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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Mike Drakulich

The Steeler Nation game day guide: Steelers vs Cardinals preview

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Steeler Nation doesn’t just reside in the surrounding areas of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. It is a world-wide army that lives and dies with the team that calls Pittsburgh it’s home. This is the preview that all fans of the black and gold come to find everything they need to know about the Steelers and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) of Steelers Wire brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing a weekly game story, the Steelers keys to winning, score prediction, fantasy football advice, game day information, a detailed breakdown of each team, including individual stats, team stats, and team injury reports. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform.

Duck and the Steelers head west for a home game vs Kyler Murray and the Cardinals

As I sat scouting the Arizona Cardinals earlier today, Tom Petty’s ‘I Won’t Back Down’ started playing on Alexa.

Fitting song for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Devlin “Duck” Hodges.

Minus a future HOF quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger and DE Stephon Tuitt for the season, as well as starters James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Maurkice Pouncey for multiple games in 2019– all of whom are Pro Bowl players, the Steelers just keep defying the odds and keep finding ways to win games.

After starting the season 0-3, Pittsburgh has battled back to find itself in the #6 seed slot in the AFC playoffs, winning seven out their last nine to enter week 14 with a 7-5 record.

As for The Duck?

“If you’d have asked me five or six years ago when I first got the name, I’d have thought this is wild, a quarterback named Duck, but now it’s cool,” Hodges said Wednesday after practice.

All the undrafted free agent from FCS Samford has done is win his first two games as a starter, and should’ve had credit for leading the Steelers to an overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens when he made his NFL debut, but a Smith-Schuster fumble in Ravens territory stole defeat from the jaws of victory.

“It’s something that has caught on, something I’ve kind of embraced,” Hodges said of his nickname. “It’s awesome to have the fans come up and say, ‘Hey, Duck, what’s up?’ When people call me Devlin, it catches me by surprise. ‘Do you know me that good?’ It’s cool. It’s unique and fits who I am.”

Hodges may be humble off the field, but his swagger and poise in the pocket was a big reason Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made the switch from Mason Rudolph, who’s play had deteriorated since Pittsburgh defeated the Rams back in week 10.

Steeler Nation is crazy with Duckmania, as are his teammates and coaches, who have the utmost confidence in their rookie teammate under center.

“I thought he played his tail off,” Tomlin said. “Without over-analyzing it, just a general synopsis, I thought he played his tail off.”

With each throw and each series completed by Hodges, Tomlin likes what he sees.

“I had more confidence in him this week than I did against the Chargers because our relationship is born out of our shared experiences,” Tomlin said. “We had the experience of what he did in the Chargers game in our back pocket and that probably produced Sunday.”

Despite the hype and the sudden stardom, Hodges remains true to himself.

“It goes back to who I am, being the person I am,” he said. “I’m a laid-back guy. I like to come in each and every day and be prepared and have fun. This is football. It’s my job, but at the same time there’s a good balance to have between having fun and getting prepared for the game.”

Like his game against the LA Chargers, which technically was a road start for Hodges and Pittsburgh, as about 70% of Dignity Health Sports Park was represented by those in black and gold, this week at Arizona will look like Hodges 3rd home start, as State Farm Stadium is expected to be overwhelmed by Steeler Nation.

It will likely be Kyler Murray having trouble yelling out snap counts and audibles, than when Hodges goes under center.

Every bit helps, as the Heisman winner from a year ago, is having a solid rookie campaign.

Expect the Steelers defense to bring the heat, and to utilize their height to neutralize the 5’10 quarterback of the Cardinals.

“I think with our pressure up front, he’s got to throw over us,” defensive captain Cameron Heyward said. “He’s not going to be able to see his targets, that’s what we’re hoping for. He buys time to make things happen.”

On paper, it looks like a bad day for Murray, who has been sacked 41 times this season. The Steelers defense has recorded 43 sacks, good for 3rd in the NFL.

Defensive coordinator Keith Butler will be devising a game plan to keep the rookie on his toes and very uncomfortable.

“You have to change it up,” Butler said. “You can’t always attack the quarterback. You can’t always sit back and wait for the quarterback to come to you. You have to change it up. You’ve got to throw him some fastballs at times, and you’ve got to throw him some curves.”

If the Pittsburgh defense is able to keep Murray under wraps this Sunday, they will likely be looking at an 8-5 record and the possibility of catching the Buffalo Bills for the #5 seed.

But first things first…

“The kid is very smart, and he does a lot of good things for them,” Butler said of Murray. “I see why they took him.”

Steelers key’s to winning

Keep Kyler Murray in the pocket! Quite simple, really. Bottle Murray up and get to him early and often, as Arizona has allowed 41 sacks in 2019.
Keep big pass plays to a minimum! The Cardinals have some talent in their offense, including a certain Hall of Famer to be in Larry Fitzgerald, well known to Pittsburgh fans during his days at Pitt. Charlie Kirk, KeeSean Johnson, and Pharoh Cooper have all shown signs of brilliance this year.
We are hungry for Benny Snell Football! Regardless if James Conner returns this season, Snell should get the nod till he proves he can’t handle the load. He gets stronger as the game goes on and needs to be a factor this Sunday in Glendale.
Keep Ducking away… Duck Hodges is making good decisions, knowing when to attack downfield, and when to take what’s given. His poise and confidence has elevated this entire offense. He has a good chance at putting up some numbers against Arizona’s poor defense.

Prediction

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Both Juju Smith-Schuster and James Conner are unlikely to suit up this Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.

Don’t expect the Steelers to feel sorry for themselves, as with this team, it’s always the “Next man up!” mentality for Pittsburgh.

James Washington has played like a #1 receiver the past few weeks, and Benny Snell has 37 carries for 161 yards and a touchdown over the past two games with Conner out.

Another Steeler who has elevated his game in taking over for a starter has been Javon Hargrave,

“He’s done a good job for us,” Keith Butler said Thursday after practice. “He’s been hard to block in a lot of ways, and he’s playing some good football for us right now.”

His fellow defense partners have taken notice, too.

“I thought he had three or four really good rushes to end that game, and then in Browns game, to push that out of field-goal territory was critical,” defensive end Cameron Heyward said. “I know he doesn’t get a lot of rushes, but when he does, he’s capable of winning each one.”

Once best known for stopping the run, he has added sacking the quarterback to his resume.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth in him as a pass-rusher, being able to win his one-on-one matchups,” said defensive lineman Tyson Alualu, who is in his third season with the Steelers. “Before I came here, he was very stout against the run, especially playing nose. With the more opportunities he’s been given, he’s been rushing pretty well.”

As Duck Hodges and the Steelers offense continues to progress, it is the Pittsburgh defense that is the backbone of this team, and the main reason they are in playoff contention.

It will be up to T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Heyward, and Hargrave to contain the very talented Kyler Murray and keep Kliff Kingsbury’s offense under wraps.

Arizona, despite its 3-8-1 record, possesses some explosive weapons on offense for Murray. Future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald is still as good as ever, leading the team with 61 receptions, 649 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Charlie Kirk is getting better each week, as are Pharoh Cooper and KeeSean Johnson.

David Johnson was once one of the best backs in the NFL, but injuries have hampered him the last two years. Kenyon Drake has done well since being acquired from Miami, and Chase Edmunds stepped up big time until he got hurt himself.

Last week vs the LA Rams, the Cardinals were blown away 34-7, with Murray going only 19-34 for 163 yards passing, and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Look for the Steeler defense to turn the heat up on the rookie and force him into a few bad throws that could result in a couple of big turnovers.

The Cardinals shouldn’t put up many yards on the ground, so they will likely be one dimensional.

The offense, behind Duck Hodges, will have an opportunity to put up some nice numbers, as the Cardinals defense is horrific, giving up 29.3 points per game, and over 426 total yards a contest, including 307 a pop to opposing QB’s.

As long as the Steelers don’t turn the ball over, they should take care of business and set up one helluva game vs the Bills next Sunday night at Heinz Field.

Steelers 24 Cardinals 13

Game day information

Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.

Field: Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda Grass

Game-time: Sunday, December 8th, at 4:25 pm ET

TV: CBS (Local on KDKA-TV)

Announcers: Andrew Catalon (play-by-play) James Lofton (analyst) Amanda Balionis (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: Dome / If open: 66 and partly cloudy.

NFL Standings / NFL Scoreboard

Game notes

Pittsburgh has 3 different players that have recorded at least 7.0 sacks this season (T.J. Watt with 12.5, Bud Dupree with 8.0 and Cam Heyward with 7.0). The Steelers and Rams are the only teams in the NFL with 3 players that have recorded at least 7.0 sacks.
Pittsburgh has registered 43 sacks over its first 12 games of 2019. The 43 sacks are the most for the Steelers over their first 12 games of a season since 1994 — when Pittsburgh registered 45 over its first 12 games.
Pittsburgh has registered at least 4.0 sacks in 5 of its last 6 games. The Steelers had a 3-game streak with at 4.0 sacks snapped at Cleveland (Nov. 14). The 3-game streak was tied for the fifth-longest single-season streak in franchise history and longest such
streak by Pittsburgh since 2004.

(*Courtesy of Steelers.com)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals history

Series history: Began in 1933

Steelers are 35-23-3 overall vs Cardinals

At home: 22-8-1
On the road: 12-15-2
Postseason: 1-0
Streak: Steelers won the last three games.
Last regular-season meeting: Oct. 18, 2015, in Pittsburgh (Steelers 25, Cardinals 13)
Last postseason meeting: Feb. 1st, 2009, in Tampa
(Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23) – Super Bowl XLIII

Fantasy football advice

Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers

Starters: WR James Washington, RB Benny Snell, Steelers Defense
Start at your own risk: QB Devlin Hodges
Sleepers: RB Jaylen Samuels
Sit: RB James Conner, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, TE Vance McDonald

Arizona Cardinals

Starters: WR Larry Fitzgerald
Start at your own risk: QB Kyler Murray, WR Charlie Kirk
Sleepers: RB Kenyon Drake
Sit: RB David Johnson

Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers

Overall record: 7-5

Head coach: Mike Tomlin (13th Season with Steelers)

Overall regular-season record: 132-71-1 (.647)
Playoff record: 8-7 (Qualified for playoffs 8 times)

2019 Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster

Steelers Team Statistics

Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Schedule

Last game: Steelers 20 Browns 13

Offense

Quarterbacks

Devlin Hodges*

The former Samford quarterback showed no fear when pressed into the starting role. When he’s in, he plays with poise and confidence.

Passing yards: 530

TD Passes: 3 / Interceptions: 2
Sacks: 3

Yards rushing: 31

Rushing TD’s: 0

Mason Rudolph

Yes, this is Rudolph’s first season being a starter with Big Ben out, but he has failed to grab the job by the reigns. Lack of confidence and bad pocket presence has hampered his game significantly.

Passing yards: 1,636

TD Passes: 12 / Interceptions: 9
Sacks: 14

Yards rushing: 43

Rushing TD’s: 0

Running backs

Benny Snell, Jr.*

Takes over starting duties with Conner injured. Looking more confident each week. Gets better as the game goes on.

Yards rushing: 279

Rushing TD’s: 1

Receptions: 3

Yards receiving: 23 / Receiving TD’s: 0

James Conner (Injured)

Down year after a Pro Bowl season. On the sidelines with injuries way too much.

Yards rushing: 390

Rushing TD’s: 4

Receptions: 30

Yards receiving: 242 / Receiving TD’s: 2

Jaylen Samuels

Athletic player who can play several positions. Dangerous as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Yards rushing: 153

Rushing TD’s: 1

Receptions: 39

Yards receiving: 234 / Receiving TD’s: 1

Trey Edmunds

Yards rushing: 92

Rushing TD’s: 0

Receptions: 5

Yards receiving: 41 / Receiving TD’s: 0

Kerrith Whyte

Yards rushing: 53

Rushing TD’s: 0

Receptions: 0

Yards receiving: 0 / Receiving TD’s: 0

Wide Receivers

Juju Smith-Schuster (Injured)

Smith-Schuster has struggled this season without Roethlisberger at the helm. Has missed the past two games with a knee injury.

Receptions: 38

Receiving yards: 524 / Receiving TD’s: 3

Diontae Johnson*

Talented rookie who makes the most of every reception. Blessed with wicked moves in open space. Needs to be more consistent.

Receptions: 36

Receiving yards: 423 / Receiving TD’s: 3

James Washington*

He was ready to have a breakout season and establish himself as a big-time play-maker in the NFL. Has been the team’s best receiver with Juju out.

Receptions: 30

Receiving yards: 579 / Receiving TD’s: 3

Tevin Jones

Receptions: 4

Receiving yards: 61 / Receiving TD’s: 0

Johnny Holton

Steelers deep threat, but has only one catch.

Receptions: 1

Receiving yards: 22 / Receiving TD’s: 0

Deon Cain

Receptions: 2

Receiving yards: 40 / Receiving TD’s: 0

Tight Ends

Vance McDonald*

The Vanimal, when unleashed, is a sight to see. Unfortunately, he has not played up to expectations this season.

Receptions: 32

Receiving yards: 242
Receiving TD’s: 2

Nate Vannett

The Ohio State product was acquired from the Seahawks earlier this season.

Receptions: 7

Receiving yards: 70
Receiving TD’s: 0

*Denotes Starter

Offensive line

Left Tackle: Alejandro Villanueva

Left Guard: B.J. Finney/Ramon Foster

Center: Maurkice Pouncey

Right Guard: David DeCastro

Right Tackle: Matt Feiler

Defense (Base 3-4)

Defensive end: Cam Heyward

Defensive tackle: Javon Hargrave/Dan McCullers

Defensive end: Tyson Alualu

Left outside linebacker: T.J. Watt

Left middle linebacker: Devin Bush/Mark Baron

Right middle linebacker: Vince Willams

Right outside linebacker: Bud Dupree

Cornerback: Joe Haden

Strong safety: Terrell Edmunds

Free safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Cornerback: Steven Nelson/Artie Burns

Nickle: Mike Hilton/Cameron Sutton

Special teams

Placekicker

Chris Boswell

Extra points: 23-23

Field goals: 23-25

0-19: 1-1 / 20-29: 9-9 / 30-39: 5-5 / 40-49: 7-8 / 50+: 1-2
Long: 51

Punter

Jordan Berry

Yards per punt: 46.1

Kickoff returners

Kerrith Whyte

Yards per kickoff return: 22.0

Return TD’s: 0

Punt returner

Diontae Johnson

Yards per kickoff return: 7.1

Return TD’s: 0

Scouting the Arizona Cardinals

Overall record: 3-8-1

Head coach: Kliff Kingsbury (1st season with Cardinals)

Overall regular-season record: 3-8-1 / 3-8-1 with Cardinals
Playoff record: 0-0 (Qualified for playoffs 0 times)

2019 Arizona Cardinals Team Roster

Arizona Team Statistics

Last game: Rams 34 Cardinals 7

Offense

Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray*

The talented rookie has had his ups and downs, but looks to be a future star for years to come.

Passing yards: 2,866

TD passes: 14
Interceptions: 6
Sacks: 41

Yards rushing: 446

Rushing TD’s: 4

Running backs

Kenyon Drake*

Has taken over the starting duties since being acquired from Miami.

Yards rushing: 243

Rushing TD’s: 1

Receptions: 18

Yards receiving: 91
Receiving TD’s: 0

David Johnson

Once one of the best in the league, injuries have submarined his year.

Yards rushing: 317
Rushing TD’s: 2

Receptions: 33

Yards receiving: 332
Receiving TD’s: 0

Chase Edmunds

Yards rushing: 295

Rushing TD’s: 4

Receptions: 12

Yards receiving: 105
Receiving TD’s: 1

Wide Receivers

Larry Fitzgerald*

The future HOF receiver leads the team in receptions and touchdown catches.

Receptions: 61

Receiving yards: 649
Receiving TD’s: 3

Charlie Kirk*

Will eventually take over as the Cards #1 WR. Having a solid rookie year.

Receptions: 49

Receiving yards: 531
Receiving TD’s: 3

KeeSean Johnson

Receptions: 21

Receiving yards: 187
Receiving TD’s: 1

Pharoh Cooper

Receptions: 20

Receiving yards: 183
Receiving TD’s: 1

Damiere Byrd

Receptions: 17

Receiving yards: 178
Receiving TD’s: 1

Andy Isabella

Receptions: 7

Receiving yards: 180
Receiving TD’s: 1

Tight Ends

Charles Clay*

Receptions: 15

Receiving yards: 198
Receiving TD’s: 0

Maxx Williams

Receptions: 11

Receiving yards: 139
Receiving TD’s: 1

*Denotes Starter

Defense (Base 3-4)

Have had some success in getting to the opposing QB, as they have 30 sacks, but overall, they are pathetic, allowing 426.3 yards per game in total yards, and allowing 307.5 in the passing game. LB Jordan Hicks leads the team with 116 tackles and three INT’s, with fellow LB Chandler Jones a beast getting 13.5 sacks so far. Don’t forget our old adversary Terrell Suggs.