The Green Bay Packers come into this week’s game 3-5 and look to continue to keep their playoff hopes alive. Pittsburgh is coming into this contest the opposite, 5-3, and is tied with two other divisional teams. Both teams will see this game as a must-win due to their current standings in the playoff race.
If you were going, to sum up this game in as few words as possible, you would say this game is two teams with the same strengths and weaknesses facing off. Here are the three keys for the Packers to win in the “Battle of the Doppelgangers.”
Green Bay Packers Must Be Physical
Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in his 17-year career. A significant reason is how Tomlin coaches the team to play with Physicality. The Steelers hang their hats on the defensive side of the ball and play with speed and passion. Led by the 2021 defensive player of T.J. Watt. The defensive follows his lead.
It might be a long game if the Packers cannot match the Steelers physicality. With some injuries to the O-line, Sean Rhyan should have an opportunity to start where he left off against the Rams and set the tone inside.
Christian Watson Has to Step Up for the Green Bay Packers
Plain and simple, the Packers need more from their second-year standout receiver. Whether it’s the coaching staff not scheming up good looks, Jordan Love not throwing him accurate passes, or Watson not playing up to standard, something has to change. His big play ability is too impactful not to get more targets and touches.
I see that Watson was supposed to be the team’s clear number-one receiver. That isn’t the case. You could argue that Doubs, Wicks, and Reed have all been more impactful this year in the passing game. If Watson wants to be the Packers receiver of the future, then he needs to start showing he can take over games and help this offense get on track.
First Half Offense
Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers are unwatchable in the first half. Green Bay is Ranked 32nd with 4.5 points per game in the first half. The Steelers are ranked 28th with 6.9 PPG in the first half. Whichever team can get things going early will have the edge. Both teams are great in the second half of games, making it more difficult to mount a comeback. Certainly the Packers don’t want to fall behind in this game, as the Steelers defense is set to rush the passer. If they let this game get away from them, the day might be over early.
This game might be a punter highlight reel, but if the Packers can come away with a win, the players and fans should feel much better Monday morning about this team.
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