SB Nation • 5 min read

Steelers keys to victory vs. Vikings

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have their hands full against one of the best-coached teams in the NFL when they face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Dublin. If they want to head into the bye

week with a 3-1 record, here is what they have to do.

Start Drives Fast

The Steelers are one of the worst teams on first down in the NFL. Per Next Gen Stats, the Steelers are averaging 4.1 yards per play on first down, which is the fourth-lowest in the NFL. Arthur Smith’s offense is most successful when play-action can be utilized, which means getting into second-and-short and third-and-short. Start off fast, get good yards, and don’t be predictable.

Take Advantage Of A Backup Quarterback

I have a lot of respect for Carson Wentz as a backup quarterback – he’s one of the best No. 2 guys in the league. However, he’s still a backup. I understand Justin Jefferson is great, and Minnesota will be getting Jordan Addison back from suspension in this game. Those two, combined with Adam Thielen, give the Vikings a tremendous trio of pass-catchers. That said, Minnesota is 29th in the NFL in EPA per play. If this defense really wants to show that the first two weeks were a fluke, go beat a backup quarterback and look good doing it.

Win On Third Down

This is what the game will come down to. The Steelers are allowing the second-most yards per play on third down in the NFL. On the flip side, the Vikings’ defense has the third-best EPA per play on third-and-long plays. Pittsburgh’s offense ranks 27th in EPA on third down. The Steelers have to be able to stay on the field and get off the field, things they haven’t been able to do consistently over the last two weeks. If they can put together a complete performance and win, they set themselves up with a golden opportunity to get to 5-1, as the next two quarterbacks they will face are Joe Flacco and the Browns in Pittsburgh and Jake Browning and the Bengals in Cincinnati. Additionally, look at the rest of the AFC North and their games in Week 4. The Ravens play in Arrowhead against the Chiefs, where Lamar Jackson has never won. The Browns play a high-powered Lions team. The Bengals go on the road to play the Broncos – they very well may all lose. If Pittsburgh can take care of business and get to 3-1, they put themselves in the early driver’s seat in the division.

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