Locally: 102.5 WDVE-FM (Pittsburgh) & 970 WBGG-AM (Pittsburgh)
    (48 affiliates – see below)

  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • Vegas: Steelers -3.5 | Over/Under: 36.0

Steelers-Browns Pregame Show

The Steelers walk away Sunday with a huge win over the Baltimore Ravens, as Pittsburgh improves to 8-2 and takes a commanding lead in the AFC North.

Joe and Brian take a look at the victory and discuss if the Steelers can keep the momentum going on a short week as the team heads to Cleveland for a Thursday Night Football encounter with the Cleveland Browns.

View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.

SCU Steelers News & Notes

Team Rankings

PIT CLE
Home Record 4-1-0 1-4-0
Away Record 4-1-0 1-4-0
Record vs. Spread 8-2-0 3-7-0
Points Scored/Game 23.3 (15th) 16.2 (31st)
Points Allowed/Game 16.2 (2nd) 24.8 (24th)
Takeaway Diff. +11 (2nd) -5 (23rd)
Pass Yds/Game 187 (28th) 202 (20th)
Rush Yds/Game 136 (8th) 88 (29th)
Def. Pass Yds/Game 214 (18th) 211 (16th)
Def. Rush Yds/Game 90 (4th) 131 (24th)

Team Leaders

Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Leaders
Justin Fields 106/160, 1106 yds, 5 TDs
George Pickens 48 rec, 728 yds, 2 TDs
Najee Harris 175 rush, 708 yds, 3 TDs
Cleveland Browns 2024 Leaders
Deshaun Watson 137/216, 1148 yds, 5 TDs
Jerry Jeudy 39 rec, 560 yds, 2 TDs
Jerome Ford 57 rush, 279 yds, 1 TD

Steelers Notes

  • STEELERS have won 5 staight games in single season for 1st time since 2020.
  • QB RUSSELL WILSON completed 23 of 36 atts. (63.9 pct.) for 205 yards last week. Is 4-0 as starter this season with 90+ rating in 3 of 4 starts. Is 3-0 with 8 TDs (6 pass, 2 rush) vs. 0 INTs & 114.7 rating in 3 career starts vs. Cle.
  • RB NAJEE HARRIS led team with 93 scrimmage yards (63 rush, 30 rec.) last week, 9th game this season with 70+ scrimmage yards, tied 2nd-most in NFL. Has 90+ scrimmage yards in 4 of past 5. Aims for 3rd in row on road with rush TD. Has rush TD in 4 of 6 career games vs. Cle.
  • RB JAYLEN WARREN had 68 scrimmage yards (41 rush, 27 rec.) last week, 4th-straight game with 55+ scrimmage yards. Had career-high 145 scrimmage yards (129 rush, 16 rec.) & rush TD in last meeting.
  • WR GEORGE PICKENS had career-high 8 catches for 89 yards last week. Aims for 5th in row with 70+ rec. yards & 3rd in row with 85+ rec. yards. Has TD catch in 2 of past 3 vs. Cle. Needs 72 rec. yards to join Santonio Holmes as only Pit. players ever with 800+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 seasons.
  • LB T.J. WATT had 2 TFL & sack last week & has 2 TFL & sack in 2 of past 3. Has 17 sacks in 12 career games vs. Cle., with 0.5+ sacks in 11 of 12 games. Aims for his 16th in row vs. division with 0.5+ sacks & 8th in row with full sack.
  • LB PATRICK QUEEN led team with 10 tackles & had 1st FF & FR of season in Week 11. Aims for 4th in row with 7+ tackles & 3rd in row with TFL. Has 0.5+ sacks in 3 of his past 4 vs. Cle.
  • LB PAYTON WILSON (rookie) had 1st-career INT last week.
  • DT CAMERON HEYWARD had season-high 2 PD last week, 4th-straight game with PD. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Cle. with TFL.
  • S MINKAH FITZPATRICK had 7 tackles in Week 11.

Browns Notes

  • QB JAMEIS WINSTON completed 30 of 46 atts. (65.2 pct.) for season-high 395 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 106.7 rating last week, 6th-career game with 390+ pass yards. Has 330+ pass yards, 2+ TD passes & 105+ rating in 2 of 3 starts this season. Can make 1st-career start vs. Pit.
  • RB NICK CHUBB rushed for 50 yards last week & has 50+ rush yards in 2 of past 3. Has 100+ scrimmage yards & TD in 2 of his past 3 vs. Pit.
  • RB JEROME FORD has 65+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his 3 home games in 2024. Aims for 3rd in row vs. Pit. with TD.
  • WR JERRY JEUDY had 6 catches for season-high 142 yards & 2nd TD of season last week, 4th-career game with 125+ rec. yards. Aims for 4th in row with 5+ catches & 70+ rec. yards. Had 62 rec. yards in only career game vs Pit. (9/20/20 w/ Den.).
  • WR ELIJAH MOORE had 6 catches for 66 yards & 1st TD of season in Week 11. Has 6+ catches in 3 of past 4 & 65+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3. Had 60 rec. yards in last meeting & has 50+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 career games vs. Pit.
  • TE DAVID NJOKU had 9 catches for 81 yards last week, 5th-straight game with 5+ catches, 2nd-longest active streak among TEs. Has 60+ rec. yards in 3 of past 4. Had 7 catches for 56 yards in last meeting.
  • DE MYLES GARRETT had 2 sacks in last meeting & has sack in 2 of past 3 vs. Pit. Has TFL in 4 of his past 5 vs. division. Has 7 sacks in 2024 & is only player in NFL with 7+ sacks in each of past 8 seasons.
  • DE OGBO OKORONKWO had sack & 1st FF of season last week. Has sack in 2 of past 3. Aims for 4th in row with TFL. Had 4 TFL & sack in last meeting.
  • CB DENZEL WARD had 2 PD & 1st INT, FF & FR of season in Week 11, 2nd player this season (Jessie Bates) with INT, FF & FR in a game. Has PD in each of 10 games this season & leads NFL with 17 PD in 2024. Aims for 5th in row vs. Pit. with PD.

Steelers TV Coverage

This week’s game will be broadcast on nationally on Amazon Prime Video (and locally on Pittsburgh NBC affiliate WPXI).

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 12 vs. the Cleveland Browns appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Steelers at Browns: Keys to victory in Week 12

The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) will be on the road to face the Cleveland Browns (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL regular season for Thursday Night Football at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, at 8:15 p.m. EST. While Pittsburgh has surged over the last few weeks, Cleveland has struggled to compete. Still, this rivalry is alive and well in the AFC North, making it a game that can’t be overlooked.

That’s the special thing about this group is you don’t really have to (tell guys not to overlook an opponent)… We all understand.” – T.J. Watt.

We look at the key things that must be addressed if the Steelers hope to escape a short week of prep in order to secure a victory over the Browns.

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Offense needs to put points on the scoreboard

The Steelers, with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, have had back-to-back games that has seen two different sides to their offense. Against the Washington Commanders, things seemed to be clicking while, against the Baltimore Ravens, the offense stalled out short of the end zone.

The Browns defense is ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category. Heading into Week 12, they are 19th in yards allowed per game (342.70), 24th in points allowed (24.8), 16th in passing yards allowed (211), and 24th in rushing yards allowed (131.70). Cleveland has logged 2 interceptions and 28 sacks.

A balanced offense, built off of the run, can get the Steelers back on track offensively this week.

It will require that the offensive line stay feisty and secure gaps. Wilson was heavily pressured in Week 11, and that led to disrupted rhythm in the first half of that game.

Cleveland’s defensive front is formidable, and have made most of the difference-making plays this season. Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith, at the defensive end positions, have cumulatively recorded 12.0 sacks. The Browns elevated Sam Kamara (DT) and Elerson Smith (DE) to the active roster from the practice squad after moving Mike Hall Jr. (DT) to injured/reserve this week.

Run-pass option plays should help create targets in the open field for Wilson to hit. Once the Browns’ second line of defense is breached, teams have found success against them offensively. The Browns linebackers – especially Owusu Koramoah – have defensed passes this season, so crossing routes will have to be sharp. Getting George Pickens and Mike Williams involved early on the outside will allow Pittsburgh to move the ball down the field and convert critical downs.

“They’re doing a nice job utilizing (Pickens) in a bunch of different ways… he’s obviously a down the field threat, as everybody knows, and he can go down on those 50/50 balls one-on-one. But he can catch quick game, they can run jailbreak screens to him. There’s really a bunch of different things that they’re doing with him.” – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski

The Steelers can’t sustain their dominance by relying on the leg of placekicker Chris Boswell; they’ve got to get their offense into scoring range and capitalize on mismatches, motion, and wearing the Browns defense down to get into the end zone.

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Defense should exploit Browns weaknesses

The Steelers defense is playing at a high level, and that’s something the Browns are wary, and aware, of. Cleveland’s offense is ranked 20th in passing yards (202.8), 29th in rushing yards (88.5), 27th in total offensive yards (291.3), 31st in points scored (16.2) per game. Pittsburgh has a way of sniffing out weaknesses, and the Browns have many.

The Browns want to get the ball out of their quarterback’s hand faster. Against the Saints, Jameis Winston held on to the ball for an average of 2.76 seconds per passing play and it led to 395 passing yards and a 106.7 passer rating. Pressure from Watt, Nick Herbig, Cameron Heyward, and the Steelers defensive line can disrupt that, but it will require the Steelers interior linebackers and corners to be sharper in coverage.

The Browns have utilized seven different rushers in their offense this season, not including quarterbacks. Although the Steelers can’t give up on run defense, they’re not facing the same challenge they did with Derrick Henry in Week 11. They can be fundamentally strong while shifting some focus to preventing quarterback draws and keepers for big gains.

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Win the turnover battle

The Steelers enter the game with a plus-11 turnover margin and are tied for fourth-most takeaways in the NFL. Although they statistically outmatch Cleveland, Pittsburgh will need to continue to utilize good ball security offensively while looking for opportunities to create turnovers on defense.

 

Steelers at Browns: Keys to victory in Week 12 appeared first on Steel City Underground.

5 Steelers surprises in Sunday’s win against the Ravens

Our SCU staff and contributors pick the “surprises” from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ latest matchup each week. Check out more below to see which plays and situations surprised us the most!

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up their eighth win of the 2024 season with an 18-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The victory gives the Steelers a 1.5 game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens.

Here are some surprises from that game.

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Ravens’ offense held in check

The Ravens were one of three teams in NFL history to score at least 20 points and record 375-or-more yards of offense in each of its first 10 games of a season, joining the legendary 2013 Denver Broncos and 2000 St. Louis Rams offenses. The Ravens were first in points scored and rushing yards, and third in passing offense heading into the weekend.

However, on Sunday, the Ravens were limited to their fewest total yards of offense on the season. Pittsburgh held Baltimore to 329 yards, fewer than their average of 375 and substantially less than their next-lowest output of 383 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.

Ravens RB Derrick Henry was held to his second-lowest rushing totals of the year (65 yards) which is the fewest since Baltimore’s Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Henry also fumbled for the first time in nearly 500 carries. The Ravens offense, which averaged a league-high 31.8 points per game was held to 16 points total.

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Lamar Jackson “un-MVP-like”

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been a frontrunner to repeat as the league MVP but hit a roadblock on Sunday. Coming into the game against the Steelers, Jackson led the NFL with a 123.2 rating, and was tied for first with 24 touchdown passes and second with 2,669 passing yards this season.

Jackson became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to record a passer rating of 100-or-higher in eight consecutive games within a season, joining names such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers as the others to accomplish this feat.

The Steelers defense was prepared to stymie Jackson, who fell to his fourth-straight loss against Pittsburgh and a 1-4 record in his career against the Black and Gold. Jackson would finish the day with 207 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but his 48.5% completion percentage (season low) dropped his quarterback rating down to 66.1 on the day.

Jackson was also limited to 46 yards rushing and would fail to convert a game-tying two-point conversion in the fourth quarter, which sealed his team’s fate.

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Payton Wilson INT

With the Steelers up 15-10 in the fourth quarter, Russell Wilson led his side on a ten-play, 63-yard drive that stalled at the Baltimore five-yard-line when the quarterback committed his first and only interception of the game.

Who knew that the equalizer would be rookie linebacker Payton Wilson (no relation!) who would come down with an errant Lamar Jackson throw three plays later.

Wilson would strip the ball in mid-air from would be receiver Justice Hill, regaining possession for the Steelers on their 36-yard-line.

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Kicking Battle

We were promised a kicking battle between NFL greats Justin Tucker and Chris Boswell, but it ended as a lopsided victory for the latter.

Tucker would attempt, and miss, his first two field goal attempts of the afternoon from 47 and 50 yards before making a 54-yarder, his only successful attempt, in the third quarter.

Boswell, on the other hand, would score all of the Steelers 18 points, converting six total field goals in a game for the second time this season. Boz was successful from distances of 32, 52, 32, 57, 27, and 50 on the day.

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WR Snaps

Following the eyebrow raising trade for former Chargers and Jets WR Mike Williams, the star would be expected to contribute more in his second game with the Steelers after catching the game-winning touchdown one week earlier.

Despite playing 25 snaps (32% of the game) Williams would leave Sunday without a catch or so much a target. The Steelers would play Van Jefferson for 43 plays (55%), Calvin Austin 26 (33%) and even practice squad call up Ben Skowronek would see the field for 20 plays (26%) too.

George Pickens would out-snap all other receivers with 69 plays (88%) while tight ends Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth each saw 58% of the plays.

Pickens exits Week 11 with the league’s fourth-most receiving yards (728). His 48 receptions leads all Steelers.

5 Steelers surprises in Sunday’s win against the Ravens appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Watch: Payton Wilson grabs freak INT against Ravens

Steel City Underground will pick an exceptional play of the game as a highlight each week of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL regular season. Stay tuned as we hand-select the very best from the Black and Gold!

The NFL Week 11 division rivalry game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens was yet another close match. The Steelers won, 18-16, but it wasn’t the offenses that really stood out as much as the defenses of both teams.

There were several plays we could have chosen to highlight; T.J. Watt‘s or Dean Lowry‘s sacks of Lamar Jackson, Nick Herbig‘s early strip of the ball from Derrick Henry, Patrick Queen‘s forced fumble and recovery, or Joey Porter Jr’s stop on the 2-point attempt that would have allowed the Ravens to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.

Instead, we focused on the freakish play that resulted in Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson‘s interception.

Pittsburgh had marched down the field in the 4th to get inside the red zone only to have a connection between Russell Wilson and Darnell Washington end up in the hands of a Ravens defender for a pick in the end zone. That put the Steelers right back on the field with their defense.

Jackson kept the ball on 1st & 10 at the Baltimore 20 for a 25-yard gain. On 1st & 10 at the 45, Jackson dumped the ball off to Henry for a 15-yard gain, but the Ravens were penalized for an ineligible player downfield on the pass.

After an official time out, the Ravens lined up on 1st & 15 and Jackson took the snap from shotgun. He threw the ball deep, targeting Justice Hill. Payton Wilson shadowed the running back and was able to get an arm inside Hill’s as the ball arrived. As the pair went to the ground, that arm was able to knock the ball loose and Wilson was able to secure it for the takeaway. Wilson attempted to hand the ball off to Minkah Fitzpatrick to keep the play alive, but officials whistled the play dead.

It was Wilson’s first NFL career interception and helped set up Chris Boswell‘s sixth successful field goal kick. The Steelers defense, as a unit, held Jackson to his lowest overall grade and lowest passing grade so far this season, per PFF.

 

Watch: Payton Wilson grabs freak INT against Ravens appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Takeaways: Steelers 8-2 after ugly win over Ravens

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.

On Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 18-16, at Acrisure Stadium to move to 8-2 on the season and take full control of the AFC North. There was little doubt that the division rivalry game would be a close, physical one, but fans know these two teams are unpredictable when they face each other. We present our top takeaways from the Week 11 battle.

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Steelers offense was shaky

In our keys to a victory, before the game, we stated that the offense would need to get off to a quicker start and test the Ravens’ defensive backfield. The offense got off to a shaky start and, despite several positive plays, had trouble converting key downs and never did get into the end zone. Their third-down conversion efficiency was 4-16 with a 0-1 fourth down efficiency. Their red zone efficiency was 0-4.

Typically, those numbers indicate a disastrous performance and equate into a loss in the NFL. This week, though, the Ravens didn’t do much better offensively in what quickly turned into a battle of defenses.

Russell Wilson had his first subpar performance as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, taking four big sacks and nullifying potential points on the scoreboard when he threw an interception in the end zone on a pass meant for tight end Darnell Washington who didn’t make an attempt on the ball. Still, the veteran remained calm under near-constant pressure to complete 23-of-36 passes for 205 yards. He just couldn’t lead the offense into the end zone.

Wilson did test the Ravens defensive backfield, but they looked better than they have in weeks. Nearly every catch was contested, including eight that George Pickens reeled in. That led Wilson to adjusting to more quick-passes and shorter attempts in the second half to keep the offense balanced and moving downfield.

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The wizard was perfect

The Steelers need to thank their lucky stars that Chris Boswell is on their roster. While Ravens kicker Justin Tucker missed 2-of-3 field goals, Pittsburgh’s wizard was a perfect 6-of-6, putting the only points on the scoreboard for Pittsburgh.

It’s not the first time in Steelers history that Boswell has been the goat, but counting on him to be the sole scorer isn’t tenable if Pittsburgh wants to remain a contender in the NFL this season.

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Defense came through

The Steelers were certainly challenged on defense by Lamar Jackson and company. Early, though, Nick Herbig – starting in place of injured outside linebacker Alex Highsmith – was able to strip the ball from bruising rusher Derrick Henry that the Steelers recovered. Whether that play had an effect on Henry or not, Pittsburgh limited him to just 65 yards on 13 carries. Henry did punch in a goalline run for a touchdown.

T.J. Watt and Dean Lowry did earn a sack apiece, but the pressure on Jackson was more of a contain situation, keeping the quarterback from gouging them with designed plays utilizing his legs.

The Steelers only allowed the Ravens offense a 4-11 third down conversion rate and didn’t stall in keeping the Ravens from converting fourth downs, forcing four Jordan Stout punts in the game and the lone touchdown.

When Baltimore wasn’t shooting themselves in the foot with penalties, they were working to spread the offense to keep themselves in the game after a costly two fumbles (both recovered by Pittsburgh) and a freak contested catch that ended with a Payton Wilson interception.

Jackson was hit six times, disrupting his rhythm, and had three passes batted down – two by Cameron Heyward – before they could reach a targeted receiver. Jackson finished the game with 16-of-33 passes completed.

At 8-2, the Steelers have a hold on the top spot of the AFC North and will travel in Week 12 to face another division rival in the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland lost their Week 11 game to the New Orleans Saints to fall to 2-8 on the season.

Takeaways: Steelers 8-2 after ugly win over Ravens appeared first on Steel City Underground.

SCU Week in Review – November 17th

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 Ravens game and more

Joe flies solo on this edition of the SCU Podcast to detail the weekend’s biggest game as the 7-2 Pittsburgh Steelers host the 7-3 Baltimore Ravens.

Just how big is this game for the Steelers? Aside from AFC North supremacy, it could tip the scales of balance between the NFL’s top-scoring offense (Ravens) and defense (Steelers).

Hear Joe’s keys to the game, catch up on the injury report, and more in this pregame episode.

View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.

More Steelers-Ravens Coverage

Tina dives into the Steelers Week 11 matchup with this week’s Scouting Report and her 5 Steelers to Watch.

Plus, find out where to watch and listen to the Steelers-Ravens game plus other key facts in this week’s GameDay Cheat Sheet.

Steelers-Commanders Postgame Coverage

Joe and Brian examine the Steelers one-point victory Sunday over the Washington Commanders.

Rookie QB Jayden Daniels and his squad may be the best team the Steelers have faced yet this season. Despite some setbacks, Pittsburgh received contributions for several areas, including players who haven’t been on the team for very long.

Hear what the hosts have to say and stick around for the end where they compare the season thus far to their preseason predictions!

Christina Rivers takes you through her game takeaways while Joe highlights his surprises from the Commanders game. Click below for each article.

Takeaways: Steelers eke out win over Commanders

5 Steelers surprises in Sunday’s win against the Commanders

Plays of the Week

SCU brings you all of the highlights from last week’s game against the Washington Commanders. Watch each one below!

Watch: Heyward sacks Daniels, twice, to lead Steelers defense

Watch: Williams scores first touchdown with the Steelers

SCU Week in Review – November 17th appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Steelers GameDay Cheat Sheet: Week 11 vs. the Baltimore Ravens

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.

Baltimore Ravens (7-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)

Baltimore enters Week 11 with the league’s top scoring offense (31.8 points per game) and total offense (440.2 yards per game) while Pittsburgh possesses the second-ranked scoring defense (16.2 points allowed per game). The Steelers enter their first divisional game of the season on a four-game winning streak and have averaged 30.8 points per game since Week 6, the third-most in the NFL over that span, trailing only Detroit (36 points per game) and Baltimore (34.2).

With both offenses trending highly, oddsmakers have set this week’s line at a 48.0 over and under. The Ravens, with their top-ranked scoring offense, will collide with the Steelers top-rated scoring defense, leading sportsbooks to set Baltimore as a slight -3 favorite. You can get in on this action and more by using a promo code for melbet and following the various games on their site.

  • Baltimore is one of three teams in NFL history to score at least 20 points and record 375-or-more yards of offense in each of its first 10 games of a season, joining the 2013 Denver Broncos (first 13 games) and 2000 St. Louis Rams (first 11).
  • Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson leads the NFL with a 123.2 rating, ranks tied-first with 24 touchdown passes and second with 2,669 passing yards this season. In Week 10, he became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to record a passer rating of 100-or-higher in eight consecutive games within a season, joining Tom Brady (eight consecutive games in 2007 and 2010), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (nine in 2004 and eight in 2005) and Aaron Rodgers (12 in 2011 and eight in 2020).
  • Baltimore running back Derrick Henry leads the league with 1,216 scrimmage yards and 14 scrimmage touchdowns (league-best 12 rushing, two receiving) in 2024 and became the fifth player in the Super Bowl era to record a touchdown in each of his first 10 games of a season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers O.J. Simpson (first 14 games in 1975), Jerry Rice (first 12 in 1987) and John Riggins (first 12 in 1983) as well as Todd Gurley (first 10 in 2018).

Series History

  • Sunday’s game will mark the 61st overall and 57th regular-season meeting between the Steelers and Ravens.
  • The last eight meetings between Pittsburgh and Baltimore have been decided by seven points or less, including five by four points or less.
  • The Steelers have defeated the Ravens in six of the last seven meetings, and all six victories have come by a TD or less, including four by five points or less.
  • The Steelers own a 10-game advantage in the overall series (35-25) and an eight-game lead in the regular-season series (32-24).
  • Sunday’s game will mark the 33rd overall and 29th regular-season meeting between the Steelers and Ravens in Pittsburgh.
  • The Steelers own an eight-game advantage in the overall series (20-12) and a six-game lead in the regular-season series (17-11).
  • Sunday’s game will be the 14th meeting between the two teams in November.
  • The Ravens own a three-game lead in the series (8-5) in November.
  • Sunday’s game will be the seventh meeting in Pittsburgh between the two teams in November.
  • The November series between the Steelers and Ravens in Pittsburgh is tied (3-3).
  • Pittsburgh and Baltimore have played 38 games decided by one score or less.
  • The 38 one-score games are the most by a single opponent against the Steelers since the start of the 1996 season.

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Series Notes

  • All-Time Steelers lead, 35-25
    • Last: Steelers Win, 17-10 (Jan. 6, 2024)
  • Home Steelers lead, 20-12
    • Last: Steelers Win, 17-10 (Oct. 8, 2023)
  • Away Steelers lead, 14-13
    • Last: Steelers Win, 17-10 (Jan. 6, 2024)
  • Playoffs Steelers lead, 3-1
    • Last: Ravens Win, 30-17 (Jan. 3, 2015)

The Coaches

  • Steelers: Mike Tomlin
    • At Franchise: 180-102-2 (18)
    • Overall: 180-102-2 (18)
    • Versus Opponent: 19-15
  • Ravens: John Harbaugh
    • At Franchise: 167-102 (17)
    • Overall: 167-102 (17)
    • Versus Opponent: 14-18

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Gameday Information

  • Date: Sunday, November 17
    Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Acrisure Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Capacity 68,400 // 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
    • Steelers: Sirius 83, XM/SXM 230, Internet 826
    • Ravens: Sirius 113, XM/SXM 385, Internet 802
  • National Radio: Compass Media Networks
    • Chris Carrino (play-by-play)
    • Brian Baldinger (analysis)
  • Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network
    Locally: 102.5 WDVE-FM (Pittsburgh) & 970 WBGG-AM (Pittsburgh)
    (48 affiliates – see below)

  • Referee: Clay Martin
  • Vegas: Ravens -3.0 | Over/Under: 48.0

Steelers-Commanders Pregame Show

Joe flies solo on this edition of the SCU Podcast to detail the weekend’s biggest game as the 7-2 Pittsburgh Steelers host the 7-3 Baltimore Ravens.

Just how big is this game for the Steelers? Aside from AFC North supremacy, it could tip the scales of balance between the NFL’s top-scoring offense (Ravens) and defense (Steelers).

Hear Joe’s keys to the game, catch up on the injury report, and more in this pregame episode.

View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.

SCU Steelers News & Notes

Team Rankings

BAL PIT
Home Record 4-1-0 3-1-0
Away Record 3-2-0 4-1-0
Record vs. Spread 6-4-0 7-2-0
Points Scored/Game 31.8 (1st) 23.9 (12th)
Points Allowed/Game 25.3 (25th) 16.2 (2nd)
Takeaway Diff. +4 (10th) +9 (2nd)
Pass Yds/Game 257 (3rd) 188 (26th)
Rush Yds/Game 182 (1st) 138 (8th)
Def. Pass Yds/Game 294 (32nd) 215 (19th)
Def. Rush Yds/Game 73 (1st) 87 (4th)

Team Leaders

Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Leaders
Justin Fields 106/160, 1106 yds, 5 TDs
George Pickens 40 rec, 639 yds, 2 TDs
Najee Harris 157 rush, 645 yds, 3 TDs
Baltimore Ravens 2024 Leaders
Lamar Jackson 199/288, 2669 yds, 24 TDs
Zay Flowers 50 rec, 688 yds, 3 TDs
Derrick Henry 184 rush, 1120 yds, 12 TDs

Steelers Notes

  • STEELERS rank 2nd in scoring defense this season (16.2 points allowed per game).
  • QB RUSSELL WILSON passed for 195 yards & 3 TDs in Week 10. Has TD pass in 22 straight games, longest active streak in NFL. Has 722 pass yards (240.7 per game) & 6 TDs vs. INT with 103 rating in his 3 career games vs. Bal.
  • RB NAJEE HARRIS rushed for 53 yards & TD last week. Has rush TD in 3 of past 4 games. Had 133 scrimmage yards (112 rush, 21 rec.) & rush TD in last meeting. Has 75+ rush yards & rush TD in each of past 3 vs. division.
  • RB JAYLEN WARREN co-led team with 95 scrimmage yards (season-high 66 rush, 29 rec.) in Week 10. Aims for 4th in row with 55+ scrimmage yards. Had 79 scrimmage yards (40 rush, 39 rec.) in last home game vs. Bal.
  • WR GEORGE PICKENS had 5 catches for 91 yards & TD last week. Has 95+ rec. yards & TD in 2 of past 3. Had 6 catches for 130 yards & TD in last home game vs. Bal.
  • WR MIKE WILLIAMS had 1st TD of season in Pit. debut last week.
  • TE PAT FREIERMUTH had TD catch in Week 10.
  • DT CAMERON HEYWARD had 2 sacks & PD last week. Aims for 4th in row with PD.
  • DT LARRY OGUNJOBI had TFL last week. Has TFL in 5 of past 6, incl. each of past 3. Had FR in last meeting.
  • LB PRESTON SMITH had sack in Pit. debut in Week 10.
  • LB PATRICK QUEEN had 7 tackles, 2 TFL & PD last week. Spent 1st 4 seasons with Bal. (2020-23) & had 453 tackles, 15 PD, 13.5 sacks, 6 FR, 5 FF & 4 INTs.
  • LB T.J. WATT had PD in Week 10 & PD in 2 of past 3. Has 16 sacks vs. Bal., incl. 0.5+ sacks in each of past 10.
  • RAVENS lead NFL in total offense (440.2 yards per game) & are 3rd team ever with 20+ points & 375+ total yards in each of 1st 10 games of season.

Ravens Notes

  • QB LAMAR JACKSON completed 25 of 33 pass atts. (75.8 pct.) for 290 yards & 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs. with 141.4 rating, 4th-straight game with 280+ pass yards, 2+ TD passes, 100+ rating & 0 INTs, longest active streak & 3rd-longest streak in NFL history. Is 3rd QB all-time with 24+ TD passes (24) & 2-or-fewer INTs (2) in 1st 10 games of season. Has 1,414 pass yards (282.8 per game) & 13 TDs vs. 2 INTs with 113 rating in past 5 vs. division, with 2+ TD passes in past 4.
  • RB DERRICK HENRY rushed for 68 yards & TD in Week 10, 11th-straight game with TD, longest active streak in NFL. Leads NFL with 1,120 rush yards & 12 rush TDs. Has rush TD in 4 of 5 road games this season. Had 75 rush yards & rush TD in each of his past 2 vs. Pit.
  • WR NELSON AGHOLOR had 2nd TD catch of season last week.
  • WR RASHOD BATEMAN had season-high 6 catches for 54 rec. yards & TD in Week 10.
  • WR TYLAN WALLACE led team with career-high 115 rec yards & 1st-career TD last week.
  • TE MARK ANDREWS had 68 rec. yards & TD in Week 10. Has TD in 4 of past 5. Had 6+ catches & 65+ rec. yards in each of his past 2 games vs. Pit.
  • DT NNAMDI MADUBUIKE had career-high 3 sacks & had FF last week. Has 0.5+ sacks in 2 of past 3 vs. Pit.
  • LB ROQUAN SMITH led team with 12 tackles & had FR in Week 10. Ranks 4th NFL with 97 tackles in 2024. Had 11 tackles & PD in his last game vs. Pit. (10/8/23).
  • CB MARLON HUMPHREY had 5 tackles, FF & PD last week, 8th-straight game with PD, 2nd-longest active streak in NFL.
  • S KYLE HAMILTON & S AR’DARIUS WASHINGTON each had 2 PD in Week 10.

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 RED.

 

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 11 vs. the Baltimore Ravens appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Top 4 keys to a Steelers win over Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 of the 2024 NFL regular season at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers (7-2) hold a slim lead in the AFC North and the Ravens (7-3) look to spoil Pittsburgh’s three-game win streak. If the past is any indicator, the game will be fiercely contested abd the score close; nine of the last 10 rivalry games have been decided by seven or fewer points. Below, we look at the top four keys that should bring the Steelers their fourth consecutive win.

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Getting the offense moving early

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has an opportunity to solidify his position in Pittsburgh – to fans – this week by calling the right plays to foil the Ravens defense. Over the past three weeks, since Russell Wilson took over as the starting quarterback, the Steelers have averaged 30.3 points per game and 382.3 yards per game offensively.

The Steelers can’t afford to allow the Ravens to stall offensive drives, which means they’ll need to open the entire playbook and get into the end zone early. That won’t be an easy task due to the strength of the Baltimore defensive front.

“Every game our job is to outscore their team’s offense. A lot goes into games like this. It feels like a playoff game as much as it can feel in the regular season…” – Arthur Smith

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Test the Ravens’ defensive backfield

With the addition of Mike Williams to the roster, Pittsburgh has found a way to take away their opponents’ ability to double-team George Pickens. Calvin Austin, Pat Freiermuth, and Van Jefferson have all gotten more targets with Wilson at quarterback, as well.

The Ravens defensive backfield has vulnerability. Baltimore ranks at the very bottom of the league in passing yards allowed, giving up 22 touchdown passes to opponents.

If the Steelers offense can spread things out, Wilson has the poise and experience of having played in big games to be able to test the Ravens’ backfield by spreading passes to multiple targets while keeping an eye on deeper routes to Pickens and Williams.

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Lock down Jackson

Preston Smith will start opposite T.J. Watt this weekend due to an injury that has Alex Highsmith sidelined again this season. The pressure will be dialed up to pressure Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and lock him down.

Pittsburgh is 3-1 when facing Jackson, and they utilized Justin Fields in practice to simulate the dual threat the defense will face on Sunday. Yes, they kept Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders from running on them, but Jackson has more experience.

When asked about what will be required to keep Jackson from running the field, linebacker Patrick Queen said,”Just keeping everything simple, try to get after him, not let him do what he does. Everybody just do their job the same. Basically, the same way the Washington game was. Just everybody do their job. Everybody does that and we’ll be fine.”

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Preventing big runs by Henry

If there’s a guy on the roster with experience and understanding of what needs to be done to prevent big plays by opposing running backs, it’s team captain Cameron Heyward.

“Guys stepping up and making critical plays at critical times. That’s what it has always come down to. And I don’t think that’s ever going to change,” Heyward said this week about the upcoming game with rival Baltimore.

“Derrick Henry has been a home run hitter in Tennessee, now he’s bringing that over here [to Baltimore]… I think having a guy like Derrick Henry where you don’t have to gain 10 yards a pop, now Lamar’s like shoot, I can go out there and just play ball.”

It won’t just be the defensive line that will have to keep Henry from gashing Pittsburgh with big run plays, the interior linebackers, like Payton Wilson, will need to be solid sideline to sideline, too. This will be a big test for the Steelers, but they have been able to limit Henry in the past.

On November 2, 2023, Henry was limited to just 75 yards on 17 carries by the Steelers with the Titans gaining just 105 yards on the ground. Henry’s longest run went for 15 yards. Heyward was a big piece of that success.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern US) at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Fans who’ve been looking forward to Ravens Week should hold on as this game will be a must-watch.

 

Top 4 keys to a Steelers win over Ravens appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Steelers Scouting Report: Baltimore Ravens, Week 11

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 Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) will host the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, November 17 (1:00 p.m. Eastern). The NFL Week 11 game will kick off the first AFC North divisional play for Pittsburgh, while Baltimore comes off of a one-point win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens have played, and beaten, the Bengals twice this season, and were beaten by the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.

The rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens has been a hotly-contested series. The upcoming game is expected to be a battle for divisional supremacy once again.

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No love lost in rivalry

Some of the best NFL action in recent years has occurred between the Ravens and Steelers. The games are always physical and have been known to get chippy. On Sunday, former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson who joined the Ravens after a short stint with the Carolina Panthers is looking forward to playing in Pittsburgh.

“I can’t wait to get to Sunday to just be back in that stadium…it’s a big moment for me.” – Diontae Johnson

Johnson hasn’t been fully worked into the Ravens roster yet with Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers grabbing the WR1/WR2 spots in the team’s success. The fact that Johnson has just one reception since joining the team prompted Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin to say on Tuesday, “He’s not on a lot of their video… they’ve got more significant pieces with larger roles that have occupied my attention at this part of the week.”

Steelers linebackers Patrick Queen and Jeremiah Moon will get their first opportunity to play their former team, as well. They understand what the rivalry is all about as much as any other player on either team: dominating in typically close-scoring contests.

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Downing the Ravens offense

Baltimore already had a dangerous weapon in quarterback Lamar Jackson, a true dual-threat quarterback, but added Derrick Henry during the offseason. Henry currently leads all NFL rushers with 1,120 yards; he averages 6.1 yards per carry, 112.0 yards per game, and has 12 rushing touchdowns.

Jackson leads the league with a passer rating of 123.2; he has completed 199-of-288 (69.1%) passes for 2,669 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has thrown just two interceptions this season. Jackson has also carried the ball 91 times for 538 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The duo’s production has raised the team’s overall offense to an NFL-leading 31.8 points and 440 yards per game of offense average.

Tomlin has his eyes on how well Jackson leads the Ravens offensively, but could be eying the 13 sacks the quarterback has taken this season as well.

“There’s always a component of (Lamar’s) game that’s moving forward… He’s got a unique skill set… We face another hot offense with a multi-dimensional quarterback and a really good running game and an offense that’s ringing up the scoreboard,” Tomlin said. “And so if I know anything about our group, that fires them up, but it fires them up in the appropriate way.”

The Steelers won’t have Alex Highsmith on Sunday due to an injury he suffered in Week 10, so Preston Smith will be asked to step up with T.J. Watt in applying pressure to keep Jackson in the pocket and off his game.

The Steelers defense is ranked 8th overall in the league. They’re ranked 4th in rush defense, allowing 87.1 yards per game and 7 touchdowns. The pass defense has allowed 215.6 yards average per game and 8 touchdowns. Pittsburgh has logged 22.0 sacks through ten weeks and 10 interceptions.

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Wearing down the Ravens “D”

When it comes to pass defense, Baltimore is currently ranked at the bottom of the league. They’ve allowed an average of 294.9 yards to opponents and 22 touchdowns.

With the way Russell Wilson has operated in his first three games with the Steelers, spreading the ball around, the recipe for success may be more pass attempts.

That isn’t to say that the Steelers will abandon the run, but the Ravens lead the league in rush defense, allowing just an average of 73.0 yards on the ground per game and 7 touchdowns. This may be a game that sees the Steelers ask Cordarrelle Patterson to do more short-yardage conversion work as well as goal-line punches.

The offensive line will need to put together a solid performance on Sunday, regardless. The Ravens have 31.0 sacks this season and that pressure will not give Wilson much wiggle room in the pocket. Last week, the Commanders pressured Wilson and he found George Pickens and other targets for some deep balls, including the game-winning touchdown pass to Mike Williams.

Regardless of the preparation, both the Ravens and Steelers will be looking for any chink in each others’ armor to exploit. And that is AFC North football.

 

Steelers Scouting Report: Baltimore Ravens, Week 11 appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Following Washington win, are the Steelers Super Bowl contenders?

Before the season started the Steelers were not considered one of the candidates for Super Bowl glory. In fact, many pundits had Pittsburgh down as one of the worst teams in the conference, and the worst team in the AFC North. The Ravens, Bengals, and even the Browns were all considered more viable Super Bowl contenders.

But now, over halfway through the regular season, those so-called experts have changed their tune. The Steelers sit at the top of the division and football fans are wondering whether Mike Tomlin may have produced another championship-winning team. If you are betting on football right now, you have to be looking at the Steelers.

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Russell Wilson gamble paying off

It is widely acknowledged that Denver’s trade for Russell Wilson was one of the worst in recent NFL memory. Nothing about the move worked and there were definitely some Steelers fans concerned when Pittsburgh took him in the offseason. However, it is fair to say that those thoughts have now disappeared.

Justin Fields began the season as the starting quarterback. Many people forget that a big part of that thinking wasn’t due to Wilson’s performance, but because Wilson was struggling with a calf injury. Coach Tomlin has always been prepared to make tough decisions. Making Wilson the starter could have turned out to be a huge mistake.

It wasn’t – and now the Steelers are looking better than they have done for a long time.

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Beating good teams

We all love to see the Steelers winning games. The Raiders and the Jets were there to be beaten and those wins look good early in the first half of the season. However, it is much more satisfying witnessing Pittsburgh being able to beat better teams. Those are the real tests and give a better idea of how good this Steelers team is.

The Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders is an excellent example of this. Entering last Sunday with a 7-2 record, the Commanders have turned out to be the surprise team of the season so far and were playing with a lot of confidence. To come from behind and win on the road in the way the Steelers did a real statement from Mike Tomlin’s players.

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The NFL is wide-open

Take a look at all the divisions in the NFL this season and you will see everyone is beating everyone else. The league is wide-open and that means that even a Steelers team that was in transition can dream of going far in the playoffs.

The Steelers main competition in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs, may be unbeaten to this point but even Patrick Mahomes and company are showing that there are cracks in their armor. Their most recent win against Denver came down to a last-second blocked field goal that would’ve ended their perfect record.

Considering Pittsburgh was not given much of a chance in the division, let alone the conference, they will have as much of a chance as any other team of doing well.

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Resilient Defense

We have already mentioned how well the Steelers offense is doing under the leadership of Russell Wilson, but, as the old saying goes it’s defense that wins championships.

The Steelers defense could be bordering on legendary, especially with an elite, generational player such as T.J. Watt. Watt and company are capable of wrecking games in an instant, as we saw against Washington and others throughout this season.

Despite giving up points to the Commanders, Pittsburgh held their top-three offensive unit to their lowest yardage totals of the 2024 season. The Steelers currently have the second-best scoring defense in the NFL, including the fourth-best run defense: something that will be paramount as they clash with rush-heavy teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles in the coming weeks.

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Tough Run-In

Although it is vitally important to get off to a good start in the NFL, it is who you are playing that matters. The Steelers have looked very good so far but the caliber of opponents was questioned throughout the first half of the season. The schedule makers, on paper, setup one of the strongest second half slates against Pittsburgh.

Yet, upon further examination, the first half of the schedule was riddled with tough opponents too. The 6-4 Atlanta Falcons lead the NFC South. The 5-5 Denver Broncos boast the league’s fourth-best scoring defense while being a top ten D against the pass and run. The 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers have bounced back in 2024 with the league’s best scoring defense and also rank in the top ten in passing and rushing yards.

Of course, the second half of the regular season will really show us just how good this Steelers team is. All of the divisional games come from Week 11 onwards and that means that the dogfight between the four teams will make the AFC North look completely different from week-to-week. Add a game in Philadelphia and a match-up with the Chiefs Christmas Day and suddenly people begin to get worried.

The difference is, the Steelers have not only secured their wins against “posers” such as the Raiders, Jets and Giants, but those games against the Falcons, Broncos, Chargers, and most recently, the Commanders, have proven they have the mettle to hang with the NFL’s best.

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Super Bowl champs or contenders?

So, what is then? Can this Pittsburgh Steelers team win a seventh Super Bowl? The beginning of the season has shown those odds are much better than most people thought. But booking a hotel in New Orleans for the beginning of February might still be something of a rash decision right now.

What can be said is that the Steelers are bona fide Super Bowl contenders this season. That wasn’t thought to be the case a few months ago but the games and performances definitely backup that statement now.

A lot depends on the outcome of those six divisional games before the end of the regular season. There is an excellent chance of making at least a Wild Card berth now, but all signs this Sunday show a Steelers win over the Ravens could mean the team’s first home playoff game since 2020. If important players can remain healthy and continue to perform, this Steelers team might just be able to go all the way and surprise everyone.

Following Washington win, are the Steelers Super Bowl contenders? appeared first on Steel City Underground.