5 Steelers to watch against Commanders
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a unique position entering NFL Week 10: they got healthier during the bye week, added two veterans to their roster via trade, are on a win streak, and have more depth across the board. Head coach Mike Tomlin, who’s been preparing the team to face an electric Washington Commanders team on Sunday, said that the staff spent time pondering how to utilize all the personnel they have at their disposal.
“But I don’t view that as a problem… Having guys that are capable, and guys that have ascended and performed well in (the place of injured players), and the complications of infusing them back into the fold again is a problem that I’ll welcome, if you want to describe it as that.”
That lead us to look at five Steelers players worth watching more closely during Week 10’s game in D.C.
Preston Smith
Ask Steelers defensive coordinator about the acquisition of defensive end/edge Preston Smith was and you’ll hear him say, “I think it was important… it gives us really quality depth out there…” That depth at the edge was thin, despite T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith (who recently returned from injury), due to injuries to Nick Herbig and Jeremiah Moon. Elevating Ade Ogundeji was a temporary patch over a leak in the defense’s pass rush.
Smith’s veteran experience gives Austin more options should Watt and/or Highsmith need to come to the sideline. Against the Giants, both of the starters were on the sidelines when Daniel Jones attempted a comeback late in the Week 8 game; thankfully Beanie Bishop intercepted the pass. It’s unknown how many snaps Smith may get, but his skill should be a bonus as he works into the lineup.
George Pickens
The chemistry between Russell Wilson and his receivers seems to be improving weekly. While Pittsburgh traded for Mike Williams this week, they’ve been working him in. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said,
“Chemistry and fit matter. What is a guy’s role going to be? It’s going to be different from the team he was previously on. They’ve got to earn their role, too… There can be some challenges, if it’s not done the right way. You have to be mindful of the guys that have been here, guys that have been doing really well for us. Putting a guy up that comes in mid-year, you’re taking reps from somebody else.”
Pickens, who has re-emerged with Wilson getting more deep targets to him, should get plenty of opportunities against the Commanders. The Washington backfield may be their defense’s weakest area. According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Commanders’ secondary was ranked 31st in the league with a score of 6 on October 8th. Although they’ve improved since then, they have allowed an average of 184.0 passing yards per game and 14 touchdown receptions in nine weeks.
Russell Wilson speaks to the media on Thursday, Nov. 7 ahead of the Steelers game against the Commanders: pic.twitter.com/JjNuaNMnln
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) November 7, 2024
Cameron Heyward
The numbers aren’t lost on the Steelers’ veteran defensive end; the Commanders rank 3rd in the league in rushing offensively. They utilize a dual-back scheme – similar to the Steelers – with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Robinson, who’s dealing with a hamstring issue, has carried the ball for 461 yards and six touchdowns to Ekeler’s 282 yards and two touchdowns.
Yes, the Steelers run defense is ranked 4th in the league, but that doesn’t mean they can let up in Week 10. Heyward admitted,
“It’s not just one guy… You add in the quarterback factor [Jayden Daniels], it allows for their whole offense to feel comfortable. No matter who’s on the field, no matter if [their backfield is] empty, you’ve still got to value the run. You’ve got to be very cognizant of everybody’s game.”
Heyward said that the Pittsburgh defense, especially the line, wants to do better against the run than they did against the Giants and that means maintaining gap integrity, getting off of blocks, and playing as a unit. Captain Cam will be out there communicating, motivating, and exerting his will on Sunday.
Cameron Sutton
Sutton, having finished his NFL suspension, is ready to get back onto the field. With Bishop playing as a utility defensive back in his absence, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has the luxury of multiple personnel to utilize against Daniels and the Commanders.
“I love our group,” Sutton said this week. “I’ve spent a lot of time with our guys. It’s a group that is hungry, love playing together with each other, and it’s exciting to be around… I’ve been in meetings. I’ve been working and doing everything I need to do to stay ready.”
Sutton is a player Austin feels he can plug and play wherever he’s needed in the Steelers backfield. How much time on the field he sees will likely come down to necessity.
Zach Frazier
The injury the rookie center suffered could have been devastating for the Steelers offense. Thankfully Ryan McCollum stepped in and made an impact without blinking, something Mike Tomlin appreciates.
Frazier practiced this week and, if he gets the start, will be closely watched. He had a few bad snaps with Justin Fields at quarterback. Expect his tenacity to help pave the way for the Steelers run game if he’s 100 percent. If he struggles, don’t be surprised if McCollum relieves him once again.
Cam Heyward and Najee Harris speak to the media on Thursday, Nov. 7 ahead of the Steelers game against the Commanders: pic.twitter.com/VXyiOsnOEt
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) November 7, 2024
