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The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. After dropping their first game of the season, the Packers have bounced back to win their last two games and sit at 2-1. Meanwhile, the Steelers have been the complete opposite. Going into Lambeau, the Steelers will be without Carlos Davis, Chukwuma Okorafor, Rashaad Coward, and Chase Claypool. However, they’ll get back TJ Watt, Diontae Johnson, and Alex Highsmith all who missed action last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers will need all the help they can get against the surging Packers and tomorrow’s game is slated to be a tough one for the Steelers.
Let’s take a look at some things we can look forward to.
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MATCHUPS AT A GLANCE
Offense: I feel like watching the Steelers’ offense is like Groundhog Day; throw 3 short passes, punt, repeat. The offense is ranked almost last in the entire NFL with a last ranked rushing offense. Earlier this week, Ben Roethlisberger explained he needs to start faster and indicated this involves more quick passes earlier in the game. I understand I say this from the stands, but I don’t think this is the answer for the offensive woes. What I am watching for is more Pat Freiermuth in the passing game. Roethlisberger hasn’t been able to get the ball down the middle of the field, which is where Freiermuth flourishes. Of course, this is dependent upon the time the offensive line gives Roethlisberger. As a part of the offense, I’m also watching Najee Harris to continue to be involved in the passing game and I see him having more receiving yards than rushing. Harris is currently sitting as the top running back in the NFL in terms of receptions with 20 catches. If Roethlisberger’s comments are any indication, I don’t see Harris slowing down as being more of a threat in the passing game instead of rushing.
Defense: There is no doubt the Packers have a great offense. Between Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, and Davante Adams, the Packers’ offense poses a threat at every level. For the Steelers to come away with a win, they need to maintain pressure on Rodgers in the pocket. With the defense getting back Watt and Highsmith, the pass rush is going to be looking to bounce back after not recording a sack in Week 3. Next, Joe Haden and Minkah Fitzpatrick are going to need to follow Adams all over the field. Rodgers and Adams have an incredible connection and Rodgers looks for Adams on every play. With Packers’ second receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling missing this game, the Steelers’ secondary can afford to double-up Adams and keep him contained. Finally, Jones has been having a solid season thus far. Through three games, Jones has posted 233 all-purpose yards with 5 touchdowns. However, Jones only averages 3.9 yards per carry. What this means for the Steelers is, let Cameron Heyward and the defensive line stay disciplined inside, and Devin Bush, Joe Schobert, and Terrell Edmunds blanket Jones in the flat. The Packers’ offense definitely poses a huge challenge, but if the Steelers’ defense accounts for Rodgers, Adams, and Jones, they could come out of Week 4 with a win.
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PREDICTION
Unfortunately, I was correct last week in predicting a Steelers’ loss. That puts me at 1-2, but who’s counting? The Packers and Steelers seem to be trending in opposite directions and there is no doubt this will be an uphill battle for the black and gold. This pains me to say, but I think the Steelers drop their third game in a row this week. I simply don’t see the Steelers’ offense being able to hang with the Packers late in the game, let alone scoring more than 20 points. 28-13, Packers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It may be hard to believe, but the Steelers have had a lot of success against the Packers in recent years. Going back to 1998, the Steelers have won all 5 regular season games versus the Packers. Of course, this doesn’t include Super Bowl 45 where the Packers defeated the Steelers in Dallas, Texas. With that said however, the Packers have the best home record in the NFL at 15-2 and have won their last 6 games at home against the AFC. Finally, a bright spot for Roethlisberger is that he needs one touchdown pass to join the 400 club. He currently sits at 399 career touchdown passes and could toss his 400th this week.
What are you watching for tomorrow? What do you think the final outcome will be? Let us know in the comments below!
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