Ahead of Sunday's primetime battle against Pittsburgh, we caught up with contributing writer/editor for Steelers.com Dale Lolley to get an insider's look at the opposing team.
Two games into the season, what do you feel is the biggest strength and weakness of this 2023 Steelers team?
DL: The strength of this Steelers team is its defensive depth and overall pass rush. They have a multitude of players who can provide valuable snaps and can really get after opposing passers.
As for the biggest weakness, offensive consistency has been an issue in the first two games. There have been too many three-and-outs and missed opportunities for an offense that was second only to the Chiefs a year ago in 10-plus-play drives.
T.J. Watt is now the Steelers' all-time leader in sacks. How does his level of play elevate the rest of the defense?
DL: So much attention must be paid to Watt that it frees everyone else up to be in one-on-one situations. Watt regularly draws two or even three blockers, particularly on passing downs. That allows others to be in very beneficial situations.
Who is an under-the-radar player who might make an impact Sunday?
DL: Tight end Pat Freiermuth has two catches in his past three games dating back to last season. Last week against the Browns, he had one catch for two yards. The Raiders have allowed 15 receptions on 19 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown in their first two games. Freiermuth has been an afterthought in the first two games this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if that changes.
What Raiders-Steelers matchup are you most looking forward to this week?
DL: The Steelers offensive line against Maxx Crosby. The Steelers have faced Nick Bosa and Myles Garrett in the first two games. Combined, they've had two tackles and no sacks. Can they shut out another premier pass rusher in Crosby?
Head inside Intermountain Health Performance Center to view the best photos from Wednesday's practice.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
A Las Vegas Raiders helmet during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive end Isaac Rochell (96) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Mykal Walker (44) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Marquez Callaway (14) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) and linebacker Mykal Walker (44) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive assistant and pass rush specialist Matthew Edwards during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Mykal Walker (44) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Byron Young (93) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman David Agoha (62) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Sebastian Gutierrez (76) and guard Greg Van Roten (70) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Netane Muti (54) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jordan Meredith (61) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
