With the 2024 NFL schedule released, I wanted to take a closer look at each of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents and take a closer look at each team’s composition. This includes a recap of offseason moves, notable storylines, and a look at the Steelers’ series record. Today, we’ll look at Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.
The Steelers will be coming off a bye week to face the Commanders in Week 10. This will give players with minor bruises and abrasions a chance to get healthy. This game will also be the first game in which CB Cam Sutton will be eligible to play, after serving an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The Commanders haven’t recorded double-digit wins since 2012, but a new era could be dawning for the franchise. The team recently changed ownership, traded QB Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks, and drafted Heisman-winning QB Jaden Daniels No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He has all the potential in the world with his athleticism and arm talent, but that type of quarterback rarely plays in his rookie season. Still, his athleticism is an additional factor that the Steelers need to be prepared for. Fortunately, they have Justin Fields on the roster, who should be able to follow Daniels in practice better than most.
Daniels wasn’t the only important addition to the list. Here’s a list of the most important ones. Notable additions and deletions He was left off the commanding officer list this offseason.
More details:
– RB Austin Ekeler
– EDGE Dorrance Armstrong Jr.
– ILB Bobby Wagner
– CB Michael Davis
– QB Marcus Mariota
– LB Frankie Lubu
– EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
– OG Nick Allegretti
– EDGE CLERN FERREL
– S Jeremy Chin
– CB James Pierre
– ILB Mychal Walker
– C Tyler Viadas
depart:
– OT Charles Leno Jr.
– WR Curtis Samuel
– CB Kendall Fuller
– QB Jacoby Brissett
– C Nick Gates
– ILB Cody Barton
– OT Cornelius Lucas
– Kay Joy Slay
– RB Antonio Gibson
– QB Sam Howell
– S Kamren Curl
Draft Class:
– QB Jaden Daniels
– DT Jerzan Newton
– CB Mike Sainristeel
– TE Ben Sinnott
– OT Brandon Coleman
– WR Luke McCaffrey
– ILB Jordan Magee
– S Dominic Hampton
– DE Capital Jean-Baptiste
Along with a number of significant roster changes, the Commanders have a completely new coaching staff and front office led by head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was briefly linked to the Steelers this offseason, was hired by Quinn, and Joe Whitt Jr. was hired as defensive coordinator. Kingsbury was known for his blitzing offense in college, but according to reports, he’s taking a much more balanced approach now. Whitt said the defense will be a “run and hit” defense that looks to fly and beat opponents. The addition of an edge rusher and inside linebacker should help achieve that goal.
Steelers ILB coach Aaron Curry previously coached Bobby Wagner in Seattle, so they know how big of an impact he could have in this Week 10 game. Despite being 34 years old, Wagner will be a key playmaker for this team, and he reunites with his old defensive coordinator Dan Quinn from their time together in Seattle. They will be looking to turn things around after a defense that ranked 32nd last season and was the only team to allow more than 30 points per game.
In terms of individual matchups, this defensive front will be a big test for the Steelers’ young offensive line, which is strong with Daron Payne, Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong Jr., Jonathan Allen and some depth options.
Commander 2023 Records: 4-13
Commander 3 Year Split: 19-31-1
Commanders-Steelers Series Records: 43-33-3 (Commander)
Series record in Washington: 19-13-3 (Commander)
Most recent matchups: 23-17 Commander (2020)
Commanders in 2023 by the Numbers:
violation-
score: 19.4 PPG (25th)
Pass: 219.1 yards/g (18th)
hurry: 93.6 yards/goal (27th)
defense-
score: 30.5 PPG (32nd)
Pass: 262.2 yards/g (32nd)
hurry: 126.8 yards/goal (27th)
