The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a big-time matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. When this game first appeared on the Steelers' 2024 official schedule, many fans and analysts thought it would be one of Pittsburgh's easier games. However, the Commanders have proven themselves to be a surprisingly strong team, currently sitting at 7-2 and riding high on the tremendous play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. As a result, the Steelers are actually heading into this game as slight underdogs.

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Commanders' QB Jayden Daniels tries to make a big play during an away game.
Ahead of the Commanders' early-season matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt made some interesting comments about Washington's offense. He referred to it as a "college offense," a remark no professional team wants to hear, especially from an opposing player. Taylor-Britt’s comment stirred up some attention and the Commanders handed the Bengals a 38-33 loss.
Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt broke down Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels’ game: “They don’t make him do a lot. They keep it really simple for him. Nice college offense. (Kliff) Kingsbury’s the OC.” pic.twitter.com/CeJKATlzmF
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 20, 2024
On his podcast, Not Just Football, Steelers defensive leader Cam Heyward was asked by his co-host Hayden Walsh if he thought the Commanders' offense resembled a college one. Heyward, clearly unimpressed, responded by calling the question really stupid. His blunt reaction highlighted how seriously he takes Washington’s offense and the looming challenge they present, dismissing any notion that they should be underestimated.
"I would never say some stupid a** sh** like that," Heyward said. "But man, I think when you look at them, like, you respect that offense, man. You respect what they're doing. Zach Ertz is playing big. They got pieces that man, you gotta respect who you're playing. Calling 'em a college offense, I think that's not doing your homework. I think that's just... someone said it and you ran with it, but man, college offense or not, they're taking care of the ball and they're scoring touchdowns."
Heyward pointed out that the Commanders haven’t had to punt much this season.

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Defensive tackle Cam Heyward looks at the screen during a Pittsburgh Steelers' game.
He believes the key to a Steelers victory is forcing Washington into situations where they have to punt, disrupting their offensive rhythm.
"That offense is pretty special," Heyward said. "They don't turn the ball over a lot. I think they have like, what, three or four turnovers? Having Brian Robinson, having Austin Ekeler, Jeremy [Mc]Nichols, and then having a big receiver in Terry McLaurin, that alleviates a lot of stress. But you can't take away anything from what Jayden Daniels is doing right now. Successful in college, came in doing the same thing... And I think the thing that really sticks out is just his poise in the pocket."
Steelers' Defense Is Likely To Give Jayden Daniels A Tough Time
Heyward didn’t hold back when discussing what makes the Commanders’ offense so effective. Daniels has been exceptional in the 2024 season and is likely to give the Steelers' star-studded defense plenty of trouble. Few teams have been able to figure him out so far, but the Steelers will present his toughest challenge yet. The Steelers have one of the best defensive units in the league. They will look to make life hard on Daniels on Sunday.
Heyward and his defensive unit are certainly not overlooking the rookie quarterback. With TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Heyward leading the charge, the Steelers' defense will look to disrupt Washington's offensive flow, making life easier for their own offense.

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Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt celebrate a turnover against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers' offense has been opening up more recently, and it’s expected they’ll need to put up plenty of points to secure a win in this one. Steeler Nation is eager to see Russell Wilson take on this gritty Commanders defense.
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