(Photo: Peacock)
AFC Game Of The Week
Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Packers (4-1-1)
After two weeks, everyone was already crowning them the best team in the league. I’ll admit, the defense came out firing on all cylinders, and the Micah Parsons impact appeared very real. Then came Weeks Three and Four. In Week Three, their defense did everything they could to keep them in the game — it was actually the offense that let them down. That’s always painful when one side of the ball comes through in the clutch and the other doesn’t. They dropped a game to the Cleveland Browns, likely because they were already looking ahead to Week Four against the Cowboys — Micah’s return to face his former team. And how did that game go? They ended up tying with Dallas! This is why I always say: focus on what’s in front of you and never think you can’t be defeated on any given Sunday, no matter how superior you think you are. I didn’t like how they played against the Bengals or even the Cardinals last Sunday, but you know what? They won both games, and when you win, that’s all that matters. There was some good and bad in that win over Arizona, especially on defense. They sacked Jacoby Brissett six times, and Micah singlehandedly beat the Cardinals by himself. On the other hand, they gave up a few big plays — including conversions on 3rd-and-23 and 3rd-and-14. This Sunday night, they’ll face a familiar opponent.
Steelers (4-2)
Okay, I’ll admit — I’m still trying to figure this group out. I do like that they’re trying to be more intentionally balanced on offense, committing more to the run game. Whenever you think of this organization, two things come to mind: a strong running attack and a stingy, physical defense that punishes opponents and gets stronger as the game goes on. At this point, the AFC North is theirs to lose, and here’s why. The Ravens are 1-5 and have been decimated by injuries. The Bengals remain a question mark, even with Joe Flacco now under center, and the Cleveland Browns are paying a total of eight different quarterbacks — some of whom aren’t even on the roster anymore. So yes, the Steelers should run away with this division and have it clinched no later than Thanksgiving. Their only real threat is themselves. I was asked the other day whether the Steelers could be a threat come playoff time. My answer was no, and here’s why. Aaron Rodgers has been solid all year and has a trusted weapon in DK Metcalf, but who else outside of DK poses a threat downfield? That lack of depth is what’s holding Pittsburgh back. Last Thursday against the Bengals, their defense frustrated me — they showed they’re still soft in some areas, which is unlike the black and yellow. A special message to Jalen Ramsey: it’s time to make that switch to safety, my man. Do what Charles Woodson did — it’ll extend your career. Trust me on this. The Steelers return home on Sunday night for a showdown with the leaders of the NFC North.
Packers X-Factor: Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is the X-factor for the Packers if they want to go far — and if they want to secure a win in Pittsburgh, it starts with him setting the tone. He may come across as a finesse runner, but he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and show he can be physical and downhill. His running style can wear down this Pittsburgh defensive front. If Josh is productive, the Steelers’ defense will have to respect the run, opening up the passing game and allowing Jordan Love to operate more effectively.
Steelers X-Factor: Jaylen Warren
I really appreciate what Jaylen brings to this Pittsburgh offense. He adds energy and versatility, making him one of the most important pieces in their attack. Jaylen is quick enough to test these Green Bay linebackers in space, and the Steelers will rely on him to move the chains and sustain drives. He’s also a threat in the passing game and capable of picking up blitzes — something that will be crucial against Green Bay’s disguised looks.
Final Thoughts:
I’ve had the privilege of previewing several games where a quarterback faced his former team — Brett Favre versus the Packers in 2010, Peyton Manning’s return to Indianapolis in 2013, Russell Wilson’s Seattle reunion in 2022, and Tom Brady’s return to Foxboro in 2021. For the first time in his career, Aaron Rodgers will face the Green Bay Packers as an opponent. With a win, he would become just the fifth quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams (joining Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees). One thing I never thought I’d say: the Steelers are soft against the run. That’s the first key for the Packers — establish Josh Jacobs early and exploit that weakness. Second, protect Jordan Love against a Steelers front that loves to blitz. Finally, they must capitalize in the red zone; Pittsburgh’s red-zone touchdown defense ranks fifth in the league. For the Steelers: establish the run with Jaylen Warren early. The offense flows better when the ground game is clicking. Control the line of scrimmage on both sides and win the turnover battle. I like the Packers to pull off a road win under the lights.
