Review~ Packers 20, Rams 3

Albeit against a 3rd string QB, the Packers’ defense did its job. Never allowing the Rams to get past the Green Bay 31 yard line. In doing so, the Packers won the time of possession battle 35:16 to 24:44 – a step in the right direction. Forcing 6 punts and 2 turnovers on downs, that allowed the Packers to keep up with the run game, gaining 184 yards over 38 rush attempts (4.8 yards/rush). This game could’ve been the blowout it should’ve been had the Packers not turned it over twice themselves…both unforced fumbles.

Progress? ~ there were some signs of progress from this young team in the victory over the inferior Rams. ILB Isaiah McDuffie (#58) totaled 7 tackles with 2 tackles for loss, and numerous plays like this.

Another promising player was RG Sean Rhyan (#75), who was able to move All-Pro DT Aaron Donald off his mark multiple times in the run game. He deserves more playing time if he’s able to show this type of effort and production.

Lastly, while he was facing Brett Rypien, Valentine still locked down two stud WRs (Kupp and Nacua) in his opportunity. He’s a rookie corner, and now there’s tape on him from jumping routes. So he’ll have double-moves put on him against Pittsburgh, and moving further. However, he deserves starting reps and with Jaire and Stokes coming off injury hopefully to play the remainder of the year in some form, the Packers could have a very formidable secondary for years to come.

Both Teams Like to Mud the Game Up

While Green Bay doesn’t intentionally like messing the game up, the outcome is quite similar. Pittsburgh has a knack for bringing you down to their level, playing solid defense, and making a big play in the 4th quarter in a tight game. That’s how they’ve amassed 5 wins over 8 games, and pulled out a couple of big wins vs solid opponents this season. Their two big wins have come against the uber-talented Cleveland Browns and (what looks like) the best team in the NFL, Baltimore. The man pictured above is arguably the MVP of the NFL this season as he makes such a difference on the defensive side of the ball that it directly impacts the outcomes of games.

	GB O	(rank)	vs.	Pit D	(rank)
Rush	100.4	22nd		133.1	29th
Pass	199.6	22nd		244.1	25th
Total	300.0	24th		377.2	31st
Pts	20.0	20th		20.4	13th
	GB D			Pit O
Rush	124.0	23rd		90.5	24th
Pass	196.1	9th		188.0	24th
Total	320.1	11th		278.5	28th
Pts	19.9	10th		16.6	29th
T/O	GB			Pit
Takeaways	8	T-28th		16	3rd
Giveaways	10	T-9th		8	T-5th
Diff.	-2	T-18th		8	T-3rd

Based on sheer numbers and ranking in those departments, the Packers should have the advantage while on defense, assuming they’re able to keep the Steelers’ ground attack in check. Pittsburgh is 29th in scoring offense and almost dead last (31st of 32) in defensive yards allowed. Look no further than turnover differential when trying to figure out how Pittsburgh is 5-3 with (what statistically says is) a bad team. They average 2 takeaways/game while only giving it away once. Green Bay was able to get away with turning it over twice last week, but they may not be so fortunate should they do it this week. Look for quick passes and the ground game from Matt LaFleur Sunday as TJ Watt (#90) and Alex Highsmith (#56) are maybe the best edge rushing combo in the NFL. Each can wreck a game and the Packers have struggled with O-line play, so quick passes, screens, and the ground game should be paramount.

Other Players to Watch:

• #14 George Pickens – WR; big play potential with great hands
• #30 Jaylen Warren – HB; avg. 4.7 yards/carry
• #22 Najee Harris – HB; bruising back with great feet/balance

There are quite a few former Packers/Badges on the Pittsburgh roster, so some names will sound familiar:

• #57 Montravious Adams – DT (3rd round pick in 2017 of Green Bay) He’s OUT however.
• #95 Keeanu Benton – DT (Rookie from Wisconsin)
• #92 Isaiahh Loudermilk – DT (Wisconsin)
• #51 Nick Herbig – LB (Rookie from Wisconsin)
• #90 TJ Watt – he’s ok
• #34 Chandon Sullivan – spent 2019-2021 with Green Bay
• #49 Tariq Carpenter – S (7th rd draft pick by Green Bay last year)

Pittsburgh finds themselves in the heat of a divisional battle for the AFC North, while Green Bay is clinging to some playoff hope, but mainly looking for progress while Pittsburgh is what it is, just a tough team with a balance of kids and veterans.

Look for that veteran experience to show today, even though I believe Green Bay will have a brighter future in years to come and currently has more talent, the inexperience of the Packers will likely cost them today (and beyond in terms of wins).

Packers 17 (+3.5)
Steelers 20

Season: 3-5
Overall: 90-57