As we’ve completed up to now, beneath are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers successful (or dropping) immediately’s sport. Three issues that must occur for them to finish up on the correct aspect of the rating and vice versa of their Week 4 sport in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings.
My Steelers’ prediction is on the backside.
The Steelers Will Win If…
1. Cross Recreation Finds Huge Performs
Much like the purpose we made final week, one of the simplest ways to beat the Vikings’ aggressive protection is thru some large performs. Although Minnesota’s run protection is weaker, it’s laborious to nickel and dime your approach downfield in opposition to this group. DK Metcalf has to get unlocked downfield and the collective pace and athleticism Pittsburgh has at receiver must be proven. YAC performs can nonetheless be helpful however it might be good to see Rodgers air one out and full downfield to Metcalf, Austin, or another person.
2. Rodgers’ Cadence Is The X-Issue
Introduced it up throughout Friday’s Horrible Podcast. Wish to counter Brian Flores? Two methods. Rodgers’ cadence is a weapon and have to be utilized. Meaning laborious counts to get the protection to tip its hand. Who’s dashing and who’s dropping into protection. The opposite approach? Fast counts. Don’t give Minnesota the prospect to spin its protection and do all of the pre-snap issues it desires to do by occurring one.
Hopefully, crowd noise will permit it. The bulk ought to make up Steelers’ followers however it’s laborious to know for certain and it’s laborious to know the way quiet they’ll be when Pittsburgh’s offense is on the sphere or in the event that they’ll simply usually be cheering all through. Cadence have to be the counter to the Vikings’ chaos.
3. Steelers Promise Of Man Protection Exhibits (And Wins)
Pittsburgh loaded up at cornerback in an effort to play man protection in opposition to anyone. These have been Mike Tomlin’s phrases. As of this writing, CB Joey Porter Jr.’s standing is unknown after lacking the final two video games with a hamstring harm. Even when he doesn’t play, the Steelers nonetheless have two starting-caliber cornerbacks in Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. They’ll draw Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the latter coming off a three-game suspension.
Can Pittsburgh maintain up? It’s not about making each play. However it’s about not giving up the massive one and arising giant in big-time moments. Let’s see if Tomlin’s confidence reveals on the sphere in opposition to the perfect group of receivers Pittsburgh’s confronted all season.
The Steelers Will Lose If…
1. Vikings’ Protection Overwhelms
An apparent one. Minnesota is usually a suffocating unit. One which brings stress, drops it out, seems unpredictable and find out how to learn. Aaron Rodgers discovered that out in 2024, throwing three picks and taking three sacks in a loss to the Vikings. If Pittsburgh can’t run the ball and give you solutions within the move sport, they’re going to be in lots of hassle. It gained’t be a cheerful flight house from Dublin.
2. Defending Tight Finish Continues To Be An Concern
Pittsburgh’s points defending tight ends continued final week, lit up by Hunter Henry for 2 touchdowns and a giant day. It gained’t get simpler this week with T.J. Hockenson, two years faraway from a torn ACL and enjoying like his outdated self. Like New England, Minnesota likes to make use of 3×1 formations with the tight finish remoted bottom. Can Pittsburgh do a greater job speaking and never letting tight ends win at will? They should.
3. Teaching Employees Will get Outschemed
Pittsburgh typically wins not by way of good teaching scheme however simplicity that lets the crew play quick and let expertise win out. Kevin O’Connell’s workers in Minnesota is thought for its inventive strategy. O’Connell’s considered a quarterback whisperer, rebuilding Sam Darnold, rising Daniel Jones’ worth, and successful with Carson Wentz final week.
Minnesota has the scheme edge and if that reveals on this sport, Pittsburgh can be at a extreme drawback.
Prediction
Vikings: 28Steelers: 10
Season Prediction Document
1-2 (excellent news contemplating I’m selecting Minnesota)