Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 6 vs. Steelers

Oct 12, 2024 at 04:18 PM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Who's the Guy?

TJ Watt is the straw that stirs the drink for the Steelers. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is a big play specialist with a knack for delivering a strip sack-scoop-and-score or game-changing interception that tilts the game in the Steelers' favor. As an unstoppable force from the edge, Watt is the defender who deserves extra attention from the Raiders' frontline.

Know His Name…

Despite posting modest numbers, Justin Fields has added a dimension to the Steelers offense with his playmaking ability as a dual-threat quarterback. The fourth-year pro completed 67.6% of his passes with five touchdowns and one interception for a 97.1 passer rating. Fields ranks as the Steelers' second-leading rusher but has a team-high three rushing scores on various designed QB runs and option plays. With his unique playmaking ability creating problems for defenders tasked with maintaining gap discipline between the tackles and coverage responsibilities against the pass, the Steelers' QB1 could create problems for the Raiders defense.

Don't Sleep On…

Joey Porter Jr. is quietly emerging as a "shutdown" corner for the Steelers. The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder has excelled shadowing the opponent's No. 1 receiver, utilizing his length and athleticism to make life miserable on the island. With the Steelers increasingly relying on the second-year pro to lock down opponents, the AFC's nastiest defense has become more aggressive, with a man-to-man specialist thriving as a CB1.

Under Pressure

The Steelers' No.1 receiver is a big play threat with the size, speed and athleticism to dominate one-on-one matchups on the perimeter. George Pickens averages 13-plus yards per catch but has six receptions of at least 20 yards on the stat sheet. Given the Steelers' run-oriented approach, the Raiders cannot allow Pickens to slip past the secondary on a play-action pass that produces a score or field-flipping big play.

Matchup to Watch

Najee Harris vs. Robert Spillane

The Steelers' desire to pound the ball relentlessly between the tackles will test the Raiders' defensive interior, particularly Spillane as a tackle-to-tackle defender. The veteran must control the middle of the field to prevent Harris from bursting through creases on downhill runs that enable the Steelers to stay on schedule with their "three yards and a cloud of dust" approach. If Harris gets it going early as a workhorse, the Raiders could have difficulty stopping the complementary play that enhances their dynamic running game.

Offensive Strategy

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wants to pound the rock between the tackles to bludgeon opponents and control the game's pace. The creative play designer will utilize various runs and run-option concepts to keep defenders guessing at the point of attack while setting up big play chances on play-action passes. Given the Steelers' commitment to the running game and a complementary play-action pass attack, the Raiders must play with discipline and attention to detail to neutralize a throwback offense that wants to control the ball and wear opponents down in the fourth quarter.

Defensive Strategy

The Steelers remain one of the AFC's heavyweights due to a nasty defense that will test their opponents' mental and physical toughness. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will send five- and six-man pressures from every angle to disrupt the timing of the passing game while also clogging up running lanes. With a talented cast of pass rushers and run stoppers at the point of attack, the Steelers' blitz-heavy approach forces one-on-one matchups to exploit weak links at the point of attack. If the Raiders are not in sync with the pass protection and run-blocking schemes, it could be a long day for an offense looking to get back on track.

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.