Several key players to watch
aFollowing a disappointing Week 5 loss, the Pittsburgh Steelers look for redemption as they head to Las Vegas to face the Raiders. With both teams fighting injuries this week will feature a handful of unfamiliar faces to most fans.
If the Steelers are to win, their stars that are in the lineup and the newcomers must outperform the Raiders counterparts. With the Raiders likely being without players like Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby, and Zamir White, it is the perfect opportunity for the black and gold to achieve a much-needed win.
The Steelers’ injury list continues to climb as well. They will be without Jaylen Warren, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, DeMarvin Leal, and a few more key pieces. With just about their entire depth chart out at ROLB it is time for someone new to step up. With that being said, let us take a look at five Steelers to watch in Las Vegas.
OLB Jeremiah Moon
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With three outside linebackers out of the lineup, Jeremiah Moon will likely get plenty of snaps as the main man opposite T.J. Watt. Moon is in his second season out of Florida and has yet to have a true impact in the NFL. He will certainly get his chance this weekend against the Raiders.
During his six years in Florida, Moon recorded 151 tackles and had eight sacks. Some notable traits of Moon include his 6’4 stature and ability to play wherever needed. In Florida, his physicality shined through as he proved to be a tough opponent to play against. As he looks to fill three pairs of shoes, we will see if Moon is up for his first major NFL test.
TE Pat Freiermuth
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After scoring one of the two Steelers touchdowns last week, Pat Freiermuth looks to build and continue his strong play. Freiermuth signed a contract just before the start of this season and has large expectations for this year’s campaign. With Fields and Freiermuth inevitably gaining chemistry, this could be a breakout week for the two.
Freiermuth has 20 catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. His performance has not been lackluster necessarily but not up to what many think is his standard. A depleted Raiders defense is the prime opportunity for Freiermuth to perform at the top level.
OLB T.J. Watt
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After somewhat of a down week against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, T.J. Watt returned to form in primetime against the Cowboys. Watt exploded for eight combined tackles and 1.5 sacks.
With Aidan O’Connell at the helm this week for the Raiders, Watt can take advantage of a quarterback with minimal NFL experience. You would have to imagine that the Raiders will double Watt on most plays given the right side of the Steelers’ outside linebackers are laboring injuries. Watt will have to escape whatever pressure the Raiders provide if he is to impact the game positively for Pittsburgh.
WR George Pickens
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With a limited snap count in Week 5, George Picken’s Week 6 status is up in the air. While he will play, how much that he does remains in question. Pickens had just three catches for 26 yards in Week 5, simply not enough for a WR1. That is the second time already this season that Pickens has gone for under 30 yards in a full game.
Pickens will likely have an easier matchup this week than in weeks past. With this being the case, fans can have hope that Arthur Smith plans to incorporate Pickens more in the offensive scheme.
LB Elandon Roberts
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After nearly winning the game for the Steelers last week, Elandon Roberts enters Week 6 riding a high. With the Cowboys driving to the 1-yard line, Roberts forced a fumble that was recovered by the Cowboys but nearly gave Pittsburgh everything they needed.
Robert’s performance this year as a consistent LB2 has been one of the unsung bright spots of this Steeler team. Roberts has 12 total tackles and a sack thus far in the 2024 campaign. With the linebacker depth chart looking strong before the season, Roberts has solidified his role and proved he is a key piece in this Steeler team.
The Raiders will be looking to redeem themselves following their Week 5 loss and loss against Pittsburgh last season. Meanwhile, the Steelers look to get back on track and return to the win column with a crucial game in Vegas.