Steelers @ Oakland: The Weekly Matchups

Not to put too fine a point on this but my children have never seen the Steelers defeat Oakland in Oakland, and if the numbers are to be believed (and we all know that -- as Nick Bakay always says -- the numbers never lie!) this week's contest is a battle between two teams who have more in common than their 2-4 records.

Oakland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Oakland offense 25th (320.8) v. Steelers defense 6th (306.8 )

Average net rushing yards per game: Oakland offense 9th (129.2) v. Steelers defense 18th (109.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Oakland offense 32nd (191.7) v. Steelers defense 4th (197.5)

Average yards per pass attempt (excluding sacks): Oakland offense 11.8 v. Steelers defense 10.7

Average points per game: Oakland offense 28th (17.5) v. Steelers defense 12th (22.0)

Steelers Offense v. Oakland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 22nd (329.8) v. Oakland defense 12th (344.0)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 27th (74.3) v. Oakland defense T9th (99.0)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 12th (255.5) v. Oakland defense 16th (241.0)

Average yards per pass attempt (excluding sacks): Steelers offense 11.6 v. Oakland defense 10.9

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 27th (17.8) v. Oakland defense T21st (22.0)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Oakland 13th (8.7) v. Steelers 30th (6.0)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Oakland 21st (8.4) v. Steelers 22nd (8.9)

Average yards per kick return: Oakland 20th (23.1) v. Steelers 31st (19.8)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Oakland 1st (19.0) v. Steelers 4th (20.3)

Net yardage punting average: Oakland 42.0 v. Steelers 37.2

Opponent net yardage punting average: Oakland 37.9 v. Steelers 40.2

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Oakland T15th (0) v. Steelers 29th (-10)

Time of possession: Oakland 12th (30:46) v. Steelers 18th (30:21)

Sacks: Oakland 16 v. Steelers 8

Sacks allowed: Oakland 27 v. Steelers 22

Penalties: Oakland 55 for 336 yards v. Steelers 33 for 284 yards

Some Individual Numbers
NFL passer rating: Terrelle Pryor, 18th (84.9) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 15th (90.8)

NFL Leading rushers: Terrelle Pryor, 25th (285 yards) v. Le'Veon Bell, 41st (448 yards)

NFL Leading receivers: Denarius Moore, 58th (44 targeted, 25 catches, 399 yards, 16.0 per catch, 4 touchdowns) v. Antonio Brown, 2nd (60 targeted, 47 catches, 548 yards, 11.7 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns)

NFL Sack Leaders: Lamarr Houston, 3.0 v. LaMarr Woodley, 5.0

Steelers @ Cleveland: The matchups

For at least the fourth time this season the Steelers face-off against a team that is genuinely terrible, but the fact that they are 1-2 in the previous three matchups should give us all pause.

As for Cleveland, the fact that Trent Richardson is both the leading rusher and receiver for the Browns is all one needs to know about their offense. However, the Cleveland punt return unit is statistically superior to Baltimore's (third in the conference versus twelfth), so there's that.

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cleveland offense 27th (311.9) v. Steelers defense 1st (259.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Cleveland offense 27th (92.2) v. Steelers defense 4th (89.8)

Average net passing yards per game: Cleveland offense 19th (219.7) v. Steelers defense 1st (169.3)

Average points per game: Cleveland offense 25th (18.9) v. Steelers defense 5th (19.0)

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (349.8) v. Cleveland defense 23rd (374.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (106.8) v. Cleveland defense 24th (125.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 13th (243.0) v. Cleveland defense 22nd (248.8)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 19th (21.7) v. Cleveland defense 18th (23.4)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cleveland 3rd (14.2) v. Steelers 18th (8.4)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 31st (13.8) v. Steelers 23rd (10.9)

Average yards per kick return: Cleveland 9th (26.0) v. Steelers 6th (27.0)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 3rd (20.4) v. Steelers 24th (25.8)

Net yardage punting average: Cleveland 27th (36.9) v. Steelers 27th (38.9)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cleveland 5th (37.3) v. Steelers 18th (39.7)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cleveland 13th (+1) v. Steelers 20th (-3)

Time of possession: Cleveland 31st (26:43) v. Steelers 2nd (34:08)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cleveland 31st (36.4%) v. Steelers 20th (48.6%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cleveland 13th (51.4%) v. Steelers 14th (51.7%)

Sacks allowed: Cleveland 6th (16) v. Steelers 15th (22)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Brandon Weeden, 15 (70.3 QB rating, 205 Comp., 55.3% Comp. pct., 11TDs, 12 INTs) v. Charlie Batch, unranked (Career: 77.8 QB rating, Comp., 56.3% Comp. pct., 60 TDs, 48 INTs)

AFC Leading rushers: Trent Richardson, 8th (670 yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 5 touchdowns) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 15th (410 yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns)

AFC Leading receiver: Trent Richardson, 28th (37 catches, 289 yards, 7.8 per catch, 1 touchdowns) v. Mike Wallace 14th (46 catches, 565 yards, 12.3 yards per catch, 6 touchdowns)

AFC Sack Leaders: D'Qwell Jackson, 25th (3.0) v. LaMarr Woodley, 20th (4.0)

Steelers @ Baltimore: The matchups

The Steelers come off of one of their worst performances of the season and without their starting quarterback, running back, wide receiver/punt returner, and free safety. So, to say that things look bleak would be an understatement. But maybe, just maybe, there is a glimmer of hope to be found in the numbers. However, the special teams statistics show a clear advantage to Baltimore, with Jacoby Jones leading the conference in kickoff return average and touchdown returns (2).

Baltimore Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Baltimore offense 16th (354.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (265.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Baltimore offense 20th (104.9) v. Steelers defense 6th (85.1)

Average net passing yards per game: Baltimore offense 13th (249.2) v. Steelers defense 1st (171.1)

Average points per game: Baltimore offense 4th (28.2) v. Steelers defense 7th (19.7)

Steelers Offense v. Baltimore Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 16th (354.1) v. Baltimore defense 27th (390.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 21st (103.8) v. Baltimore defense 26th (132.0)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 11th (250.3) v. Baltimore defense 26th (258.2)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 18th (23.0) v. Baltimore defense 13th (21.8)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Baltimore 21st (7.8) v. Steelers 16th (9.0)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Baltimore 7th (7.4) v. Steelers 10th (7.9)

Average yards per kick return: Baltimore 1st (29.8) v. Steelers 6th (27.8)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Baltimore 12th (23.0) v. Steelers 25th (25.9)

Net yardage punting average: Baltimore 16th (40.0) v. Steelers 28th (37.3)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Baltimore 26th (41.7) v. Steelers 16th (39.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Baltimore 7th (+9) v. Steelers 14th (+0)

Time of possession: Baltimore 30th (26:46) v. Steelers 2nd (34:16)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Baltimore 5th (65.5%) v. Steelers 19th (50.0%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Baltimore 1st (43.8%) v. Steelers 20th (55.6%)

Sacks allowed: Baltimore 14th (19) v. Steelers 14th (19)

Some Individual Numbers (AFC only)
Passer rating: Joe Flacco, 7th (88.3, 186 Comp., 60.2% Comp. pct., 13 TDs, 7 INTs) v. Byron Leftwich, unranked (65.5, 7 Comp., 50.0% Comp. pct., 0 TDs, O INTs)

Leading rushers: Ray Rice, 7th (628 yards, 4.8 yds. per carry, 6 TDs) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 15th, (355 yards, 4.6 yds per carry, 0 TDs) & Isaac Redman, 17th (295 yds., 3.5 yds. per carry, 2 TDs)

Leading receivers: Anquan Boldin, 18th (40 catches, 548 yards, 13.7 per catch, 1 touchdown) v. Heath Miller, 11th (43 catches, 431 yards, 10.0 yards per catch, 6 touchdowns)

Sack Leaders: Dannelle Ellerbe, 17th (3.5) v. Larry Foote, LaMarr Woodley, & Jason Worilds 22nd (3.0 each)

Kansas City vs. Steelers: The matchups

There is no disputing that the Chiefs have a dreadful record (1-7), but some of their statistics (their "internals" to use the parlance of politics) point to a team that may be ready for a breakout performance. Given the way that the Steelers have always played to the level of their opponent, here's hoping that Monday is not a debacle.

Kansas City Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Kansas City offense 16th (357.5) v. Steelers defense 1st (262.6)
Average net rushing yards per game: Kansas City offense 3rd (149.9) v. Steelers defense 7th (88.6)
Average net passing yards per game: Kansas City offense 7th (207.6) v. Steelers defense 1st (174.0)
Average points per game: Kansas City offense 25th (16.6) v. Steelers defense 1st (20.5)

Steelers Offense v. Kansas City Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 14th (367.3) v. Kansas City defense 17th (349.9)
Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 21st (104.9) v. Kansas City defense 22nd (102.6)
Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 10th (262.4) v. Kansas City defense 11th (247.4)v Average points per game: Steelers offense: 13th (23.9) v. Kansas City defense 30th (30.0)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Kansas City 9th (10.7) v. Steelers 11th (10.2)
Average yards allowed per punt return: Kansas City 29th (13.2) v. Steelers 16th (8.5)
Average yards per kick return: Kansas City 22nd (22.2) v. Steelers 4th (28.0)
Average yards allowed per kick return: Kansas City 17th (24.2) v. Steelers 26th (26.9)
Net yardage punting average: Kansas City 12th (40.4) v. Steelers 27th (37.4)
Opponent net yardage punting average: Kansas City 5th (38.0) v. Steelers 15th (39.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Kansas City 32nd (-20) v. Steelers 13th (+0)
Time of possession: Kansas City 4th (31:58) v. Steelers 2nd (34:40)
Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Kansas City 32nd (31.6%) v. Steelers 15th (53.3%)
Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Kansas City 15th (51.4%) v. Steelers 24th (58.3%)
Sacks allowed: Kansas City 14th (17) v. Steelers 17th (18)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Matt Cassel, 15th (68.9, Comp. Pct.: 60.4, TDs: 6, INTs: 11, Avg. per Comp.: 6.59 yards) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd (101.1, Comp. Pct.: 67.1, TDs: 16, INTs: 4, Avg. per Comp.: 7.39 yards)
AFC Leading rushers: Jamaal Charles, 4th (634 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 2 TDs) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 16th (299 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, 0 TDs) & Isaac Redman (274 yards, 3.6 yards per carry, 2 TDs)
AFC Leading receivers: Dwayne Bowe, 6th (45 catches, 571 yards, 12.7 per catch, 3 TDs) v. Mike Wallace, 12th (39 catches, 525 yards, 13.5 yards per catch, 5 touchdowns) Note: Antonio Brown,9th in AFC receiving, is not expected to play.
AFC sack leaders: Justin Houston, 5th (6.0 sacks) v. Larry Foote, LaMarr Woodley & Jason Worilds, 20th (3.0)

Steelers @ N.Y. Giants: The matchups

Will the Steelers' road woes continue this week? This is, by far, the best opponent the Steelers have faced so far this season, and for all the happy talk about how well they have played the past two weeks this is the game that will inform us all as to where this team is at.

N.Y. Giants Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: N.Y. Giants offense 4th (396.8) v. Steelers defense 2nd (274.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: N.Y. Giants offense 12th (114.6) v. Steelers defense 9th (91.6)

Average net passing yards per game: N.Y. Giants offense 7th (282.1) v. Steelers defense 7th (182.6)

Average points per game: N.Y. Giants offense 3rd (29.3) v. Steelers defense 9th (20.6)

Steelers Offense v. N.Y. Giants Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 10th (369.9) v. N.Y. Giants defense 24th (386.5)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 22nd (97.3) v. N.Y. Giants defense 19th (113.0)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 7th (272.6) v. N.Y. Giants defense 26th (273.5)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 13th (23.9) v. N.Y. Giants defense 8th (20.1)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: N.Y. Giants 26th (6.7) v. Steelers 20th (7.5)

Average yards allowed per punt return: N.Y. Giants 4th (5.5) v. Steelers 15th (8.5)

Average yards per kick return: N.Y. Giants 13th (25.4) v. Steelers 10th (26.1)

Average yards allowed per kick return: N.Y. Giants 16th (23.9) v. Steelers 27th (27.2)

Net yardage punting average: N.Y. Giants 18th (39.5) v. Steelers 25th (37.6)

Opponent net yardage punting average: N.Y. Giants 26th (41.3) v. Steelers 20th (40.3)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: N.Y. Giants 1st (+13) v. Steelers 13th (+1)

Time of possession: N.Y. Giants 14th (30:36) v. Steelers 2nd (34:35)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): N.Y. Giants 26th (44.4%) v. Steelers 15th (53.8%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): N.Y. Giants 11th (47.4%) v. Steelers 22nd (59.1%)

Sacks allowed: N.Y. Giants 1st (7) v. Steelers 9th (14)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Eli Manning, 7th/NFC (89.1) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd/AFC (101.4)

Leading rushers: Ahmad Bradhsaw, 5th/NFC (570 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 4 touchdowns) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 16th/AFC (299 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns)

Leading receiver: Victor Cruz, 2nd/NFC (52 catches, 650 yards, 12.5 per catch, 7 touchdowns) v. Antonio Brown, 5th/AFC (40 catches, 480 yards, 12.0 yards per catch, 1 touchdowns)

Sack Leaders: Jason Pierre-Paul, 11th/NFC (5.5) v. Larry Foote & Jason Worilds, 17th/AFCh (3.0 each)

Washington vs. Steelers: The matchups

Statistically speaking these two teams are about as evenly matched as two teams can be.

Washington Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Washington offense 5th (406.3) v. Steelers defense 2nd (277.3)

Average net rushing yards per game: Washington offense 1st (177.7) v. Steelers defense 9th (92.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Washington offense 20th (228.6) v. Steelers defense 2nd (184.8)

Average points per game: Washington offense 5th (29.6) v. Steelers defense 12th (22.0)

Steelers Offense v. Washington Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 11th (372.3) v. Washington defense 29th (413.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 26th (90.2) v. Washington defense 7th (85.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 6th (282.2) v. Washington defense 32nd (328.4)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 17th (23.3) v. Washington defense 28th (28.6)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Washington 30th (5.5) v. Steelers 21st (7.3)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Washington 7th (6.1) v. Steelers 8th (6.7)

Average yards per kick return: Washington 19th (23.4) v. Steelers 7th (28.0)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Washington 19th (24.8) v. Steelers 27th (27.8)

Net yardage punting average: Washington 30th (37.2) v. Steelers 27th (37.4)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Washington 32nd (43.2) v. Steelers 25th (41.7)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Washington 5th (+7) v. Steelers 12th (+1)

Time of possession: Washington 13th (30:57) v. Steelers 2nd (34:49)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Washington 8th (59.1%) v. Steelers 16th (52.4%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Washington 16th (53.8%) v. Steelers 25th (63.2%)

Sacks allowed: Washington 20th (16) v. Steelers 12th (13)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Robert Griffin III, 2nd/NFC (101.8) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd/AFC (98.6)

Leading rushers: Alfred Morris, 1st/NFC (658 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 5 touchdowns) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 18th/AFC (192 yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns)

Leading receiver: Fred Davis, 34th/NFC (24 catches, 325 yards, 13.5 per catch, 0 touchdowns) v. Antonio Brown, 4th/AFC (36 catches, 442 yards, 12.3 yards per catch, 1 touchdowns)

Sack Leaders: Ryan Kerrigan, 23rd/NFC (3.5) v. Jason Worilds, 20th/AFCh (3.0)

Steelers @ Denver: Wild Card Weekend

The Steelers limp into Denver a bruised and battered team; so while some (i.e. fans) may be taking the game for granted, right now the view here is that Pittsburgh is ripe for a first round upset, despite being early eight point favorites (for those inclined to place a wager, the safer bet would appear to be taking the under 39.5 combined points).

But pessimism is as natural to Steelers fans as snow is to Denver, so perhaps we should just look at the final numbers ~ which never lie.

Denver Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Denver offense 23rd (316.6) v. Steelers defense 1st (271.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Denver offense 1st (164.5) v. Steelers defense 8th (99.8)

Average net passing yards per game: Denver offense 31st (152.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (171.9)

Average points per game: Denver offense 25th (19.3) v. Steelers defense 1st (14.2)

Steelers Offense v. Denver Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 12th (372.3) v. Denver defense 20th (357.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 14th (118.9) v. Denver defense 22nd (126.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 10th (253.4) v. Denver defense 18th (231.5)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 21st (20.3) v. Denver defense 24th (24.4)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Denver 3rd (12.7) v. Steelers 13th (10.5)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Denver 19th (11.5) v. Steelers 12th (8.4)

Average yards per kick return: Denver 15th (23.9) v. Steelers 10th (24.4)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Denver 20th (24.6) v. Steelers 17th (23.7)

Net yardage punting average: Denver 8th (40.2) v. Steelers 22nd (38.6)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Denver 12th (38.2) v. Steelers 17th (38.9)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Denver 26th (-12) v. Steelers 29th (-13)

Time of possession: Denver 25th (29:37) v. Steelers 2nd (32:46)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Denver 24th (47.2%) v. Steelers 17th (50.9%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Denver 14th (51.9%) v. Steelers 17th (54.8%)

Sacks allowed: Denver 23rd (42) v. Steelers 23rd (42)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Tim Tebow, 15th (72.9) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (90.1)

AFC Leading rushers: Willis McGahee, 4th (1,199 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 4 touchdowns) v. Isaac Redman, 24th (479 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 3 touchdowns)

NOTE: Tim Tebow is the 15th leading rusher in the AFC with 660 yards, 5.4 yards per carry, and 6 rushing touchdowns.

AFC Leading receiver: Eric Decker, 42nd (44 catches, 612 yards, 13.9 per catch, 8 touchdowns) v. Mike Wallace 10th (72 catches, 1,193 yards, 16.6 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns)

NOTE: The Steelers have four receivers amongst the top 50 in the AFC (Mike Wallace #10, Antonio Brown #12, Heath Miller #31, and Hines Ward #38) while the Broncos have only one.

AFC Sack Leaders: Von Miller, 4th (11.5) v. LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison 9th (9.0)

Steelers @ Cleveland: The Matchups

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cleveland offense 29th (292.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (273.9)

Average net rushing yards per game: Cleveland offense 28th (97.3) v. Steelers defense 9th (101.7)

Average net passing yards per game: Cleveland offense 23rd (194.8) v. Steelers defense 1st (172.2)

Average points per game: Cleveland offense 30th (13.9) v. Steelers defense 2nd (14.5)

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 11th (373.1) v. Cleveland defense 10th (330.5)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 16th (116.1) v. Cleveland defense 30th (146.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 9th (257.0) v. Cleveland defense 2nd (184.0)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 20th (20.8) v. Cleveland defense 6th (19.6)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cleveland 9th (11.5) v. Steelers 13th (10.5)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 22nd (11.7) v. Steelers 12th (8.6)

Average yards per kick return: Cleveland 10th (24.2) v. Steelers 8th (24.5)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 10th (24.3) v. Steelers 18th (22.4)

Net yardage punting average: Cleveland 28th (36.3) v. Steelers 21st (38.6)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cleveland 12th (37.8) v. Steelers 22nd (39.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cleveland 17th (+0) v. Steelers 29th (-12)

Time of possession: Cleveland 21st (29:37) v. Steelers 3rd (32:46)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cleveland 27th (45.8%) v. Steelers 12th (53.7%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cleveland 3rd (40.5%) v. Steelers 22nd (62.5%)

Sacks allowed: Cleveland 19th (37) v. Steelers 23rd (40)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Seneca Wallace, Unranked (79.7) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (91.5)

AFC Leading rushers: Peyton Hillis, 19th (557 yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 3 touchdowns) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 12th (890 yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 9 touchdowns)

AFC Leading receiver: Greg Little, 15th (61 catches, 709 yards, 11.6 per catch, 2 touchdowns) v. Mike Wallace 8th (71 catches, 1,182 yards, 16.8 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns)

AFC Sack Leaders: Jabaal Sheard, 14th (7.5) v. LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison 9th (9.0)

St. Louis vs. Steelers: The Matchups

Given how poorly the Steelers played in all phases versus San Francisco they probably should not take anything or anyone for granted.

St. Louis Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: St. Louis offense 30th (285.3) v. Steelers defense 2nd (276.9)

Average net rushing yards per game: St. Louis offense 26th (99.4) v. Steelers defense 6th (97.2)

Average net passing yards per game: St. Louis offense 27th (185.9) v. Steelers defense 1st (179.6)

Average points per game: St. Louis offense 32nd (23.61) v. Steelers defense 2nd (15.57)

Steelers Offense v. St. Louis Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 12th (372.9) v. St. Louis defense 21st (359.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 18th (112.4) v. St. Louis defense 32nd (153.4)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 7th (260.5) v. St. Louis defense 8th (206.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 20th (20.36) v. St. Louis defense 25th (24.71)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: St. Louis 7th (11.8) v. Steelers 14th (10.7)

Average yards allowed per punt return: St. Louis 25th (12.8) v. Steelers 12th (8.3)

Average yards per kick return: St. Louis 20th (22.9) v. Steelers 7th (25.2)

Average yards allowed per kick return: St. Louis 23rd (24.9) v. Steelers 23rd (24.3)

Net yardage punting average: St. Louis 28th (36.5) v. Steelers 22nd (38.4)

Opponent net yardage punting average: St. Louis 15th (38.9) v. Steelers 14th (39.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: St. Louis 22nd (-4) v. Steelers 30th (-11)

Time of possession: St. Louis 27th (28:09) v. Steelers 2nd (32:23)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): St. Louis 31st (34.6%) v. Steelers 17th (52.3%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): St. Louis 9th (45.5%) v. Steelers 25th (57.7%)

Sacks allowed: St. Louis 32nd (49) v. Steelers 26th (40)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Sam Bradford, 16th/NFC (70.7) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd/AFC (91.5)

Leading rushers: Steven Jackson, 7th/NFC (966 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 5 touchdowns) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 13th/AFC (774 yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 8 touchdowns)

Leading receiver: Brandon Lloyd, 16th/NFC (61 catches, 837 yards, 13.7 per catch, 4 touchdowns) v. Mike Wallace, 8th/AFC (67 catches, 1,100 yards, 16.4 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns)

Note: Antonio Brown is the 12th leading receiver in the AFC, and his numbers look like this: 60 catches, 984 yards, 16.4 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns
 
Sack Leaders: Chris Long, 5th/NFC (13.0) v. LaMarr Woodley, 7th/AFCh (9.0)

Steelers @ San Francsico: The Matchups

Before the season started this looked like a sure win on the Steelers' schedule; which only demonstrates how unpredictable the National Football League is. With Ben Roethlisberger and Maurkice Pouncey uncertain at best for Monday's game, this is shaping-up to be a very big hill to climb.

Looking at these numbers the 49er game plan seems obvious: Keep the opponent on a long field (their net punting average is phenomenal) and force mistakes (#1 in turnovers), thereby giving their offense a short field on which to work.


One statistic, not normally included in The Matchups, that Steelers GM Kevin Colbert believes is significant is average gain per pass play.  For what it is worth, the 49ers are 23rd in the league in the category while the Steelers are 7th.


San Francisco Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: San Francisco offense 26th (309.0) v. Steelers defense 2nd (276.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: San Francisco offense 7th (126.9) v. Steelers defense 6th (97.0)

Average net passing yards per game: San Francisco offense 29th (182.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (179.1)

Average points per game: San Francisco offense 12th (23.61) v. Steelers defense 2nd (15.23)

Steelers Offense v. San Francisco Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 11th (371.6) v. San Francisco defense 5th (305.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (114.5) v. San Francisco defense 1st (70.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 9th (257.1) v. San Francisco defense 17th (234.5)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 19th (21.69) v. San Francisco defense 1st (14.0)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: San Francisco 5th (12.3) v. Steelers 8th (11.7)

Average yards allowed per punt return: San Francisco 12th (8.6) v. Steelers 10th (8.3)

Average yards per kick return: San Francisco 1st (28.0) v. Steelers 15th (23.9)

Average yards allowed per kick return: San Francisco 12h (22.4) v. Steelers 23rd (24.8)

Net yardage punting average: San Francisco 1st (43.7) v. Steelers 21st (38.4)

Opponent net yardage punting average: San Francisco 6th (36.9) v. Steelers 12th (38.2)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: San Francisco 1st (+21) v. Steelers 26th (-7)

Time of possession: San Francisco 3rd (32:00) v. Steelers 2nd (32:23)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): San Francisco 30th (42.2%) v. Steelers 15th (52.3%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): San Francisco 1st (40.5%) v. Steelers 23rd (57.7%)

Sacks allowed: San Francisco 27th (39) v. Steelers 25th (37)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Alex Smith, 6th/NFC (91.5) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd/AFC (95.6)

Leading rushers: Frank Gore, 3rd/NFC (1,054 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 6 touchdowns) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 13th/AFC (710 yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 8 touchdowns)

Leading receiver: Michael Crabtree, 18th/NFC (55 catches, 668 yards, 12.1 per catch, 2 touchdowns) v. Mike Wallace, 6th/AFC (62 catches, 1,034 yards, 16.7 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns)

Note: Antonio Brown is the 12th leading receiver in the AFC, and his numbers look like this: 55 catches, 925 yards, 16.8 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns
 
Sack Leaders: Aldon Smith, 6th/NFC (10.5) v. LaMarr Woodley, 6th/AFCh (9.0)

Cleveland vs. Steelers: The Matchups

As has been the case so often recently, it's easy to get complacent about this game.  But if there has ever been a team that plays to the level of its competition it is the Steelers, and that is certainly cause for concern.  After all, the last time these two teams played on a Thursday night the Steelers stunk.

Also, Cleveland's red zone defense has been outstanding, which means that it may be tough for Pittsburgh to pull away.

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cleveland offense 30th (290.7) v. Steelers defense 1st (273.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Cleveland offense 30th (93.7) v. Steelers defense 7th (96.9)

Average net passing yards per game: Cleveland offense 31st (197.0) v. Steelers defense 2nd (176.8)

Average points per game: Cleveland offense 28th (14.6) v. Steelers defense 4th (16.3)

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 11th (367.9) v. Cleveland defense 8th (324.6)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (111.8) v. Cleveland defense 31st (151.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 9th (256.1) v. Cleveland defense 1st (173.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 18th (22.3) v. Cleveland defense 8th (20.0)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cleveland 21st (8.9) v. Steelers 8th (11.7)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 26th (12.9) v. Steelers 9th (8.2)

Average yards per kick return: Cleveland 13th (24.3) v. Steelers 12th (24.6)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 9th (22.3) v. Steelers 22nd (25.1)

Net yardage punting average: Cleveland 29th (36.2) v. Steelers 19th (38.8)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cleveland 19th (39.2) v. Steelers 14th (38.6)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cleveland 19th (-1) v. Steelers 27th (-6)

Time of possession: Cleveland 20th (29:37) v. Steelers 2nd (32:46)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cleveland 24th (45.8%) v. Steelers 12th (53.7%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cleveland 6th (40.5%) v. Steelers 27th (62.5%)

Sacks allowed: Cleveland 22nd (30) v. Steelers 27th (35)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Colt McCoy, 12th (76.9) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (93.6)

AFC Leading rushers: Peyton Hillis, 24th (321 yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 2 touchdowns) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 13th (634 yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 8 touchdowns)

AFC Leading receiver: Greg Little, 15th (50 catches, 513 yards, 10.3 per catch, 1 touchdown) v. Mike Wallace (58 catches, 977 yards, 16.8 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns)

AFC Sack Leaders: Jabaal Sheard, 20th (5.5) v. LaMarr Woodley, 4th (9.0)

Baltimore vs. Steelers: The Matchups

The Steelers accomplished the improbable last week against New England; and the question now is whether or not they have what it takes to seize the opportunity they have created for themselves.

Here's a look at this week's numbers:

Baltimore Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Baltimore offense 14th (341.0) v. Steelers defense 2nd (270.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Baltimore offense 19th (107.0) v. Steelers defense 8th (99.1)

Average net passing yards per game: Baltimore offense 15th (234.0) v. Steelers defense 1st (171.6)

Average points per game: Baltimore offense 7th (26.43) v. Steelers defense 3rd (17.38)

Steelers Offense v. Baltimore Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 9th (388.8) v. Baltimore defense 1st (263.3)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 14th (115.4) v. Baltimore defense 3rd (89.1)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 7th (273.4) v. Baltimore defense 3rd (174.1)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 19th (22.0) v. Baltimore defense 2nd (15.71)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Baltimore 22nd (8.3) v. Steelers 8th (11.4)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Baltimore 11th (10.5) v. Steelers 2nd (4.6)

Average yards per kick return: Baltimore 8th (25.9) v. Steelers 6th (26.6)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Baltimore 32nd (35.0) v. Steelers 17th (23.7)

Net yardage punting average: Baltimore 15th (38.6) v. Steelers 20th (39.1)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Baltimore 14th (38.7) v. Steelers 20th (39.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Baltimore 9th (+3) v. Steelers 32nd (-10)

Time of possession: Baltimore 15th (30:08) v. Steelers 4th (33:24)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Baltimore 28th (42.3%) v. Steelers 16th (50.0%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Baltimore 8th (43.8%) v. Steelers 26th (63.2%)

Sacks allowed: Baltimore 14th (16) v. Steelers 29th (25)

Some Individual Numbers (AFC only)
Passer rating: Joe Flacco, 14th (75.4) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 4th (95.7)

Leading rushers: Ray Rice, 6th (489 yards) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 11th (421 yards)

Leading receivers: Anquan Boldin, 7th (34 catches, 539 yards, 15.9 per catch, 2 touchdowns) v. Mike Wallace, 2nd (43 catches, 800 yards, 18.6 yards per catch, 5 touchdowns)

Sack Leaders: Terrell Suggs, 3rd (6.0) v. LaMarr Woodley, 1st (9.0)

Minnesota v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchup

If the numbers never lie then this game is going to be very close ~ for all the hype the Vikings defense is getting their numbers are fairly pedestrian. But there is no denying that the Minnesota offense if operating at a highly effective level.

Also worth noting is the ineffectiveness of the Steelers' punt return unit. For all the excitement that Stefan Logan generated during the summer it does not appear to have translated into much since the regular season began.

Minnesota Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Minnesota offense 14th (348.2) v. Steelers defense 3rd (275.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Minnesota offense 9th (125.0) v. Steelers defense 2nd (74.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Minnesota offense 13th (223.2) v. Steelers defense 12th (200.7)

Average points per game: Minnesota offense 2nd (31.5) v. Steelers defense 11th (18.67)

Steelers Offense v. Minnesota Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 5th (403.7) v. Minnesota defense 18th (341.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 15th (107.0) v. Minnesota defense 9th (93.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 2nd (296.7) v. Minnesota defense 24th (248.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 14th (23.33) v. Minnesota defense 18th (20.17)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Minnesota 4th (13.1) v. Steelers 22nd (6.4)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Minnesota 13th (7.8) v. Steelers 11th (7.7)

Average yards per kick return: Minnesota 5th (25.9) v. Steelers 7th (25.1)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Minnesota 9th (21.3) v. Steelers 16th (22.9)

Net yardage punting average: Minnesota 15th (38.2) v. Steelers 9th (40.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Minnesota 10th (37.1) v. Steelers 27th (40.6)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Minnesota 3rd (+8) v. Steelers 14th (-4)

Time of possession: Minnesota 7th (31:29) v. Steelers 4th (33:52)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Minnesota 1st (65.2%) v. Steelers 2nd (65.0%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Minnesota 2nd (33.3%) v. Steelers 24th (58.3%)

Sacks allowed: Minnesota 21st (14) v. Steelers 24th (16)

Some Individual Numbers
NFC passer rating: Brett Favre, 2nd (109.5) v. AFC passer rating Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd (104.5)

NFC leading rushers: Adrian Peterson, 1st (624 yards) v. AFC leading rushers: Rashard Mendenhall, 8th (349 yards)

NFC leading receivers: Sidney Rice, 16th (23 catches, 409 yards, 17.78 per catch, 2 touchdowns) v. AFC leading receivers: Hines Ward, 1st (41 catches, 599 yards, 14.61 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns)

NFC sack Leaders: Jared Allen, 1st (7.5) v. AFC sack leaders: James Harrison, 2nd (6.0)

NFC interception Leaders: Chad Greenway (OLB) & Cedric Griffin (CB), 4th (tie) 2 each, 0 touchdowns v. Troy Polamalu, 2nd (tie) 2, 0 touchdowns

Cleveland v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchup

Looking at the statistics it seems that the Browns have achieved their 1-4 record so far this season on merit. One number that screamed out ~ their leading receiver is a fullback; and while he is the Browns' only top 50 receiver (amongst AFC receivers) the Steelers have five.

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cleveland offense 31st (248.4) v. Steelers defense 5th (290.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Cleveland offense 16th (106.2) v. Steelers defense 3rd (71.2)

Average net passing yards per game: Cleveland offense 30th (142.2) v. Steelers defense 14th (219.6)

Average points per game: Cleveland offense 30th (11.0) v. Steelers defense 14th (19.6)

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 7th (375.8) v. Cleveland defense 29th (380.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 21st (100.4) v. Cleveland defense 32nd (170.4)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 4th (275.4) v. Cleveland defense 10th (209.8)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 14th (22.6) v. Cleveland defense 23rd (24.2)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cleveland 1st (16.3) v. Steelers 20th (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 19th (8.3) v. Steelers 6th (6.0)

Average yards per kick return: Cleveland 13th (23.4) v. Steelers 6th (23.7)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 16th (22.8) v. Steelers 10th (21.2)

Net yardage punting average: Cleveland 18th (38.8) v. Steelers 6th (42.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cleveland 3rd (34.5) v. Steelers 24th (40.9)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cleveland 29th (-5) v. Steelers 29th (-5)

Time of possession: Cleveland 25th (28:26) v. Steelers 4th (33:18)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cleveland 31st (27.3%) v. Steelers 3rd (68.8%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cleveland 13th (47.6%) v. Steelers 23rd (60.0%)

Sacks allowed: Cleveland 24th (14) v. Steelers 23rd (13)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Derek Anderson, 17th (39.0) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd (102.6)

AFC Leading rushers: Jamal Lewis, 14th (212 yards) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 8th (287 yards)

AFC Leading receiver: Jerome Harrison, 48th (14 catches, 88 yards, 6.29 per catch, 0 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 2nd (33 catches, 440 yards, 13.33 yards per catch, 1 touchdown)

AFC Sack Leaders: Kamerion Wimbley, 6th (4.0) v. James Harrison, 4th (6.0)

AFC Interception Leaders: Brodney Pool, 22nd (1, 0 touchdowns) v. Troy Polamalu, 22nd (1, 0 touchdowns)

Steelers @ Detroit: The Weekly Matchup

For all the grief that the Lions take for being a moribund franchise, their numbers so far this season are not so dissimilar from the Steelers'. Whether that is cause for hope for Lions fans or reason for a general panic in Pittsburgh remains to be seen.

One thing that jumps out is that if Stefan Logan does not have a big day on Sunday he may never have one.

Detroit Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Detroit offense 18th (318.8) v. Steelers defense 6th (279.3)

Average net rushing yards per game: Detroit offense 19th (101.5) v. Steelers defense 3rd (61.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Detroit offense 16th (217.3) v. Steelers defense 16th (218.3)

Average points per game: Detroit offense 17th (20.75) v. Steelers defense 12th (19.5)

Steelers Offense v. Detroit Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 6th (383.8) v. Detroit defense 21st (355.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (100.8) v. Detroit defense 19th (361.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 3rd (278.8) v. Detroit defense 25th (240.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 15th (21.25) v. Detroit defense 14th (33.5)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Detroit 3rd (16.0) v. Steelers 21st (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Detroit 27th (11.8) v. Steelers 8th (6.4)

Average yards per kick return: Detroit 21st (22.0) v. Steelers 15th (23.1)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Detroit 31st (29.9) v. Steelers 8th (21.1)

Net yardage punting average: Detroit 28th (34.4) v. Steelers 7th (41.9)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Detroit 17th (38.7) v. Steelers 25th (40.8)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Detroit 23rd (-3) v. Steelers 29th (-5)

Time of possession: Detroit 7th (31:48) v. Steelers 4th (34:46)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Detroit 16th (53.8%) v. Steelers 7th (61.5%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Detroit 25th (64.7%) v. Steelers 26th (66.7%)

Sacks allowed: Detroit 21st (10) v. Steelers 21st (10)

Some Individual Numbers
NFC passer rating: Matt Stafford, 15th(65.5) v. AFC passer rating Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (98.1)

NFC leading rushers: Kevin Smith, 10th (234 yards) v. AFC leading rushers: Rashard Mendenhall, 11th (210 yards)

NFC leading receiver: Calvin Johnson, 7th (21 catches, 323 yards, 15.38 per catch, 1 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 4th (26 catches, 355 yards, 13.65 yards per catch, 0 touchdowns)

NFC Sack Leaders: Jason Hunter, 10th (2.0) v. James Harrison, 6th (3.0)

NFC Interception Leaders: Anthony Henry, 12th (1, 0 touchdown) v. Troy Polamalu, 8th (1, 0 touchdowns)

Steelers @ Arizona: The Weekly Matchup

Once again we offer up the numbers produced during the playoffs by each team, and also include (in parentheses) their respective performances in each statistical category during the regular season.

We were a little surprised to see that, despite overall good numbers versus the run and the pass, the Steelers' scoring defense has been significantly worse in the playoffs compared to the regular season, while Arizona's has been significantly better.

We also took some comfort in discovering that Arizona's punter, Ben Graham, has not been much better than Mitch Berger.

Without further adieu, here are this week's numbers ~ the final numbers for this season:

Arizona Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Arizona offense, 362.0 (365.8) v. Steelers defense, 244.0 (237.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Arizona offense,111.0 (73.6) v. Steelers defense, 44.0 (80.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Arizona offense, 251.0 (292.1) v. Steelers defense, 200.0 (156.9)

Average points per game: Arizona offense, 31.67 (26.69) v. Steelers defense, 19.0 (13.94)

Steelers Offense v. Arizona Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense, 308.5 (311.9) v. Arizona defense, 324.3 (331.5)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense,108.5 (105.6) v. Arizona defense, 77.3 (110.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense, 200.0 (206.3) v. Arizona defense, 247.0 (221.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense, 29.0 (21.69) v. Arizona defense, 20.67 (26.63)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Arizona, 4.0 (7.2) v. Steelers, 14.1 (6.0)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Arizona, 10.6 (13.1) v. Steelers, 7.7 (6.2)

Average yards per kick return: Arizona, 21.0 (21.7) v. Steelers, 18.1 (20.3)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Arizona, 20.8 (25.0) v. Steelers, 21.4 (19.1)

Net yardage punting average: Arizona, 35.1 (34.1) v. Steelers, 32.7 (35.6)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Arizona, 43.8 (40.0) v. Steelers, 36.2 (38.5)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Arizona, +9 (0) v. Steelers, +5 (+4)

Time of possession: Arizona, 33:16 (30:09) v. Steelers, 34:50 (31:29)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Arizona, 66.67% (58.46%) v. Steelers , 66.67% (55.10%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Arizona, 60.00% (63.64%) v. Steelers, 100.0% (33.3%)

Sacks allowed: Arizona, 3 (28) v. Steelers, 5 (49)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Kurt Warner, 112.1 (96.9) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 90.8 (80.1)

Leading rushers: Edgerrin James, 203 yards (514 yards) v. Willie Parker, 193 yards (791 yards)

Leading receivers: Larry Fitzgerald, 23 catches, 419 yards, 18.2 yards per catch, 5 touchdowns (96 catches, 1,431 yards, 14.9 per catch, 12 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 7 catches, 125 yards, 17.9 yards per catch, 0 touchdowns (81 catches, 1.043 yards, 12.9 yards per catch, 7 touchdowns)

Sack Leaders: Adrian Wilson, Antonio Smith, Bertrand Berry ~ 2.0 sacks each (Bertrand Berry, 5.0 sacks) v. LaMarr Woodley, 4.0 sacks (James Harrison, 16.0 sacks)

Baltimore v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchups, AFC Championship Edition

With the playoff season well under way we now provide you with the numbers generated during the postseason; and in parentheses we have also included the regular season number for selected statistics.

Interestingly enough, it seems that neither the Baltimore offense or the Baltimore defense is ~ thus far ~ performing at the same level as they did during the regular season except where it matters the very most ~ wins!

Baltimore Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Baltimore offense 248.5 (324.0) v. Steelers defense, 290.0 (237.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Baltimore offense, 100.5 (148.5) v. Steelers defense, 15.0 (80.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Baltimore offense, 148.0 (175.5) v. Steelers defense, 275.0 (156.9)

Average points per game: Baltimore offense, 20.0 (24.06) v. Steelers defense, 24.0 (13.94)

Steelers Offense v. Baltimore Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense, 342.0 (311.9) v. Baltimore defense 333.5 (261.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense, 165.0 (105.6) v. Baltimore defense, 84.0 (81.4)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense, 177.0 (206.3) v. Baltimore defense, 249.5 (179.7)

Average points per game: Steelers offense, 35.0 (21.69) v. Baltimore defense, 9.5 (15.25)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Baltimore, 16.7 (8.6) v. Steelers, 36.5 (6.0)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Baltimore, 3.6 (6.4) v. Steelers, 1.3 (6.2)

Average yards per kick return: Baltimore, 23.0 (20.1) v. Steelers, 15.8 (20.3)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Baltimore, 24.7 (22.6) v. Steelers, 28.5 (19.1)

Net yardage punting average: Baltimore, 38.5 (39.9) v. Steelers, 38.6 (35.6)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Baltimore, 36.4 (37.0) v. Steelers, 35.0 (38.5)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Baltimore, +7 (+13) v. Steelers, +2 (+4)

Time of possession: Baltimore, 26:14 (33:10) v. Steelers, 36:30 (31:29)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Baltimore, 40.0% (47.06%) (v. Steelers, 80.0% (55.1%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Baltimore, 33.3% (35.9%) v. Steelers, 0.00% (33.3%)

Sacks allowed: Baltimore, 0 (33) v. Steelers, 1 (49)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Joe Flacco, 73.9 (80.2) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 98.4 (80.1)

Leading rushers: Willis McGahee, 94 yards (671 yards) v. Willie Parker, 146 yards (791 yards)

Leading receivers: Derrick Mason, 9 catches, 149 yards, 16.6 per catch, 1 touchdowns v. Hines Ward, 4 catches, 70 yards, 17.5 yards per catch, 0touchdowns

Sack Leaders: Terrell Suggs, 2.0 (8.0) v. LaMarr Woodley, 2.0 (11.5)

Interceptions: Ed Reed, 2 (9) v. Larry Foote, 1 (0)

San Diego v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchups, the Divisional Playoff Edition

As we look forward to next Sunday's game there is one point that cannot be argued: the Chargers are a very hot team.

We really believed that the key to the recent surge by San Diego has been improved defensive play ~ Ron Rivera was someone we believed was worthy of an interview when the Steelers were looking for a new head coach (and ultimately hired Mike Tomlin), and we have a great deal of respect for his work. However, in looking at the numbers we are not sure our original supposition was correct. Since their loss in Pittsburgh back on November 16, 2008 the Chargers' defense has surrendered 340 or more yards in four of their final six regular season games, including 406 yards in the season finale against Denver. The two games in which the Chargers' defense "stiffened" they were facing Oakland and Kansas City.

Another point that surprised us was that the San Diego defense has surrendered 21 or more points in five of their last six regular season games.

Against Indianapolis last week, the Chargers gave up 366 net yards and 17 points.

Instead of improved defensive play (though in fairness they have been effective at employing a "bend, don't break" approach), it seems that the San Diego offense has sparked the resurgence. For example, in their last six regular season games the Chargers have scored 30 or more points three times. By way of comparison, they scored 30 or more points four times in their first ten games. Also, in their final six regular season games the Chargers gained 370 or more net yards five times, including 491 net yards in their final regular season game against Denver. In their first ten games the achieved that mark four times.

Looks like the Steelers' defense is in for a the bigger challenge on Sunday.

One additional statistical fact before getting to "the" numbers ~ in their history, the Steelers are 10-2 at home in the Divisional round of the playoffs.

Here are this week's numbers:

San Diego Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: San Diego offense 11th (349.0) v. Steelers defense 1st (237.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: San Diego offense 20th (107.9) v. Steelers defense 2nd (80.3)

Average net passing yards per game: San Diego offense 7th (241.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (156.9)

Average points per game: San Diego offense 2nd (27.4) v. Steelers defense 1st (13.9)

Steelers Offense v. San Diego Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 22nd (311.9) v. San Diego defense 25th (349.9)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 23rd (105.6) v. San Diego defense 14th (102.6)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (206.3) v. San Diego defense 31st (247.4)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 20th (21.7) v. San Diego defense 15th (21.7)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: San Diego 8th (10.3) v. Steelers 31st (6.0)

Average yards allowed per punt return: San Diego 5th (6.3) v. Steelers 4th (6.0)

Average yards per kick return: San Diego 9th (24.0) v. Steelers 29th (20.3)

Average yards allowed per kick return: San Diego 14th (22.6) v. Steelers 1st (19.1)

Net yardage punting average: San Diego 2nd (40.9) v. Steelers 24th (35.7)

Opponent net yardage punting average: San Diego 27th (38.7) v. Steelers 21st (38.5)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: San Diego 11th (+4) v. Steelers 11th (+4)

Time of possession: San Diego 23rd (28:52) v. Steelers 6th (31:30)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): San Diego 11th (56.9%) v. Steelers 15th (55.1%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): San Diego 15th (52.8%) v. Steelers 1st (33.3%)

Sacks allowed: San Diego 8th (25) v. Steelers 29th (49)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Philip Rivers, 1st (105.5, Comp. Pct.: 65.3, TDs: 34, INTs: 11, Avg. per Comp.: 8.39 yards) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 12th (80.1, Comp. Pct.: 59.9, TDs: 17, INTs: 15, Avg. per Comp.: 7.04 yards)

AFC Leading rushers: LaDanian Tomlinson, 4th (1,110 yards on 292 carries) v. Willie Parker, 12th (791 yards on 210 carries)
Note: During the regular season Darren Sproles rushed for 330 yards on 61 carries

AFC Leading receivers: Antonio Gates, 20th (60 catches, 704 yards, 11.7 per catch, 8 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 9th (81 catches, 1,043 yards, 12.9 yards per catch, 7 touchdowns)

AFC Dropped Passes: No San Diego Chargers receivers are listed amongst the "top" 25 v. Hines Ward, 7th (7)

AFC sack leaders: Shaun Phillips, 11th (7.5 sacks) v. James Harrison, 2nd (16.0)

AFC Interception Leaders: Stephen Cooper, 8th (4) v. Troy Polamalu, 2nd (7)

Cleveland v. Steelers: The Matchups

It is easy to be lulled into the belief that the Steelers are headed into a game that should be a walkover; however given the struggles that both the offense and defense had last week, the hope here is that the team comes out focused, and playing as though playoffs were beginning this Sunday rather than in two weeks.

With visions of a Steelers victory dancing in our heads, we give you this week's numbers.

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cleveland offense 31st (257.3) v. Steelers defense 1st (244.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Cleveland offense 25th (99.7) v. Steelers defense 2nd (78.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Cleveland offense 30th (157.6) v. Steelers defense 1st (166.1)

Average points per game: Cleveland offense 29th (15.5) v. Steelers defense 2nd (14.9)

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 23rd (308.1) v. Cleveland defense 26th (355.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 24th (100.8) v. Cleveland defense 29th (150.3)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 16th (207.3) v. Cleveland defense 12th (205.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 22nd (21.1) v. Cleveland defense 14th (21.3)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cleveland 21st (8.4) v. Steelers 31st (6.2)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 10th (7.8) v. Steelers 4th (6.0)

Average yards per kick return: Cleveland 14th (23.2) v. Steelers 29th (20.2)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 18th (23.2) v. Steelers 1st (19.3)

Net yardage punting average: Cleveland 8th (38.8) v. Steelers 24th (35.8)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cleveland 3rd (34.1) v. Steelers 19th (38.0)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cleveland 6th (+6) v. Steelers 12th (+3)

Time of possession: Cleveland 30th (27:36) v. Steelers 9th (31:23)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cleveland 30th (36.8%) v. Steelers 13th (54.3%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cleveland 11th (49.0%) v. Steelers 1st (33.3%)

Sacks allowed: Cleveland 7th (21) v. Steelers 30th (49)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Ken Dorsey, Not Ranked (26.5) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 10th (80.8)

AFC Leading rushers: Jamal Lewis, 6th (908 yards) v. Willie Parker, 13th (673 yards)

AFC Leading receiver: Braylon Edwards, 26th (54 catches, 872 yards, 16.1 per catch, 3 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 9th (75 catches, 973 yards, 12.97 yards per catch, 7 touchdowns)

AFC Passes Dropped: Braylon Edwards, 1st (16) v. Hines Ward, 6th (7)

AFC Sack Leaders: Shaun Rogers, 28th (4.5) v. James Harrison, 2nd (16.0)

AFC Interception Leaders: Brandon McDonald, 4th (5, 1 touchdown) v. Troy Polamalu, 1t (7. 0 touchdowns)

Steelers @ Tennessee: The Matchups

When looking at this game there are any number of directions to go.

For instance, the Steelers are 6-0 in which their opponent has scored first, and Tennessee is 8-1 in games in which they have scored first.

There is the fact that the Steelers have struggled mightily in Nashville (2-8 in their last ten games at Tennessee, and have been outscored 223-185).

Of course there is also the fact that, here in 2008, the Steelers defense continues to stake their claim to being the best Steelers' defense ever. For example, according to a brief item in the Los Angeles Times the Steelers have now tied the record for most consecutive games without yielding 300 yards of offense (the 1973 Los Angeles Rams previously held the record by themselves). Additionally, opposing quarterbacks have been held to a 60.9 collective QB rating, and running backs are gaining an average of 3.2 yards per carry ~ the lowest such average since the 2000 season.

Here is how the numbers measure up this week:

Tennessee Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Tennessee offense 19th (326.5) v. Steelers defense 1st (239.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Tennessee offense 5th (142.8) v. Steelers defense 2nd (75.8)

Average net passing yards per game: Tennessee offense 25th (183.7) v. Steelers defense 1st (163.3)

Average points per game: Tennessee offense 10th (24.57) v. Steelers defense 1st (13.71)

Steelers Offense v. Tennessee Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 24th (303.4) v. Tennessee defense 4th (281.0)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 23rd (102.9) v. Tennessee defense 9th (93.4)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (200.5) v. Tennessee defense 5th (187.6)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 21st (21.57) v. Tennessee defense 2nd (14.07)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Tennessee 12th (9.9) v. Steelers 28th (6.5)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Tennessee 16th (9.6) v. Steelers 4th (5.8)

Average yards per kick return: Tennessee 5th (24.7) v. Steelers 30th (20.4)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Tennessee 30th (25.4) v. Steelers 1st (19.4)

Net yardage punting average: Tennessee 16th (36.8) v. Steelers 27th (35.6)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Tennessee 5th (35.9) v. Steelers 23rd (38.4)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Tennessee 2nd (+10) v. Steelers 8th (+7)

Time of possession: Tennessee 20th (29:41) v. Steelers 9th (31:25)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Tennessee 5th (61.4%) v. Steelers 11th (56.8%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Tennessee 12th (50.0%) v. Steelers 1st (31.7%)

Sacks allowed: Tennessee 1st (8) v. Steelers 29th (44)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Kerry Collins, 11th (78.7) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 10th (80.2)

AFC Leading rushers: Chris Johnson, 2nd (1,159 yards) v. Willie Parker, 13th (644 yards)
Note: Lendale White is the 10th leading rushing in the AFC with 700 yards.

Leading receivers: Bo Scaife, 25th (53 catches, 528 yards, 9.96 per catch, 1 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 10th (68 catches, 864 yards, 12.7 yards per catch, 6 touchdowns)

AFC Passes Dropped: Justin Gage, 8th (6 ~ tied) v. Hines Ward, 5th (7 ~ tied)
Note: Santonio Holmes officially has 6 dropped passes.

AFC Sack Leaders: Albert Haynesworth, 7th (8.5) v. James Harrison, 2nd (15.0)
Note: Jacob Ford is Tennessee's leading, active sacker with 6.0

AFC Interception Leaders: Cortland Finnegan, 3rd (5, 1 touchdown) v. Troy Polamalu, 1st (7, 0 touchdowns)