The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing themselves for a battle against the Washington Commanders after a much-needed bye week. The Steelers recorded a 6-2 record and now face what is undoubtedly their toughest schedule stretch; maybe even since 2008.
Mike Tomlin and company will not only bring their historically favorable record into Week 9, but also an impressive feat against rookie quarterbacks. Since he was hired in 2007, Tomlin-led Steelers teams are an outstanding 25-6 against rookie quarterbacks. Their most recent victory came in Week 2 against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos. Their most recent defeat, however, came against the Cleveland Browns last season in Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s second career start. This also led to the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Jayden Daniels may be one of the tougher rookie quarterbacks he has faced. The former LSU signal caller was selected with the second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. So far, he is looking like the best of the bunch.
Daniels has been a strong part of the Commanders’ 7-2 start scoring a total of 11 touchdowns and throwing only 2 interceptions. He is taking care of the football and making more than enough plays as the Commanders rank 4th in offensive points per game.
The Steelers have won their past two trips to Washington and will look to secure another victory. This will feature two teams leading their division and likely will need every win they can get in search of a division title.
The second half of the schedule includes the upcoming Commanders, all six divisional games, and two of the past three Super Bowl teams.
STEELERS MIKE TOMLIN VS. ROOKIE QUARTERBACKS
Sep. 15. 2024 at Bo Nix, Denver Broncos, 13-6 W
Nov. 19, 2023 at Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Cleveland Browns, 13-10 L
Nov. 2, 2023 vs. Will Levis, Tennessee Titans, 20-16 W
Oct. 1, 2023 at C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans, 30-6 L
Nov. 8, 2021 vs. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears, 29-27 W
Nov. 22, 2020 at Jake Luton, Jacksonville Jaguars, 27-3 W
Nov. 15, 2020 vs. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals, 36-10 W
Dec. 8, 2019 at Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals, 23-17 W
Nov. 24, 2019 at Ryan Finley, Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10 W
Oct. 28, 2018 vs. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns, 33-18 W
Dec. 31, 2017 vs. DeShone Kizer, Cleveland Browns, 28-24 W
Sept. 10, 2017 at DeShone Kizer, Cleveland Browns, 21-18 W
Nov. 20, 2016 at Cody Kessler, Cleveland Browns, 24-9 W
Nov. 13, 2016 vs. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys, 35-30 L
Sept. 25, 2016 at Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles, 34-3 L
Nov. 17, 2014 at Zach Mettenberger, Tennessee Titans, 27-24 W
Oct. 5, 2014 at Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars, 17-9 W
Nov. 10, 2013 vs. EJ Manuel, Buffalo Bills, 23-10 W
Oct. 13, 2013 at Geno Smith, New York Jets, 19-6 W
Nov. 25, 2013 at Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns, 20-14 L
Oct. 28, 2012 vs. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins, 27-12 W
Dec. 4, 2011 vs. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals, 35-7 W
Nov. 13, 2011 at Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals, 24-17 W
Oct. 16, 2011 vs. Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars, 17-13 W
Jan. 1, 2011 at Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns, 41-9 W
Dec. 23, 2010 vs. Jimmy Clausen, Carolina Panthers, 27-3 W
Oct. 17, 2010 vs. Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns, 28-10 W
Dec. 14, 2008 at Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens, 12-9 W
Sept. 29, 2008 vs. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens 23-20 W (OT)
Dec. 30, 2007 at Troy Smith, Baltimore Ravens 27-21 L
Nov. 26, 2007 vs. John Beck, Miami Dolphins 3-0 W