Know the Foe: Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Another week in the books and it took some late-game magic by the Green Bay Packers to get the win. In a contest where Green Bay controlled the 49ers, it took a time expiring field goal by Mason Crosby to seal the deal 30-28. The Packers are done celebrating however because week 4 is here and the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to town. The Steelers are struggling this season at 1- 2 but nobody can be taken lightly in the NFL. Here’s week 4 Know the Foe: Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers.

An Aging QB and Struggling OL

When Pittsburgh takes the field Sunday there will be a longtime familiar face under center. 39-year-old and 18-year vet Ben Roethlisberger has a decorated career and will one day be in Canton. Unfortunately for the Steelers, those glory days of Big Ben are in the past. Roethlisberger can still make a play but he doesn’t move well and getting opportunities for turnovers are going to be there for Green Bay. Roethlisberger likes to take risks and on the season he has 3 touchdowns to go with 3 interceptions.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line is not helping matters. After three weeks of seeing strong offensive lines, the Packers will face a struggling group. The Steelers unit just can’t keep the quarterback clean and get the run game going. Injuries again have played a role but for a team that wants to run the ball, it’s been tough going for a rookie first-round pick Najee Harris. The big bruising back is averaging 3.1 yards on the ground so far with no touchdowns. Harris did break out in the passing game last week with 14 grabs for 102 yards.

Around FPC

NFL: Josh Gordon Signs With Chiefs After Reinstatement

NFL: Chicago Bears: Matt Nagy Making Matters Worse After Horrible Loss

NHL: Jack Eichel Fails Physical, Stripped Of Captaincy

NFL: Chiefs Rewind: KC Overcharged By Bolts

Wrestling: Extreme Rules 2021: Results & Three Takeaways

PODCAST: FPC Radio LIVE -9/28 – NFL Week 3 Recap; Quarterback Power Rankings

Talent at the Skill Positions

The Steelers do feature a nice group of weapons that can frustrate defenses. The wide receiver corps is a young strong bunch with different types of pass-catchers. JuJu Smith-Schuster is in his fifth year and has enjoyed a solid career. He has struggled when asked to be the featured target, but as a WR2 he excels. Chase Claypool is coming off a rookie season where he notched 9 touchdowns. The 6′ 4″ and 240 lb. wide receiver is a matchup nightmare. To go with his size, he has excellent hands to make highlight-reel catches. In the slot is the explosive Dontae Johnson. He is another big play waiting to happen receiver.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, both Johnson and JuJu are banged up and their availability is up in the air for this matchup. They may need to rely more on the tight end position in this game. Pat Freiermuth, the talented rookie tight end found the endzone for the first time last week. The Steelers like the kid and he is getting more looks each week.

Defense with Talent on All Levels

Blitzburgh has long been known for their defense and that hasn’t changed. Even though they are off to a slow start this group has playmakers. T.J. Watt off the edge is a bad man. He is hampered by a groin injury but if he’s out there he is a menace. The highest-paid defensive player has 52.5 sacks in a little over four seasons. If Watt can’t go, Alex Highsmith and the seasoned vet Melvin Ingram will try to get after Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay will need to be ready for Cameron Heyward on the defensive line. The 6’5″ 300 lb. Hayward has been a handful for years. Since 2017, Hayward has graded out elite (85 and up) per Pro Football Focus. Chris Wormley and Isaiah Buggs shore up the defensive line that is holding opponents to 3.2 yards per carry on the season.

Latest Packers News

On the back end of the defense is another blue-chip talent. Minkah Fitzpatrick has really struggled on the young season but he is a fine player that wears many hats. Fitzpatrick is a chess piece that can play all over. Whether he’s close to the line of scrimmage or deep in single-high, Green Bay will need to know where #39 is at all times.

Like last week in San Francisco, the Steelers cornerbacks are their soft spot on defense. The group is led by 12-year vet Joe Haden but he’s in the twilight of a good career. On the other side is Cameron Sutton who has played well in 2021 but could struggle against the Packers’ wide receivers. Green Bay will again look to attack the cornerbacks and try to get a third win on the season.

Thank you for reading Know the Foe: Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL content available on Full Press Coverage.

– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.