3 players Packers must shut down vs. Steelers in Week 4
Three Steelers players the Packers need to shut down in Week 4.
This Sunday at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers head into a matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two haven’t played each other since 2017, a matchup that saw major impact players like Aaron Rodgers missing due to injury.
Rodgers also missed the matchup with the Steelers in 2013 due to injury, meaning he hasn’t played the “Terrible Towels” since Super Bowl XLV in 2010. The Steelers come into this week’s matchup with a underwhelming record of 1-2 and having lost seven out of their last nine games, including the playoffs.
Despite their record, the Steelers still have a few aces in their deck that could become game-altering pieces at any moment and time.
Here are three Steelers players that the Packers need to shut down in Week 4 to ensure a victory.
1. LB T.J. Watt
If TJ Watt is able to suit up for the Steelers in Week 4, there’s about a 99% chance he will cause pressure in some way or form. Whether it’s drawing a double team and allowing another great pass rusher like Cameron Heyward or Melvin Ingram to get pressure, or wrecking havoc on his own, Watt is a scary player and has to be a part of the Packers’ offensive game plan.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Watt was the “top disruptor” in the league last year – even ahead of guys like Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett and Joey Bosa. Even with a lingering groin injury, the Packers need to make Watt a priority and serious focus if he ends up playing.
2. G Trai Turner
Despite an odd spitting-related ejection in Week 2 against the Raiders, Trai Turner is off to an excellent start to his season. According to Pro Football Focus, Turner has allowed zero sacks and boasts a good PFF rating of 65.7 through two weeks.
Although Turner has been good so far, the Steelers haven’t faced a pass rush like the Packers just yet. In the past two games, the Packers have produced five sacks which is among the league’s best. With All-Pro DT Kenny Clark matching up with Turner often, I can see him becoming a non-factor easily.
3. RB Najee Harris
Najee Harris has been an extremely disappointing addition to the Steelers backfield thus far. Harris has yet to register a game with more than 45 rushing yards, despite him playing virtually every offensive snap.
I refuse to count out Harris just yet though. We’ve seen this exact story with Derrick Henry before, as he didn’t register a single game in his rookie year with over 65 yards rushing. I believe Harris will eventually find his rhythm, and that could be against a Packers’ defense that is giving up 115 yards against the run per game.
Harris’ passing ability has to be noted as well. The former Alabama RB leads the team in receptions following a 14-catch outing last week against the Bengals. The Packers are notorious for struggling with pass-catching RBs, so the Joe Barry-led defense has to keep a few pairs of eyes on Harris at all times.