This game between the Steelers and the Saints will be determined when the Saints’ defense is on the field. The Steelers’ offense will feature Aaron Rodgers in his second season as their quarterback, and his primary target will be DK Metcalf. Metcalf is a physical freak and a matchup nightmare because of his combination of size and speed.
However, the Steelers have not been explosive offensively so far this season. They are averaging only 320 yards per game, with 221 passing yards and 99 rushing yards per game.
Jaylen Warren is a very physical running back who is difficult to take down. The Saints will have to make sure they are ready to hit and wrap him up. He will run through arm tackles and rarely go down on first contact.
The Steelers are also averaging 22.8 points per game, so this offense is very steady as it goes.
The biggest issue the Steelers have on offense is their inability to protect the quarterback. So far, they have surrendered 19 sacks in six games. This is where Chase Young, who is currently tied for third in the NFL with 5.5 sacks, should get very excited.
The issue here, though, is the matchup. As average as the Steelers’ offense is, the Saints’ defense has just been bad. The Steelers rank 20th in rushing yards and 18th in passing yards per game. Defensively, the Saints rank 30th in rushing yards allowed per game, surrendering 138 yards per contest, and 20th in passing yards allowed per game at 239.7.
The Saints’ defense has an opportunity to get right against this opponent. The issues that the Saints have on defense are the same issues the Steelers have on offense, but the same can be said in reverse.
If the Saints’ defense allows the Steelers’ offense to find a rhythm by establishing a running game and fails to put Rodgers into obvious passing situations, this game could get out of hand.
The Steelers’ defense is already a challenge in itself for the Saints’ offense, but the Saints do not want Pittsburgh to play complementary football in Paris.
If anything, this defense should come out aggressively, look to get in Aaron Rodgers’ face, and hit him early and often. This is a great opportunity for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to turn this defense around.
