Packers look for consecutive wins as they visit the Steel City
The Packers look to build a winning streak as they hit the road to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Noon Central Time on Sunday.
The Packers are 3-5 after defeating the Rams 20-3 at home last Sunday. The Steelers are 5-3, having last played the Thursday night before, a 20-16 home victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett doesn’t have stats that really jump out, but he is efficient and finds ways to win the game. Najee Harris is their feature running back, but the team averages less than 100 yards rushing a game, very surprising for a franchise that used to emphasize running the ball on offense. This is not a high-powered offense. It will be up to the Packers’ defense to keep it that way. Get off the field and force some turnovers for the offense.
Jordan Love wasn’t spectacular against the Rams, but he was good enough. He will need to be even better against the Steelers. Aaron Jones should continue to provide them with a solid running game. Hopefully that deep throw and connection to Christian Watson last Sunday is the start of some good things to come for the passing game. TE Luke Musgrave also had his moments. Let’s get this offense going early for a change. Put some touchdowns on the board in the first half and keep it going all game long.
Special teams are always important as well. This stadium is not all that friendly to kickers, especially when it comes to long field goals. It is important to take advantage of scoring opportunities by putting the ball in the endzone. Also, watch out for T.J. Watt, wherever he is on the field. He can change a game all by himself.
Players come and go, but the Steelers are known for keeping head coaches around a long time, at least since 1969. For the last 55 seasons, the Steelers have had only 3 coaches, Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. The first 2 are in the Hall of Fame, and it’s a great chance that Tomlin will join them. He already won a Super Bowl early in his coaching tenure and was on the opposing sidelines when the Packers won Super Bowl XLV. Personally, I would be shocked if this is the last time the Packers face the Steelers with Tomlin roaming the sidelines.
The Steelers and Packers have opposite records, but all of the wins by the Steelers have been close, none of them coming by more than 7 points. When they lose, they lose by at least 2 scores and usually more. In fact, the Packers have scored more points than they have allowed and the Steelers have allowed more than they scored. It reminds of the Vikings last year, winning all of the close games. The Packers need to play a full 60 minutes against this team because they know how to win the close ones.
The Steelers are a much tougher opponent than their stats will tell you, but this is a very winnable game for the Packers. They just need to build on what made them successful vs the Rams. Also, let’s cut down on the penalties, especially those foolish ones that kill drives. The Packers and Steelers have had some great battles, especially since Mike Tomlin has been their head coach. I’m just happy the Super Bowl meeting went our way. I think we might be in for another great matchup. Let’s get this victory and get a winning streak going for the first time this year Green Bay!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackersFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
