NFL Week 1 Scouting Report: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Steel City Underground will provide fans in Steelers Nation a pre-game scouting report of each of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents during each week of the 2023 NFL regular season, comprised of items from top storylines and insights. Bookmark the site to be informed of the details on the teams the Steelers play.
This Week 1 NFL game is one of the most anticipated matchups leading up to the kickoff of the regular season. It was heavily discussed and debated as soon as the 2023 season schedule was released, and the chatter has only ramped up since the Pittsburgh Steelers went 3-0 in preseason. The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2022 NFL regular season with a 13-4 record and lost in the conference round of the playoffs.
In this Week 1 scouting report, we look at the storylines surrounding the 49ers and player news that could impact their play against the Steelers.
Bosa and the Niners get a deal done in the 11th hour
As of Wednesday morning, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers organization still did not have a deal in place with pass rusher Nick Bosa. Wednesday was the start of the week’s game preparation, and time was running out on how many full practices Bosa would get in should a deal be inked.
In the 11th hour, the parties finally came to an agreement.
Source: Nick Bosa has agreed to a five-year, $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers, including $122.5 million guaranteed, by a wide margin. It will make him the highest-paid defensive player in history. pic.twitter.com/bRm6S9Eemf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2023
Bosa had held out since the team reported to training camp on July 25, making San Francisco fans concerned he’d miss the game against the Steelers.
On Monday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport said, on NFL Network, “There is no deal yet… until there is a significant breakthrough, I do not expect Nick Bosa on the field for the San Francisco 49ers.”
Rapoport also stated that a potential offer that would make Bosa the highest-paid EDGE – past what T.J. Watt was awarded by the Steelers – has been on the table, but questioned if San Francisco would go as high as Aaron Donald‘s $31 million (and a bit more) or even higher? “If (Bosa’s) not there Wednesday, obviously, it would not bode well for him being able to participate in this week’s game,” Rapoport added. “We will see if the 49ers and Bosa, who all want this done, we’ll see if they’re able to make it happen.”
Bosa is a game-changer for the ‘Niners defense. The Steelers are well aware of his abilities. With Watt at practices against his teammates on the offensive line, there’s little to worry over that the team isn’t prepared. There are plenty of arguments to be made on whether Watt or Bosa is better, so it’s no surprise that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin compared the two this week.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin broke down the 49ers in greater detail than I've ever seen from an opposing coach today. Tomlin emphasized that Pittsburgh is preparing to face Nick Bosa and compared his situation with T.J. Watt's in 2021:
"He got a deal done in the 11th hour and he…
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 5, 2023
Kittle among players working their way back
San Francisco has a few players they’ve been working with in order to get them back in playing shape, mainly after injuries. With the team having Tuesday off from practice, they’re hoping an extra day of rest will help.
Star tight end George Kittle was among the players absent from Monday’s practice. Kittle has been dealing with an adductor injury and did not practice but, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic, he was getting some running time in on a side field. Kittle was listed as “questionable” to play against the Steelers following the practice.
The other players the 49ers are hoping to see work back are K Jay Moody, DE Robert Beal (hamstring, LB Oren Burks (knee), S Tashaun Gipson (undisclosed), WR Danny Gray (shoulder), RB Joran Mason (foot), and WR Ray-Ray McCloud (broken wrist). Gray and Gipson were moved to the injured-reserved list.
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#49ers Talanoa Hufanga says he’s feeling well after battling cyst/knee in camp, would feel better with Nick Bosa here for Week 1 vs Steelers pic.twitter.com/iYucx4rqv1
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 4, 2023
Is quarterback Brock Purdy all the way back, yet…
49ers-Steelers preseason QB comp
🏈Brock Purdy played three drives (28 plays) this preseason. The #49ers averaged 68.7 yards on those drives (FG, fumble in end zone, TD).
🏈Steelers QB Kenny Pickett played four drives (27 plays). Those drives averaged 72.5 yards (TD, TD, TD, TD).— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 31, 2023
“KP (Pickett) was a Heisman candidate, was a 24-year old rookie, and played for a less talented offense last season, was a higher draft pick (1st round vs. 7th round). When a QB is surrounded by talent, his success is better. Does anyone remember Big Ben’s 15-1 rookie regular season? Ben wasn’t that good, the team was. Brock Purdy benefited from having an offensive guru calling the plays and a load of talent surrounding him. Kenny is more talented. Purdy simply works well within the 49ers scheme.” – @HP3TV on YouTube
Other insights
Sights set on the Steelers.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 31, 2023
“Keep living that dream, keep walking that story and watch everything unfold.”
Brick by Brick pres. by @SAP Season 7 finale premiering now on YouTube 🎥
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 31, 2023
