Series Thread: Forecast Friday: Steelers

[Stymietee]

Washington Commanders vs. Pittsburg Steelers

Date: November 10, 2024

Time: 1:00 PM ET

Location: North-West Field, Landover, Maryland

Broadcast: CBS with Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn, and Washington Commanders Radio Network.

I have mixed emotions heading into this game primarily because Mike Tomlin is one of the best Head Coaches in all of football, a personal favorite, and one I find difficult to root against. Perhaps, it’s due to his not having a losing season in all of his years as a professional head coach, or that he represents the stability that I’ve long hoped for… for Washington. Imagine Washington, instead of the dismal wreck that it has been, being an organization that is on its 3rd head coach since 1969, Chuck Noll 1969-1991, Bill Cowher 1992-2006, and now Tomlin 2007 to present. Make no mistake, I'm pulling for the home team in this one to continue its impressive yet largely unexpected string of victories but not without some major concerns. In a highly anticipated Week 10 matchup, this game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting of the season, with both teams vying for a crucial victory.
The Commanders have been impressive on offense, averaging 29.2 points per game. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniel has been a standout, balancing passing with his mobility. Washington's running game has been little appreciated but will be the key to maintaining their season-long balanced attack and testing the Steelers run defense.The Steelers excel defensively in the red zone, making it difficult for opponents to score touchdowns. As a result, the Commanders' Red zone efficiency will be severely tested by the visitors and if needed, reliance on an extra down because the Commanders lead the NFL in fourth-down efficiency, converting all 11 of their attempts through nine weeks.

The Steelers' defense, led by standout linebacker T.J. Watt has been one of the best in the league, allowing only 119 points so far this season. Steelers' quarterback Russell Wilson has thrown for 542 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games while running back Najee Harris has been averaging over 100 rushing yards. This is probably the start of the most difficult part of the regular season schedule for the Commanders if they can maintain their winning ways against a 6-2 Pittsburgh team it bodes well for all aspirations toward a division title and that coveted playoff berth. The oddsmakers have the Commanders as 3-point favorites as I post this, which suggests that despite an impressive 7-2 seasonal mark and a thus far undefeated home record (4-0) the experts still have questions about the home team.




Here's what they're saying...





My Predictive Game Summaries:

Washington Commanders vs. Pittsburgh Steelers November 10, 2024, As I see it!

First Quarter​

The game kicks off with the Commanders' fans roaring in anticipation. The Steelers win the coin toss and elect to receive. Russell Wilson leads a methodical drive, mixing short passes and Najee Harris runs. The Steelers cap it with a 3-yard touchdown run by Harris. (Steelers 7, Commanders 0)
Jayden Daniels takes the field, ready to respond. He connects with Terry McLaurin on a deep 40-yard pass, energizing the crowd. The Commanders' drive stalls in the red zone, leading to an Austin Seibert 35-yard field goal. (Steelers 7, Commanders 3)

Second Quarter​

The Steelers' offense finds their rhythm again, driving down the field with Wilson hitting newly acquired Mike Williams for a 25-yard gain. However, the Commanders' defense stands firm, forcing a field goal attempt. Chris Boswell nails a 42-yarder. (Steelers 10, Commanders 3)
Jayden Daniels, showing poise beyond his years, engineers a balanced drive. With the ball on the Steelers' 18-yard line, Daniels fakes a handoff and finds Zach Ertz in the end zone for a touchdown. (Steelers 10, Commanders 10)

Third Quarter​

The second half opens with the Commanders on fire. Austin Ekeler bursts through a gap for a 50-yard run, bringing the crowd to their feet. Daniels keeps the momentum going, finishing the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Noah Brown. (Commanders 17, Steelers 10)
Not to be outdone, Wilson and the Steelers quickly retaliate. A mix of screen passes and runs culminate in a 15-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens. (Commanders 17, Steelers 17) Daniels continues his stellar performance, leading a drive that ends in another Seibert field goal from 48 yards. (Commanders 20, Steelers 17)

Fourth Quarter​

The final quarter is a back-and-forth battle. Boswell ties the game with a 38-yard field goal. (Commanders 20, Steelers 20)
Daniels, showing nerves of steel, orchestrates a 75-yard drive. With the ball on the Steelers' 5-yard line, Daniels fakes another handoff and scampers into the end zone himself. (Commanders 27, Steelers 20) With time winding down, Wilson leads the Steelers down the field, but the Commanders' defense stiffens. Boswell adds another field goal from 45 yards. (Commanders 27, Steelers 23)

Final Drive​

The Commanders need to run out the clock, Jeremy McNichols powers through the line for crucial first downs. As the clock ticks down, the Commanders reach field goal range. With seconds remaining, Seibert nails a 40-yard field goal, sealing the victory. (Commanders 30, Steelers 23)

Post-Game Reactions:​

Jayden Daniels: "The team was incredible today. We knew it would be a tough game, but we stayed focused and executed our game plan."

T.J. Watt (Steelers): "Credit to the Commanders. They played hard, and we couldn't make the stops when we needed to."

The Commanders' victory propels them to an 8-2 record, while the Steelers fall to 6-3. It will be a thrilling game that showcases the resilience and determination of the Commanders' young quarterback and their cohesive team effort. Enjoy the game, everyone!

Ok, there you have it, They've had their say and I've given you mine now what do you predict?... You know the drill! Good luck!


1. Who wins this game?

2. Final score?

3. Player(s) of the game?

4. Memorial moment, event, or play, that will have everyone talking on Monday morning?

 

[Caliskinsfan]

Awesome stuff!