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 victory, 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.
Steelers fully healthy heading into crucial game vs Jets
After weeks of standing on the sidelines for games, one member of the Pittsburgh Steelers is itching to get back onto the field of play.
“I’m super excited,” Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster said, “just because I haven’t been playing for a while. And now that I’m back, to be around my boys, the coaches, players, and just to be myself.”
Smith-Schuster, as well as tight end Vance McDonald and cornerback Joe Haden all practiced fully Friday and none were listed on the Friday Injury Report.
Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges is hoping a full complement of weapons will aide an offense that is sorely lacking scoring punch. The Steelers have scored just one offensive touchdown in six of the last seven games.
It won’t be easy this week against a pretty good New York Jets defense.
“Facing a Gregg Williams defense is going to be challenging, especially when you have a young quarterback,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. “Their ability to get after young quarterbacks has been a catalyst.”
This is the same team that sacked Giants rookie Daniel Jones and Redskins rookie Dwayne Haskins six times each in Weeks 10 and 11.
Speaking of sacks, the Steelers defense will be hungry to introduce themselves to jet’s QB Sam Darnold.
“He has all the talent that makes him a top draft pick,” Tomlin said of Darnold. “He has great mobility and arm strength and touch. He doesn’t panic under pressure. He has been a big challenge, watching the tape, in terms of the things that they do with him. They run him in the red zone. He has a couple rushing touchdowns. There are a lot of top-notch young quarterbacks in the league.”
Both T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree plan to be in Darnold’s face all day, but defensive coordinator Keith Butler would prefer they force Darnold to his left.
“He rarely gets fooled, in terms of holding the ball and stuff where he panics,” Butler said of Darnold. “You don’t see that a lot out of him. What we’ve got to try to do is get him in those situations best we can.
“When he scrambles and goes to his right, he’s pretty accurate. Or inside the pocket, he’s pretty accurate. I think he would tell you he’d rather scramble to the right than the left or stay in the pocket and throw the ball. That’s probably where he’s more successful. It’s important that we make him scramble to his left and flush him out.”
Pittsburgh will also be on the lookout for former teammate Le’Veon Bell.
“It’s just the competitive spirit in us,” Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds said, “just to go out there and play hard and knowing a lot of these guys played on the same team as him, just put it out there and talk junk to him a little bit because that was your teammate at one time. You still may be friends with him, but you just want to go out and beat him.”
Last year, a few Steelers voiced their displeasure of how the whole Bell holdout ended last year with Bell sitting out the whole season despite telling several teammates that he’d only miss a few games.
“I think, honestly, you move on from it,” Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward said. “You understand that we’ve got bigger fish to fry. It’s the next game in our way, we’ve got to take care of business. If we focus in on one person, the other team will beat you, so we are going up there to beat the New York Jets, not Le’Veon Bell.”
Smith-Schuster said it best about his former teammate…
“It’s going to be fun,” said Smith-Schuster. “I’m going to be rooting for him. He’s a guy who when I was rookie, I got here and he was a great mentor for me, a good dude. I’m happy for him, what he’s doing – but at the same time, we’re going to have to put Le’Veon down.”
Steelers key’s to victory
Offense
- Juju Smith-Schuster… Line him up in the slot. Have James Washington and Dionate Johnson on the outside with their speed, and let Juju manipulate the middle where he is at his best.
- 17… That’s the minimum goal offensively for the Steelers to score. One touchdown in six of seven games isn’t gonna cut it.
- Duck Hodges… He needs to play smart and take his shots when opportunities arise. The Jets will likely stack the box and dare him to throw. With a full complement of weapons available, Hodges should be able to hit a few deep shots and keep the Jets honest.
- Run the damn ball… James Conner ran well last week, yet he only was given eight chances! The Ravens pounded the ball successfully last week vs the Jets. Persistence pays off.
Defense
- Sam Darnold… Keep the pressure on Darnold, who is prone to turnovers.
- Get reacquainted with Le’Veon Bell… Nice talk aside, he’s the enemy now, and when he gets the ball, you lay the wood to him. Contain Bell and you keep this offense quiet.
Prediction
The days of having a fall back crutch are all but over. When the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) visit the New York Jets (5-9) this Sunday, they will be in control of their own playoff destiny. Win the last two games of the year and they are in as the AFC 6th seed. If the Steelers split their final two games, they will have to hope the Tennessee Titans lose when they face the Houston Texans next week in the regular-season finale.
Even though the Jets have a formidable run defense, the Steelers will have to find a way to gain some yards on the ground to help aide an offense that is having trouble passing the ball.
The formula has worked well for the Steelers most of the season, but it seemed the team abandoned the run far too soon last week against the Bills, a game in which they watched a 10-7 lead turn into a 17-10 loss.
“I don’t know about that,” Tomlin said about passing too much. “A little situation in the second half may have dictated a little bit more. At halftime, it was close to 50-50. I don’t know if it’s always about the number. You like to kick yourself sometimes and say maybe we should have run it more here, maybe we should have passed it a little bit more on first down — things like that.
“It goes back to efficiency. We have to be efficient when we do call the run and the pass and expect that we’ll obviously protect the ball as well.”
This will be a game in which the Steelers will have only themselves to blame if they lose. With all of his weapons available for the first time in months, offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner should be able to have Duck Hodges prepared to put some points on the board for the struggling Steelers offense.
The defense should be able to put enough pressure on Sam Darnold to cause a few turnovers.
Play smart, efficient, and do not, by any means, turn the ball over.
This team has endured plenty of hardships this season and has found ways to continue winning despite the adversity it has faced. It will be another close game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but at the end of the day…
Steelers 20 Jets 10
Game day information
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
Field: Synthetic Turf
Game-time: Sunday, December 22nd, at 1:00 pm ET
TV: CBS (Local on KDKA-TV)
- Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) Dan Fouts (analyst) Evan Washburn (reporter)
Local radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE & WBGG 970 AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (analyst) Craig Wolfley (sideline) Missi Matthews (sideline)
Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Weather at kickoff: Sunny and 43. Winds WSW 5-10 MPH.
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -3.5
Game notes
- LB T.J. Watt has put together an NFL Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season in 2019. He ranks in the top-five in the NFL in sacks, tackles for loss, quarterback hits, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.
- • DT Cameron Heyward is third on the team in sacks (8.0), third in tackles for loss (10) and second in quarterback hits (19).
- • LB Bud Dupree ranks either first or second in the Steelers in sacks (9.5, 2nd), tackles for loss (13, 2nd) and forced fumbles (4, 2nd).
- Hines Ward is an offensive assistant with the Jets.
(*Courtesy of Steelers.com)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs NY Jets history
Series history: Began in 1970
Steelers are 20-5 overall vs Jets
- At home: 10-1
- On the road: 10-4
- Postseason: 2-0
- Streak: Steelers won the last game.
- Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 31-13 (Oct. 9, 2016)
- Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 24-19 (Jan. 23, 2011) AFC Championship Game
Fantasy football advice
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Starters: Steelers Defense, RB James Conner
- Start at your own risk: WR Juju Smith-Schuster (if he plays)
- Sleepers: WR James Washington, WR Dionate Johnson
- Sit: RB Benny Snell
NY Jets
- Starters: Jets Defense
- Start at your own risk: RB LeVeon Bell
- Sleepers: None
- Sit: None
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 8-6
Head coach: Mike Tomlin (13th Season with Steelers)
- Overall regular-season record: 133-72-1 (.647)
- Playoff record: 8-7 (Qualified for playoffs 8 times)
2019 Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Schedule
Last game: Bills 17 Steelers 10
Offense
Quarterbacks
Devlin Hodges*
The former Samford quarterback has shown no fear when pressed into the starting role. He’s only 3-0, already defeating a future HOF, and the last two Heisman and Overall #1 picks in the NFL Draft.
Passing yards: 884
- TD Passes: 5 / Interceptions: 6
- Sacks: 10
Yards rushing: 69
- 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
James Conner*
Down year after a Pro Bowl season.
Yards rushing: 432
- Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 34
- Yards receiving: 2451 / Receiving TD’s: 3
Benny Snell, Jr.
Takes over starting duties with Conner injured. Looking more confident each week. Gets better as the game goes on.
Yards rushing: 321
- Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 3
- Yards receiving: 23 / Receiving TD’s: 0
Jaylen Samuels
An athletic player who can play several positions. Dangerous as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Yards rushing: 168
- Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 42
- Yards receiving: 257 / Receiving TD’s: 1
Trey Edmunds
Good dual purpose back.
Yards rushing: 92
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 6
- Yards receiving: 48 / Receiving TD’s: 0
Kerrith Whyte
Superb speed that takes defenses by surprise.
Yards rushing: 99
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1
- Yards receiving: 9 / Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Juju Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster has struggled this season without Roethlisberger at the helm. Hopeful to see flashes of his old self when he returns from 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: 47
- Receiving yards: 545 / Receiving TD’s: 4
James Washington*
He was ready to have a breakout season and establish himself as a big-time playmaker in the NFL. Has been the team’s best receiver with Juju out.
Receptions: 39
- Receiving yards: 694 / Receiving TD’s: 3
Deon Cain
Former Clemson Tiger has speed and talent. May be a steal from the Colts.
Receptions: 3
- Receiving yards: 62 / Receiving TD’s: 0
Johnny Holton
Steelers deep threat, but has only one has catch.
Receptions: 3
- Receiving yards: 21 / Receiving TD’s: 0
Amara Darboh
Receptions: 0
- Receiving yards: 0 / 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. Injuries have slowed him all year.
Receptions: 33
- Receiving yards: 245
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Nate Vannett
The Ohio State product was acquired from the Seahawks earlier this season. Best used as a blocker.
Receptions: 12
- Receiving yards: 110
- 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/Zach Banner
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: 26-26
Field goals: 27-29
- 0-19: 1-1 / 20-29: 10-10 / 30-39: 7-7 / 40-49: 8-9 / 50+: 1-2
- Long: 51
Punter
Jordan Berry
Yards per punt: 45.9
Kickoff returners
Kerrith Whyte
Yards per kickoff return: 19.4
- Return TD’s: 0
Punt returner
Diontae Johnson
Yards per kickoff return: 12.3
- Return TD’s: 1
Scouting the NY Jets
Overall record: 5-9
Head coach: Adam Gase (1st season with Jets)
- Overall regular-season record: 28-34 (.437) / 5-9 (.357) with Jets
- Playoff record: 0-0 (Qualified for playoffs 0 times)
Last game: Ravens 42 Jets 21
Offense
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold*
Seems to be rounding into form after a rough start. Next season may be the one he finally brings it all together.
Passing yards: 2,642
- TD passes: 17
- Interceptions: 12
- Sacks: 29
Yards rushing: 61
- Rushing TD’s: 2
Running backs
LeVeon Bell*
Not quite the Le’Veon we knew in Pittsburgh. Numbers and production are way down.
Yards rushing: 676
- Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 57
- Yards receiving: 404
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Bilal Powell
- Yards rushing: 199
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 6
- Yards receiving: 28
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Ty Montgomery
- Yards rushing: 96
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 12
- Yards receiving: 89
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Robbie Anderson*
Leads the team with 729 yards receiving. Doing ok, but not as well as he expected to in 2019.
Receptions: 47
- Receiving yards: 729
- Receiving TD’s: 4
Jamison Crowder*
Jets leader in receptions with 66 catches.
Receptions: 66
- Receiving yards: 717
- Receiving TD’s: 5
Demaryius Thomas
Receptions: 36
- Receiving yards: 433
- Receiving TD’s: 1
Vyncint Smith
Receptions: 11
- Receiving yards: 157
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Braxton Berrios
Receptions: 5
- Receiving yards: 104
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Tight Ends
Ryan Griffin*
Receptions: 34
- Receiving yards: 320
- Receiving TD’s: 5
*Denotes Starter
Defense (Base 3-4)
Pretty stout against the run, only allowing 88.8 yards per game on the ground. Giving up 24.5 points per game in 2019. LB Jordan Jenkins has seven sacks in 2019. Safety Jamal Adams is dangerous blitzing from the secondary and has 6.5 sacks so far.
Special teams
Placekicker
Sam Ficken
Extra points: 21-24
FG: 14-20
- 0-19: 0-0 / 20-29: 2-2 / 30-39: 5-5 / 40-49: 5-9 / 50+: 2-4
- Long: 54
Injury report (12/20/19)
Pittsburgh
- Out: None
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
NY Jets
- Out: None
- Doubtful: OL Tom Compton (Calf), WR Demaryius Thomas (Hamstring/Knee),
- Questionable: S Jamal Adams (Ankle), WR Robby Anderson (Illness), DL Henry Anderson (Shoulder), OT Kelvin Beachum (Ankle), CB Arthur Maulet (Calf), DL Steve Mclendon (Knee), CB Brian Poole (Concussion/Ankle), RB Bilal Powell (Ankle), DL Quinnen Williams (neck)
Offensive stats
Total yards per game
- Pittsburgh: 299.1
- NY Jets: 296.2
Passing yards per game
- Pittsburgh: 207.6
- NY Jets: 218.6
Rushing yards per game
- Pittsburgh: 91.5
- NY Jets: 77.6
Points per game
- Pittsburgh: 19.2
- NY Jets: 17.6
Defensive stats
Total yards per game allowed
- Pittsburgh: 307.4
- NY Jets: 328.6
Passing yards per game allowed
- Pittsburgh: 204.1
- NY Jets: 239.9
Rushing yards per game allowed
- Pittsburgh: 103.2
- NY Jets: 88.8
Points allowed
- Pittsburgh: 18.5
- NY Jets: 24.5
Sacks
- Pittsburgh: 49
- NY Jets: 30
Interceptions
- Pittsburgh: 19
- NY Jets: 8
Fumbles recovered
- Pittsburgh: 17
- NY Jets: 7
