In Week 10, the Steelers defeated the Packers by forcing turnovers.
I don’t know how Pittsburgh wins games sometimes!
Pittsburgh “should” win their Week 10 game against the Green Bay Packers if there is a game on the schedule that does. I mean, Pittsburgh ought to win just on the energy from the crowd, right?
Not so fast.
The Packers are statistically superior to Pittsburgh in every category, similar to every other team Pittsburgh has faced this season, even though the differences are small and especially not in terms of sacks or takeaways.
The defence of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a top group, even though they aren’t enjoying the same kind of season as the Baltimore Ravens or even the Cleveland Browns. Turnovers come and go, which is the only issue with using the turnover battle strategy to win games. Even when they have played flawlessly, the Steelers have seen extended stretches during which they have been unable to recover the ball. This is because, inexplicably, luck plays a minor but significant role in nearly every victory in sports. That would be an understatement for Pittsburgh.
In keeping with the motto for the entire season, let’s examine the strategies that the Pittsburgh Steelers need to win in order to win the “dub” this week.
Key #1: Protect the ball
Every offence must prioritise protecting the ball above all else, but the Steelers have raised the bar. Their approach on the game is to just avoid making offensive errors that could put you ahead, even if it means giving up yardage. Football is complimentary, believe it or not. Pittsburgh is in the game as long as they do not turn the ball over, or at least they think so. Keeping that going will be essential to a victory over the Packers.
When opposition offences are able to score and holding onto the ball is insufficient, this type of play can result in some blowouts. It is sufficient against most of the league, and the key versus the Packers will be to keep the football safe.
Key #2: Force turnovers
Football games are won by Pittsburgh by forcing turnovers. Even without defensive lineman Cam Heyward for a significant chunk of the season, the club has performed admirably in terms of turnover, but Minkah Fitzpatrick’s hamstring injury truly hurts. It’s never a smart idea to wait on the sidelines when you have two of the best players on the team, if not the NFL. Pittsburgh’s defence has been trained to go for the ball first, yet they still manage to produce game-changing turnovers on a regular basis, whether it’s an interception, strip sack, or forced fumble in a crucial situation.
The squad would prefer to let up 500 yards while limiting points scored, knowing that the defence will ultimately win the game with a crucial play or three. The question then becomes, even if this consistency merely results in a.500 season, how has Pittsburgh been able to do this so consistently?
The third key contains the solution.
Key #3: Bring the heat – as always!
The Steelers’ domination in the turnover department is mostly due to T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, even though they are losing every other statistical fight on the field. For the time being, though, these two players are the main contributors to the Pittsburgh defense’s current success, even though the pass rushing system is among the best in the NFL. Pittsburgh was unable to buy a victory last season without Watt. They lose a lot less with Watt.
This season, only the Baltimore Ravens and possibly the Cleveland Browns can equal Pittsburgh’s amount of pressure. While all three teams are in the running for the division title, Pittsburgh appears to have their numbers and those teams appear to have less holes to fill on a weekly basis (this Ravens defence is at least on pace with the storied 2000 squad). As long as you enjoy shouting at the screen while perched on the edge of your couch, there are always thrilling, close games.
