The Steeler Nation game day guide: Steelers vs Bills preview

Here’s our comprehensive guide for this week’s game.

Offense

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Devlin Hodges*

The former Samford quarterback has shown no fear when pressed into the starting role. He’s only 3-0, already defeating a future HOF, and the last two Heisman and Overall #1 picks in the NFL Draft.

Passing yards: 682

  • TD Passes: 4 / Interceptions: 2
  • Sacks: 6

Yards rushing: 65

  • Rushing TD’s: 0

Mason Rudolph

Yes, this is Rudolph’s first season being a starter with Big Ben out, but he has failed to grab the job by the reigns. Lack of confidence and bad pocket presence has hampered his game significantly.

Passing yards: 1,636

  • TD Passes: 12 / Interceptions: 9
  • Sacks: 14

Yards rushing: 43

  • Rushing TD’s: 0

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: 320

  • Rushing TD’s: 1

Receptions: 3

  • Yards receiving: 23 / Receiving TD’s: 0

James Conner (Injured)

Down year after a Pro Bowl season. On the sidelines with injuries way too much. Was playing better before he suffered a shoulder injury.

Yards rushing: 390

  • Rushing TD’s: 4

Receptions: 30

  • Yards receiving: 242 / Receiving TD’s: 2

Jaylen Samuels

An athletic player who can play several positions. Dangerous as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Yards rushing: 169

  • Rushing TD’s: 1

Receptions: 41

  • Yards receiving: 252 / 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: 94

  • Rushing TD’s: 0

Receptions: 1

  • Yards receiving: 9 / Receiving TD’s: 0

 

Wide Receivers

Juju Smith-Schuster (Injured)

Smith-Schuster has struggled this season without Roethlisberger at the helm. Hopeful to see flashes of his old self when he returns from a knee injury.

Receptions: 38

  • Receiving yards: 524 / Receiving TD’s: 3

Diontae Johnson*

Talented rookie who makes the most of every reception. Blessed with wicked moves in open space. Needs to be more consistent.

Receptions: 42

  • Receiving yards: 483 / Receiving TD’s: 4

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: 34

  • Receiving yards: 611 / Receiving TD’s: 3

Tevin Jones

Receptions: 4

  • Receiving yards: 61 / Receiving TD’s: 0

Deon Cain

Former Clemson Tiger has speed and talent. May be a steal from the Colts.

Receptions: 3

  • Receiving yards: 62 / Receiving TD’s: 0

Johnny Holton

Steelers deep threat, but has only one has catch.

Receptions: 1

  • Receiving yards: 22 / 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: 33

  • Receiving yards: 245
  • Receiving TD’s: 2

Nate Vannett

The Ohio State product was acquired from the Seahawks earlier this season. Best used as a blocker.

Receptions: 7

  • Receiving yards: 70
  • Receiving TD’s: 0

*Denotes Starter

 

Offensive line

Left Tackle: Alejandro Villanueva

Left Guard: B.J. Finney/Ramon Foster

Center: Maurkice Pouncey

Right Guard: David DeCastro

Right Tackle: Matt Feiler/Zach Banner

 

Defense (Base 3-4)

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

 

Special teams

Placekicker

Chris Boswell

Extra points: 25-25

Field goals: 26-28

  • 0-19: 1-1 / 20-29: 10-10 / 30-39: 7-7 / 40-49:  7-8 / 50+:  1-2
  • Long: 51

Punter

Jordan Berry

Yards per punt: 46.1

 

Kickoff returners

Kerrith Whyte

Yards per kickoff return: 18.7

  • Return TD’s: 0

 

Punt returner

Diontae Johnson

Yards per kickoff return: 12.7

  • Return TD’s: 1