Welcome to the most comprehensive Pittsburgh Steelers Game Day Preview on the internet! This is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about the Steelers and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportzNation) of Steelers Wire brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing all fans with a Game Story, Steelers Keys to Victory, Score Prediction, Fantasy Football Focus, Game Information, a detailed breakdown of each team, Individual Stats, and Team Stats. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff! The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
SEASON ON THE LINE AS MASON RUDOLPH TAKES OVER AS STARTER FOR THE STEELERS
Week three has arrived in the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to San Francisco for what will be the end of their 2019 season.
How on earth can Pittsburgh expect to do anything but lay down and die, especially with star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out for the season, and a defense that keeps giving up big plays?
Right?
Not so fast, my friend, the Steelers have no intention of throwing in the white towel and surrendering the season just yet.
Last week, despite the loss of Big Ben, the Steelers should have come away with a hard-earned victory over a tough Seahawks squad.
Yes, the Steeler defense gave up big plays at very bad times, but you can’t discount the effect that the horrific officiating had on the outcome of the game.
Late in the first half, Seattle was set to kick a field goal to cut the Steeler lead to 7-3, which they appeared to do. However, Dan McCullers was called for a personal foul, of which the officials never really specified what for, and Seattle happily took the three points off the board and accepted the penalty, which soon resulted in a touchdown a few plays later to tie the game.
The play should never have happened, as the play clock expired.
If missing the play clock hitting zero once was bad, the officials were just getting warmed up, as it happened again with 2:11 left in the game, and Seattle had a 3rd and 16 from their 48-yard line.
This time, the no-call lead to Russell Wilson running for 15 yards, setting up a 4th and 1, of which Seattle converted to seal the game. It should have been 4th and 21 instead.
Oh, and let’s not forget the replay pass interference call they levied against Terrell Edmunds that gave Seattle a 1st down instead of punting the ball away on 4th down. That call leads to yet another Seattle touchdown.
That’s 14 points that Seattle should never have had.
Mason Rudolph came into the game to start the 2nd half and played extremely well. Unfortunately, one of his first passes went to Donte Moncrief, who had the ball bounce off his hands and up in the air, giving the Seahawks an easy interception… of which, they turned into seven points.
This game was there for the taking for Pittsburgh. All is not as bad as it seems for the 0-2 Steelers, who just need to limit to back-breaking drops, turnovers, and splash plays on defense. The officials doing their job would help, too.
The keys to the Steeler offense now belong to Rudolph. It was a bit of a shock to the team, and the coaches, to not see Roethlisberger shake off the injury and come back into the game, as he has done so many times before.
“He’s gone down before. A lot of times, you pull the cape off, and he’s back,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Fichtner. “You just assumed that’s the way it’s going to be, and that’s the way you approach it. But when it was known at least in-game that he wasn’t going to be back, there was no time to blink.”
Rudolph, is ready for the challenge.
“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I’m going to do what’s asked of me,” Rudolph said. “There are some areas and some checks where I can have a bit of freedom, but it’s not going to be the freedom (Roethlisberger) has, not even close. And I don’t want it to be that way. I want it to be controlled by Randy, and I want to execute the plays that are called.”
Having the rushing game return for the Steelers would be a big help to Mason.
The Steelers have a Pro Bowl running back, and three, count em, three Pro Bowl offensive lineman. 56.5 rushing yards per game is a joke for that much talent. It’s time for this unit to man up and start playing with some physicality, something that has been on a milk carton the first two games.
On defense, the team will get a big boost as they traded for Miami Dolphin’s 2018 first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will play free safety for the Steelers.
Steleers defensive coordinator Keith Butler’s thoughts?
“Hallelujah!”
“That’s what went through my mind, that’s exactly what went through my mind,” Butler said after practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in the South Side. “I’m glad we got him. We needed him. Watching him practice … that dude can move.”
Fitzpatrick will replace Sean Davis, who was placed on IR with an injured shoulder.
“He’s going to help us,” Butler said. “Is he going to help us Sunday? We’ll see. We want to make sure he’s comfortable in what we have planned and (if) he’s not going to have to do a lot of thinking and stuff like that, then he can help us.”
Best guess is Fitzpatrick will get well acquainted with the 49ers talented tight end George Kittle.
“We hope he can (move around) as soon as possible,” Butler said. “With that type of player, you want to play him, you don’t want to keep him on the sideline and watch with you. We have to be careful in what we are doing and give him a chance to be successful.”
Corner Joe Haden went through a similar experience in 2017 when the Steelers picked him up before the season started after the Browns released him.
“It’s getting the grip of the playbook,” Haden said when asked what the biggest adjustment will be for Fitzpatrick. “He’s the starting free safety for the Steelers, so it’s all of the calls and checks that we have to get up to speed. It shows a lot about his football smarts how he was able to come in and be the free safety the day he arrived and do it pretty fluidly.”
So far this week, so good.
“He hasn’t messed up any calls,” Haden said. “I can’t wait to see him make plays.”
Steelers Keys to Victory
- Don’t play conservatively: Play Mason Rudolph with confidence and let him shine. Play to win.
- Hello? Can we get a run game?: 56.5 rushing yards per game? C’mon man. Time for James Conner and the offensive line to man up.
- Better cover George Kittle: Limit Kittle and make the 49ers beat you another way. He’s all yours Minkah!
Prediction
A big key to this game will be how well Mason Rudolph plays in his first NFL start. He went 12-19 last week in the 2nd half, throwing for 112 yards and two touchdown passes to Vance McDonald. He looked calm and poised in the pocket.
It’s also time for James Conner and the rushing attack to reappear.
“You’ve got to stay on the field,” guard Ramon Foster said. “And that’s exactly what it boils down to. We’ve got to make our third-and-manageable situations, as he would say. It comes down to us executing and being pros.”
Conner has 54 yards on 21 attempts, a measly 2.6 yards per rush.
That’s not cutting it.
“We just have to convert on third down,” Conner said. “There’s been a lot of three-and-outs. It’s tough to get the running game going when we can’t convert on third down. We’re not worried.”
The Steelers need to be start attacking downfield and ditch the slow developing run plays and sideline passes.
“First and second down, we’re not getting positive yards, and third down, we couldn’t run the ball,” backup running back Jaylen Samuels said. “We have to do better on first and second down and get the running game going.”
If the Steelers are able to accomplish that, and get back to making plays on defense, the team has a great chance to roll out of Santa Clara with a much needed victory, and a step towards getting the season back on track.
The Steelers play the next two games at home vs the Bengals and Ravens, before a road game vs the Chargers, and then three straight at home vs the hapless Dolphins, the Colts, and Rams.
That schedule gives the Steelers a good shot at being 6-3 or better before facing off against Cleveland on Thursday November 14th.
First things first, and that is taking down the 2-0 49ers, who aren’t as good as they appear to be.
Pittsburgh will need to limit George Kittle’s effectiveness and keep San Francisco’s running game under wraps. Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert are a talented duo toting the rock for the Niners.
Jimmy Garoppolo is effective when given time, so T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree will need to find ways to make his life a hurried one in the pocket.
It won’t be easy, as the Steelers never play well on the West Coast, but in this game, they had better exorcise the demons of the past, and come out flying, or it’ll be curtains for the 2019 season before October even begins.
Rudolph excels, connects with a few big plays to his college teammate James Washington and the running game returns to give the Steelers a much-needed win.
Steelers 24
49ers 20
Game Information
NFL Week 3
Pittsburgh at San Francisco 49ers
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
Field: Natural grass
Game-time: Sunday, September 22nd, at 4:25 pm ET
TV: CBS (KDKA Channel 2 in Pittsburgh)
- Announcers: Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) Trent Green (analyst) Melanie Collins (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE & WBGG 970 AM
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (analyst) Craig Wolfley (sideline) Missi Matthews (sideline)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at Kickoff: 82 and sunny. Winds W 5 mph.
Vegas Line: San Francisco -6.5
Pittsburgh Steelers vs San Francisco 49ers History
Series History: Began in 1951
- Steelers are 10-11 overall vs San Francisco
- At Home: 5-5
- On Road: 5-6
- Post-Season: 0-0
- Streak: Steelers won the last meeting.
- Last Regular Season Meeting: Steelers Win, 43-18 (Sept. 20, 2015)
- Last Post-Season Meeting: N/A
Fantasy Football Focus
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Start: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, TE Vance McDonald, Steelers Defense
- Sleeper: QB Mason Rudolph, WR James Washington
- Sit: RB James Conner
San Francisco 49ers
- Start: TE George Kittle
- Sleeper: RB Raheem Mostert
- Sit: 49ers Defense, QB Jimmy Garoppolo
A look at the Pittsburgh Steelers!
- Overall Record: 0-2
- Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (13th Season with Steelers)
- Overall Regular Season Record: 125-68-1 (.652)
- Playoff Record: 8-7 (Qualified for playoffs 8 times)
- 2019 Pittsburgh Steelers Roster
- Steelers Team Statistics Defensive Stats
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Schedule
- Last Game: Seahawks 28 Steelers 26
Scouting the Steelers
OFFENSE (Pro Style)
Quarterback
Mason Rudolph*
The 2nd year gunslinger out of Oklahoma State takes over for the injured Ben Roethlisberger.
- Passing Yards: 112
- TD Passes: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 0
- Yards Rushing: 7
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Ben Roethlisberger
Out for the season with an elbow injury.
- Passing Yards: 351
- TD Passes: 0
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 2
- Yards Rushing: 7
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
James Conner*
Stronger, leaner, and healthy, Conner looks to another Pro Bowl season.
- Yards Rushing: 54
- Rushing TD’s: 1
- Receptions: 7
- Yards Receiving: 56
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylen Samuels
Dynamic player who can play several positions. Dangerous as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
- Yards Rushing: 22
- Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 4
- Yards Receiving: 44
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Benny Snell, Jr.
Will be used to spell Conner and possibly short-yardage situations.
- Yards Rushing: 23
- Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0
- Yards Receiving: 0
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Roosevelt Nix (Fullback)
- Yards Rushing: 0
- Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 0
- Yards Receiving: 44
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Juju Smith-Schuster*
One of the league’s best already. Smith-Schuster is set to prove he is a true No.1 receiver for the Steelers.
- Receptions: 6
- Receiving Yards: 78
- Receiving TD’s: 0
James Washington
Ready to have a breakout season and establish himself as a big-time playmaker in the NFL.
- Receptions: 4
- Receiving Yards: 74
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Dointae Johnson
Talented rookie whose time will come to shine. Blessed with wicked moves in open space.
- Receptions: 4
- Receiving Yards: 42
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Donte Moncrief
Was expected to be the #2 receiver, but has five drops in first two games.
- Receptions: 3
- Receiving Yards: 7
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Ryan Switzer
Often utilized in the slot. Will return punts and kicks.
- Receptions: 7
- Receiving Yards: 29
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Vance McDonald*
The Vanimal, when unleashed, is a sight to see. Could be a major part of offense if utilized correctly.
- Receptions: 9
- Receiving Yards: 78
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Xavier Grimble
- Receptions: 0
- Receiving Yards: 0
- Receiving TD’s: 0
*Denotes Starter
OFFENSIVE LINE
Left Tackle: Alejandro Villanueva
Left Guard: Ramon Foster
Center: Maurkice Pouncey
Right Guard: David DeCastro
Right Tackle: Matt Feller
DEFENSE (Base 3-4)
Defensive End: Cam Heyward
Defensive Tackle: Javon Hargrave/Dan McCullers
Defensive End: Stephon Tuitt
Left OLB: T.J. Watt
Left MLB: Mark Barron/Devin Bush
Right MLB: Vince Willams
Right OLB: Bud Dupree
Cornerback: Joe Haden
Strong Safety: Terrell Edmunds
Free Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick/Kameron Kelly
Cornerback: Steven Nelson
Nickle: Mike Hilton/Cameron Sutton
SPECIAL TEAMS
Placekicker
Chris Boswell
- Extra Points: 2-2
- FG: 3-3
- 0-19: 1-1 / 20-29: 0-0 / 30-39: 1-1 / 40-49: 1-1 / 50+: 0-0
- Long: 41
Punter
Jordan Berry
- Yards per Punt: 45.2
Kickoff Returner
Ryan Switzer
- Yards per Kickoff Return: 21.5 / Return TD’s: 0
Punt Returner
Dointae Johnson
- Yards per Kickoff Return: 11.0 / Return TD’s: 0
Pittsburgh Injury Report (9/20/19)
-
Out:
FB Roosevelt Nix (Knee)
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring)
LB Anthony Chickillo (Foot) - Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
- Probable: None
A look at the San Francisco 49ers!
- Overall Record: 2-0
- Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan (3rd Season with 49ers)
- Overall Regular Season Record: 11-22 / 11-22 with 49ers
- Playoff Record: 0-0 (Qualified for playoffs 0 times)
- 2019 San Francisco 49ers Roster
- San Francisco Team Statistics Defensive Stats
- Last Game: 49ers 41 Cincinnati 17
Scouting the 49ers
OFFENSE (Pro Style)
Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo*
Finally healthy, Garoppolo hopes to lead the 49ers back to the playoffs.
- Passing Yards: 463
- TD Passes: 4
- Interceptions: 2
- Sacks: 1
- Yards Rushing: 6
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Running Backs
Matt Breida*
Part speed, part power, Breida is cementing himself as a reliable back for San Francisco.
- Yards Rushing: 158
- Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 7
- Yards Receiving: 56
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Raheem Mostert
Mosert is shooting up the depth charts and challenging for the starting job.
- Yards Rushing: 123
- Rushing TD’s: 0
- Receptions: 4
- Yards Receiving: 68
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Jeff Wilson, Jr.
- Yards Rushing: 34
- Rushing TD’s: 2
- Receptions: 0
- Yards Receiving: 0
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Deebo Samuel*
The talented rookie is a Garoppolo favorite.
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving Yards: 104
- Receiving TD’s:
Marquise Goodwin*
The former Bill is making a name for himself on the West Coast.
- Receptions: 4
- Receiving Yards: 84
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Richie James, Jr.
- Receptions: 2
- Receiving Yards: 46
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Dante Pettis
- Receptions: 1
- Receiving Yards: 7
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
George Kittle*
One of the league’s best tight ends. Heavily utilized in the 49ers passing game.
- Receptions:11
- Receiving Yards: 108
- Receiving TD’s: 0
*Denotes Starter
DEFENSE (Base 4-3)
The 49ers have played well vs Tampa and Cincinnati. Their defense has collected seven sacks and four interceptions. They are allowing just 305.5 yards per game, and a paltry 73 yards a game on the ground.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Placekicker
Robbie Gould
- Extra Points: 7-7
- FG: 5-7
- 0-19: 0-0 / 20-29: 1-1 / 30-39: 3-4 / 40-49: 1-1 / 50+: 0-1
- Long: 47
San Francisco Injury Report (9/20/19)
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable:
- Probable: None
OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE STATS
Total yards per game
- Pittsburgh: 288
- San Francisco: 418
Passing yards per game
- Pittsburgh: 231.5
- San Francisco: 239.5
Rushing yards per game
- Pittsburgh: 56.5
- San Francisco: 178.5
Points per game
- Pittsburgh: 14.5
- San Francisco: 36
Total Yards per game allowed
- Pittsburgh: 445
- San Francisco: 305.5
Passing Yards per game allowed
- Pittsburgh: 320
- San Francisco: 232.5
Rushing Yards per game allowed
- Pittsburgh: 125
- San Francisco: 73
Points Allowed
- Pittsburgh: 30.5
- San Francisco: 17
Defensive Stats
Pittsburgh
- Sacks: 5
- Interceptions: 0
- Fumbles: 2
San Francisco
- Sacks: 7
- Interceptions: 4
- Fumbles: 1
