Building Momentum Is Key For An Improving Steelers Squad

By Brien Hanley on October 27, 2023

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With the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to the Steel City on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers have an opportunity to add a huge resume building victory. After stumbling out of the gate, the jaguars have righted the ship with four straight victories.

Although not pretty, the Steelers are coming off back to back victories against the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams. This is a stretch of three straight home games. A win Sunday can set Pittsburgh up to build some much needed momentum for the 2nd half of the season.

Defense Needs To Dominate

Trevor Lawrence is a rising star in the NFL. He also has a plethora of weapons at his disposal. If given time Lawrence can hurt you down field. Calvin Ridley along with Christian Kirk are excellent route runners that really excel at getting separation at the top of their routes. Fortunately, eliminating that time is what the Steelers specialize in and given the opportunity against Jacksonville’s average and banged up offensive line, Pittsburgh has a real chance to tilt the game in the trenches.

TJ Watt has been sensational all season long. Alex Highsmith has been just one step behind. Turning the corner against the Jaguars tackles is a must to slow down their passing attack.

Offense find a groove early

It seems like the offense has literally not even started playing until the 4th quarter during this two game win streak. The play calling and the execution have been atrocious to start games.

But when the offense does turn on, it’s been extremely effective. The offensive line seems to hit another gear. Even blocking the outside zone plays that have been a nuisance early in the season. Najee Harris stops tap dancing and hits the line of scrimmage going full speed.

Jacksonville presents a tough challenge as their defense is ranked 10th in the league. They have excellent edge rushes that can also stop the run. Again, Pittsburgh needs to try and control the line of scrimmage with a sound running game. Continue to double team at the point of attack and get solid movement. The Jaguars linebackers are fast so making them run around the double team on run plays and limiting them running through the backside will be key.

The real challenge seems to be on the outside. Jacksonville has thrown down the gauntlet already, letting George Pickens know he hasn’t played against their corners.

Jaguars strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins on George Pickens, via 1010XL in Jacksonville. “ I think our cornerbacks do a great job with any matchup. I know the receiver we have coming up, No. 14, has a high yards per catch. But, respectfully. he hasn’t played our corners yet. That’s…

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) October 26, 2023

I’m guessing Diontae Johnson will have something to say about the passing game as well as he is far and away the Steelers best route runner.

Come Out With A Of Sense Urgency

Pittsburgh has to get out of the starting gate much quicker. While most think it’s just an offense issue, the defense has given up a ton of chunk plays early as well.

The fans surely will be ready out of the gate thanks to Trevor Lawrence.

Trevor Lawrence talked about the #Steelers fans and says he knows about the 'little yellow towels' pic.twitter.com/lJ2GyuD3Gh

— SteelerNation (@steelernation) October 26, 2023

So those “little yellow towels” will be waving early and often. But the Steelers will need to give them something early to cheer about. A 3 and out followed by a long touchdown drive to start the game will have the fans in a frenzy. Something that the Steelers haven’t accomplished in quiet some time.

Jacksonville will be a huge test. They present problems on both sides of the ball and are extremely well coached. With two winnable games at home in the next two weeks, Pittsburgh can sett themselves up with a ton of momentum if they take care of business on Sunday.

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