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 head into season finale needing a win and some help to make playoffs
If the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) are to make the playoffs, they’ll need to beat their rivals in Baltimore (13-2) and then hope Houston finds a way to take care of Tennessee. The Texans may or may not have anything to play for depending on the outcome of the Chiefs-Chargers game at 1:00 p.m. this Sunday afternoon.
First, to beat a team that has already wrapped up the AFC #1 seed, and will be resting several key starters, including probable MVP Lamar Jackson, the Steelers will need their offense, namely their quarterback, to score more than just one offensive touchdown, something Pittsburgh has done in seven out the last eight games.
Devlin “Duck” Hodges was the toast of the town when he started off 3-0 for the Steelers. The quarterback of Samford, not to be confused with Stanford, was an undrafted free agent, cut by the team at the end of training camp, only to be resigned after the team traded Josh Dobbs away.
No one ever dreamed that Hodges would see one play this year, let alone almost leading the team to a playoff spot after Ben Roethlisberger was injured in week two, and Mason Rudolph suffered not one, but two different injuries that lead to Hodges manning the Pittsburgh offense.
He has done about as good as anyone could’ve written for a rags to riches Hollywood-esque style story as the Steelers quarterback. He doesn’t have the greatest arm, but what he lacked in pure talent, was offset by a cool presence in the pocket and a brash confidence that would make any Southerner proud.
Since the Buffalo Bills game, Hodges has hit a wall, throwing just one touchdown and six interceptions. He has also been sacked seven times in the last two games.
Now, with Rudolph out again, this time for good, Hodges will have one more chance to make amends and put this team in position to make the playoffs as the AFC #6 seed.
His teammates and coaches still believe he can right the ship and create the storybook ending. They want the Duck that played aggressive and without fear.
“Yeah, you can be aggressive — just throw it to the right person,” said Steelers WR Juju Smith-Schuster with a smile.
“That’s it. ‘Duck, c’mon man, we’re not playing duck-duck-goose. Throw it to the right person, Duck. Let’s get it.’”
Smith-Schuster is looking to re-establish himself in the passing game after a down season racked with injuries. Like Hodges, Juju has one game left to make something of the 2019 season.
“I would expect that he would eliminate any mistakes that he’s made, and whatever mistake he makes in this game would be a new one,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said Thursday. “He’s been pretty good at that, minus a handful of balls that just could have been in other places (or when he) could have been more protective of the football. As far as game management and some of the things he’s done with protection and learning the system, he’s done really well.”
Both Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels are eager to get the ground game going with James Conner out again with another injury. Balance for this offense would help immensely and hopefully take some of the pressure of the shoulders of Devlin Hodges.
“The mentality, everything stays the same,” Snell said Friday. “Nothing really ever changes. It’s just an opportunity to show what I can do.”
Snell is second behind Conner on the Steelers with 335 rushing yards.
Kerrith Whyte is also looking for an opportunity to shine.
“Whatever the team calls me for, I’ll be ready,” Whyte said. “I’m a change-of-pace back. When I come in, I try to make something happen and provide a spark for the team.”
Steelers key’s to victory
Offense
- Play to win, not to lose… It’s do or die. Time to leave it all out on the field. If Duck Hodges starts tossing INT’s, then Paxton Lynch should get a look. Run Benny Snell and utilize Jaylen Samuels to his full potential.
- No turnovers… It’s been Duck’s biggest problem the past two games. He has to be smart with his throws. He displayed some of the talent we all saw when he was forced back into action when Mason Rudolph was injured.
- Receivers need a big game: Duck, or Lynch, will need to be confident, and that means their receivers making plays and securing the ball. Time for James Washington, Diontae Johnson, and Juju Smith-Schuster to give it their all.
Defense
- Bring the heat to RGIII… Griffin has barely played, so facing a Steelers defense when they are playing like they can and will likely force a few turnovers that could change the fortunes of this game and aid the offense for a few short drives.
- Contain the running game of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill… Bottle up the Ravens run game and force RGIII to beat you through the air. Minkah Fitzpatrick should be salivating.
Prediction
There’s not much to say. It’s now or never for the Steelers, and even then, it may not be enough to get into the playoffs.
After losing Ben Roethlisberger in week two, and multiple games without James Conner, Juju Smith-Schuster, and back-up Mason Rudolph, it’s hard not to be proud of what this team has accomplished, despite starting off 0-3 and 1-4.
They could’ve easily tossed in the white towel and played for a top draft pick, but the team traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick, turning a good defense into a great one, and giving the team a fighting chance every week.
It was incredible to see them at 8-5, getting a shot at the #5 seed, but turnovers and lack of an offense finally caught up to this team the last two weeks. Now it is what it is, and no matter what happens this Sunday, the players, coaches, and fans can hold their heads high and be proud of a team that stared adversity in the face and fought to the bitter end. They never once quit or complained about the situation they were placed in.
This week expect to see this team fight and claw itself out of the corner and find a way to put some points on the board vs a Ravens team that will be resting their star players for the playoffs. This is a proud team and defense that would like to make one final statement, and perhaps lay the groundwork for the 2020 season when Ben Roethlisberger returns, perhaps setting up one final Super Bowl run for this core of players, and returning the Steelers to the ranks of the elite.
If they’re going down, they’re going down fighting.
“Maybe I was trying to force a ball a little bit instead of what they’re giving me,” Duck Hodges said about his last two games. “I have to take a step back a little bit and go back to how I was playing those first couple games and taking what the defense gives me.
“I’ve got all the confidence in the world in myself and my guys. Now, we just have to go out and do it.”
Steelers 20 Ravens 13
Game day information
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.
Field: Bermuda Grass
Game-time: Sunday, December 29th, at 4:25 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: Cloudy & 46. 50% chance of rain. Winds ESE 5 MPH.
Vegas line: Pittsburgh -2.5
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 (14.0, 4th), quarterback hits (33, 1st), forced fumbles (7, 2nd) and fumble recoveries (4, t-2nd). Watt also ranks tied for eighth in tackles for loss (14).
- Pittsburgh carries an 11-game winning streak in regular-season finales into the Week 17 match-up at Baltimore. The Steelers have also captured each of their last 4 regular season finales on the road.
- In 2019, the Steelers have clinched their 16th consecutive season with a .500 record or better, which is the second-longest active streak in the NFL, and the longest streak in team history (1972-1984, 13).
(*Courtesy of Steelers.com)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens history
Series history: Began in 1996
Steelers are 28-23 overall vs Ravens
- At home: 17-11
- On the road: 11-12
- Postseason: 3-1
- Streak: Ravens won the last game.
- Last regular-season meeting: Ravens Win, 26-23 (OT) (Oct. 6, 2018)
- Last postseason meeting: Ravens Win, 30-17 (Jan. 3, 2015 AFC Wild Card Game
Fantasy football advice
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Starters: Steelers Defense
- Start at your own risk: None
- Sleepers: WR James Washington, WR Dionate Johnson, RB Jaylen Samuels
- Sit: RB Benny Snell, WR Juju Smith-Schuster
Baltimore Ravens
- Starters: None
- Start at your own risk: Ravens Defense
- Sleepers: RB Gus Edwards
- Sit: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Mark Ingram, TE Mark Andrews
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 8-7
Head coach: Mike Tomlin (13th Season with Steelers)
- Overall regular-season record: 133-73-1 (.645)
- Playoff record: 8-7 (Qualified for playoffs 8 times)
2019 Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster
Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Schedule
Last game: Jets 16 Steelers 10
Steelers offense
- Points per game: 18.6
- Total yards per game: 298.3
- Passing yards per game: 207.9
- Rushing yards per game: 90.4
Quarterbacks
Devlin Hodges*
The former Samford quarterback had shown no fear when pressed into the starting role. He started off 3-0, but his play and decision making have plummeted the past few weeks, resulting in interception after interception.
Passing yards: 968
- TD Passes: 5 / Interceptions: 8
- Sacks: 13
Yards rushing: 69
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Paxton Lynch
The former first round pick of the Broncos may get a chance to play if Hodges falters vs the Ravens.
Passing yards:0
- TD Passes: 0 / Interceptions: 0
- Sacks: 0
Yards rushing: 0
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Mason Rudolph (Injured)
Ben Roethlisberger (Injured)
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: 335
- 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: 175
- Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 46
- Yards receiving: 289 / 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: 121
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1
- Yards receiving: 9 / Receiving TD’s: 0
James Conner (Injured)
Down year after a Pro Bowl season.
Yards rushing: 464
- Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 34
- Yards receiving: 251 / Receiving TD’s: 3
Wide Receivers
Diontae Johnson*
Talented rookie who makes the most of every reception. Blessed with wicked moves in open space. Needs to be more consistent.
Receptions: 55
- Receiving yards: 626 / Receiving TD’s: 5
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: 44
- Receiving yards: 735 / Receiving TD’s: 3
Juju Smith-Schuster*
Smith-Schuster has struggled this season without Roethlisberger at the helm.
Receptions: 40
- Receiving yards: 546 / Receiving TD’s: 3
Deon Cain
Former Clemson Tiger has speed and talent. May be a steal from the Colts.
Receptions: 5
- Receiving yards: 72 / Receiving TD’s: 0
Johnny Holton
Steelers deep threat, but has only one has catch.
Receptions: 3
- Receiving yards: 21 / 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: 36
- Receiving yards: 254
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Nate Vannett
The Ohio State product was acquired from the Seahawks earlier this season. Best used as a blocker.
Receptions: 13
- Receiving yards: 128
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Placekicker
Chris Boswell
Extra points: 27-27
Field goals: 28-30
- 0-19: 1-1 / 20-29: 10-10 / 30-39: 7-7 / 40-49: 9-10 / 50+: 1-2
- Long: 51
*Denotes Starter
Offensive line
Left Tackle: Alejandro Villanueva
Left Guard: Ramon Foster
Center: B.J. Finney
Right Guard: David DeCastro
Right Tackle: Matt Feiler/Zach Banner
Steelers defense (Base 3-4)
- Points allowed: 18.3
- Total yards per game allowed: 304.1
- Passing yards per game allowed: 202.1
- Rushing yards per game allowed: 102
- Sacks: 51
- Interceptions: 19
- Forced fumbles: 18
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
Scouting the Baltimore Ravens
Overall record: 13-2
Head coach: John Harbaugh (12th season with Ravens)
- Overall regular-season record: 117-74 (.613) / 117-74 (.613) with Ravens
- Playoff record: 10-6 (Qualified for playoffs 7 times)
Baltimore Team Statistics Defensive Stats
Last game: Ravens 31 Browns 15
Ravens offense
- Points per game: 33.5
- Total yards per game: 421.8
- Passing yards per game: 216.9
- Rushing yards per game: 204.9
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson
More than likely the 2019 NFL MVP. Has been amazing with both his arm and legs.
Passing yards: 3,127
- TD passes: 36
- Interceptions: 6
- Sacks: 23
Yards rushing: 1,206
- Rushing TD’s: 7
Robert Griffin III*
Will start the game in place of Jackson vs the Steelers.
Passing yards: 129
- TD passes: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 2
Yards rushing: 20
- Rushing TD’s: 0
Running backs
Mark Ingram*
Has found a home in Baltimore, but will sit this game out with an injury to rest.
Yards rushing: 1,018
- Rushing TD’s: 10
Receptions: 26
- Yards receiving: 247
- Receiving TD’s: 5
Gus Edwards
Edwards likely to get the bulk of the carries. Has been impressive when utilized.
- Yards rushing: 581
- Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 6
- Yards receiving: 43
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Justice Hill
- Yards rushing: 186
- Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 7
- Yards receiving: 60
- Receiving TD’s: 0
Wide Receivers
Marquise Brown*
The Ravens best wide receiver, looking pretty good for a rookie.
Receptions: 44
- Receiving yards: 569
- Receiving TD’s: 7
Willie Snead IV*
May only have 28 receptions, but five of them have resulted in touchdowns.
Receptions: 28
- Receiving yards: 317
- Receiving TD’s: 5
Seth Roberts
Receptions: 21
- Receiving yards: 271
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Myles Boykin
Receptions: 13
- Receiving yards: 198
- Receiving TD’s: 3
Tight Ends
Mark Andrews
One of the Ravens biggest threats catching the ball from Jackson. Big target with soft hands.
Receptions: 64
- Receiving yards: 852
- Receiving TD’s: 10
Nick Boyle*
Receptions: 30
- Receiving yards: 315
- Receiving TD’s: 12
Hayden Hurst
Receptions: 28
- Receiving yards: 314
- Receiving TD’s: 2
Special teams
Placekicker
Justin Tucker
Extra points: 55-57
FG: 24-25
- 0-19: 0-0 / 20-29: 7-7 / 30-39: 9-9 / 40-49: 7-8 / 50+: 1-1
- Long: 51
*Denotes Starter
Ravens defense (Base 4-3)
- Points allowed: 18.1
- Total yards per game allowed: 309.4
- Passing yards per game allowed: 215.9
- Rushing yards per game allowed: 93.5
- Sacks: 35
- Interceptions: 13
- Forced fumbles: 13
Injury report (12/27/19)
Pittsburgh
- Out: RB James Conner (Quad), C Maurkice Pouncey (Knee)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: None
Baltimore Ravens
- Out: RB Mark Ingram (Ankle)
- Doubtful: None
- Questionable: WR Marquise Brown (Illness), TE Mark Andrews (Ankle), CB Jimmy Smith (NIR), CB Marcus Peters (Chest), S Earl Thomas (NIR)
