DeAngelo Williams will get one more week as Steelers starting running back (Getty),
Two storied franchises collide on Sunday when the 49ers visit the Steelers at Heinz Field. San Francisco is playing on a short week, but looked impressive in their late-night win over the Vikings. Carlos Hyde emerged as the workhorse back, and the defense looks like it has returned the form of a few years ago.
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers are coming off extra rest after losing to New England opening night. Headset issues aside, the Steelers have real question marks about their defense, as Brady and Gronk had their way to the tune of three scores. On the other side, the offense didn’t seem to miss suspended back Le’Veon bell, as veteran DeAngelo Williams rushed for over 100 yards in an impressive Steelers debut. Williams will look to continue that production against San Francisco, making a case for a share of the backfield when Bell returns next week.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. Here’s more info about the matchup:
The Basics
Who:
San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
When:
Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m. ET
Channel:
The game will be broadcast regionally on FOX with Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston in the booth. Click here to see if you live in the broadcast area and find what game is on near you.
Where:
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh PA
Line:
Pittsburgh (-6.5)
Last Meeting:
Steelers 3, 49ers 20 on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco
Scouting the Steelers
Big Ben hopes to rebound from the opening night loss in Foxboro (Getty).
What appeared to be an explosive Steelers offense heading into 2015 looked rather pedestrian in week one. Without suspended weapons Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh ran the ball well but lacked any big plays. DeAngelo Williams gashed the Patriots through the middle, but Bell and the Steelers are best in the passing game, when weapons can get into open space.
On defense, the Steelers were unable to handle the pre-snap movement and adjustments of Tom Brady and the Pats. The 49ers will play a more straightforward style, so Sunday will be a better indication of how good Pittsburgh’s defense is. Whether the team is missing the play calling of longtime DC Dick LeBeau, or it simply just isn’t talented enough, remains to be seen.
Scouting the 49ers
One of week one’s biggest surprises was the emergence of Carlos Hyde (Getty).
San Fran pounded Minnesota on Monday night, rushing 39 times. It’ll be interesting to see if they adjust their game plan against the Steelers, who looked vulnerable on the outside on opening night, or just stick to pounding the rock.
What particularly stuck out about Monday night was the return of a dominant 49er defense. Patrick Willis and Chris Borland are gone, but in their place are Aaron Lynch and a rejuvenated Navarro Bowman. Lynch and Bowman were dynamite in the middle, and a big reason why Adrian Peterson was stifled.
