Photo: steelers.com
With Aaron Rodgers the Steelers’ quarterback, the Oct. 26 Sunday Night Football game against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, carries some extra intrigue. But at its core, Pittsburgh must still execute fundamentals. Drawing on matchups, and roster makeup, here’s how the Steelers can tilt this primetime showdown, wearing their 1933 throwback jerseys, in their favor by winning little battles.
If Pittsburgh is going to win, Rodgers must be given time to operate. The Steelers’ offensive line, especially their interior and blindside protection, will need to be clean and hold up against a Packers front that will look to disrupt rhythm.
The use of Spencer Anderson and extra tight ends as blockers should allow Rodgers – who NextGen Stats has hovering around 2.5 seconds average time to throw and among the fastest quarterbacks in the league – would be fortuitous. Rodgers’ quick release has displayed an ability to get the ball to multiple targets and has supported the Steelers’ run game, too.
On defense, Pittsburgh needs to counterattack Green Bay’s offensive line. The Steelers edge rushers, led by Nick Herbig (statistically), must win individual battles on the outside; pressure and containment are essential this week. Maintaining pressure on quarterback Jordan Love will be a difference-maker in this matchup.
Historically, winning in the trenches often determines close games, and this one will be no different.
The Steelers can’t afford another breakdown, especially along the defensive line. They also can’t afford the Packers to apply pressure to their own line that turns their offensive scheme into a shoot-out through the air.
If Pittsburgh’s run game, powered by Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, can produce chunks and keep the Packers honest defensively, it reduces predictability and opens up play-action. The Steelers’ offense will need to lean on a balanced attack in this matchup.
On the defensive side, the Steelers need to dig deep and clamp down on Green Bay’s rushing attack.
Running back Josh Jacobs (calf, illness) may be a game-time decision. If he is unable to play, the lead rusher would be Emmanuel Wilson, per ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
The Packers’ physical running style will test the Steelers’ defensive front, including veteran Cameron Heyward. By limiting Green Bay to manageable gains on the ground, Pittsburgh can force more passing downs and pressure.
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Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave are the Packers’ top tight ends behind the wide receiver corps. They likely will be frequent targets in the seam and over the middle. Pittsburgh must assign disciplined coverage — whether with a safety, linebacker or nickel corner — to contest those throws and prevent mismatch opportunities. The Steelers defense got exposed by the Cincinnati Bengals in that area of the field.
Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward can be mixed and matched in Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme. Going tight-end heavy has been working and getting all four Steelers tight ends working – not just blocking, but getting off blocks and into the open – would give Rodgers multiple targets to exploit.
The Steelers defensive backfield got ripped up against the Bengals. Part of that was due to miscues and playing too soft in coverage. They’ll need to tighten up against Romeo Doubs, Malik Heath and rookie Matthew Golden. Dontayvion Wicks (calf) may not be on the field Sunday night. Christian Watson may suit up after returning from a serious injury if they move him from I/R, but it is unlikely as of this morning; he could share Heath’s snaps if he is a go.
If the Steelers defensive backfield can step back up in primetime, preventing easy completions and forcing contested throws will be central to disrupting Green Bay’s passing rhythm.
In a primetime tilt, turnovers become magnified. Pittsburgh’s pass rush and secondary has shown in past weeks that they can dominate. Any interception or forced fumble on their part will swing momentum, big time.
Situational football — such as third-down stops, two-minute drills, and clock management — will loom large in this game. The Steelers must stay composed, avoid penalties, and remain composed in this game.
