The Green Bay Packers rolled with their momentum as they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in Sunday’s contest, improving to 3-1.
Aaron Rodgers showed again why he was the MVP last year, delivering another great game in which he completed 20 passes on 36 attempts with three total touchdowns. In addition, Rodgers did not throw an interception for the third straight week. In a turn of events, A.J. Dillon led the Packers in rushing with 81 yards on fifteen carries. It was 33 more yards than primary back Aaron Jones had with the same number of carries. However, Jones caught three passes for 51 yards.
Another big contributor to the Packers’ high-powered offense was Randall Cobb. Cobb took advantage of the absence of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, leading the Packers in receiving yards and touchdowns. He totaled five catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns, marking season highs in all categories. Davante Adams still had a productive day with six catches for 64 yards, but no touchdowns.
“He’s still a really good player,” Rodgers said when asked about Cobb postgame.
Cobb credited Rodgers with a big role in his success on the field.
“He understands how I move, so whenever I’m getting ready to break on my route, he knows,” Cobb said about his connection with Rodgers postgame.
On defense, the Packers were able to make big plays and force two turnovers to keep momentum. Rookie Eric Stokes had his first interception of his career, and Kinsley Keke forced a fumble which Kenny Clark recovered. Keke and Rashan Gary both recorded a sack.
The Steelers’ offense wasn’t flowing as easily. Ben Roethlisberger went 26/40 with 232 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a fumble. Najee Harris looked good on the ground though, racking up 62 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Diontae Johnson continued to shine, catching nine passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. T.J. Watt continued to be a force for the Steelers’ defense, recording two sacks in the game.
The Steelers drove the ball downfield and scored on the opening drive with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Johnson. This was the only score in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, the Packers were able to answer with a four-yard rushing touchdown by Rodgers. After a fumble gave the Packers great field position, they were able to take the lead on a 23-yard receiving touchdown by Cobb. The Steelers answered the touchdown with a 52-yard field goal by Chris Boswell to cut the lead down to four. Right before the half, Crosby nailed a 26-yarder to stay perfect on the season. The field goal did not come without controversy though, as the Steelers had blocked the previous attempt but were called offside, taking away a Steelers touchdown.
The Packers decided to take control in the second half, scoring 10 unanswered points. The first score came on a 29-yard field goal by Crosby and the second on a one-yard receiving touchdown by Cobb.
In the fourth quarter, the Steelers chipped into the 27-10 deficit they faced and scored a touchdown on a 1-yard rush by Harris. It was too little too late as Stokes picked off Roethlisberger sealing the game.
However, the Packers did not get away scot-free, as star cornerback Jaire Alexander left with a shoulder injury in the third quarter. The only bright side of Alexanders’ injury is that Stokes has been playing very well. Stokes has given up 109 yards on 25 targets. To put that into perspective, the Packers starter Kevin King has given up 133 yards on six targets.
The injuries are a growing concern for the Packers as they seem to pile up with multiple starters out. Among the starters questionable are Krys Barnes, Elgton Jenkins, Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, and Preston Smith. That doesn’t include the players that are officially ruled out, such as Valdes-Scantling, Za’Darius Smith, and David Bakhtiari.
We will see if these injuries are able to slow down the Packers as they carry their three-game winning streak into Cincinnati. Both teams are 3-1 on the season and there should be a fun matchup between rookies Ja’Marr Chase and Stokes if Alexander cannot play. The Packers are favored, but a tough home crowd and lack of depth could become the Packers downfall this Sunday.