Sam Farmer, writing for the Chicago Tribune, previews the Steelers-Packers game by pointing out the keys for Pittsburgh. Unlike the complex issues involved in the Packers-Bears game last week, this one couldn’t be simpler. Green Bay’s run defense against Pittsburgh’s run-oriented offense:
“If the Packers are poised to stop the run in a 3-4 formation — as opposed to bracing for the pass with a 2-4-5 — the Steelers will look to throw.”
Though this is a good point, I’m going to disagree.
Certainly the key for the Steelers is to run and hold the ball, keeping Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rogers off the field and wearing the defense down at the same time.
But unlike Farmer, I think the Steelers are going to be able to run on Green Bay in that 3-4. And I think Green Bay knows it. Look for them to put at least 8 in the box and play a four man line. They did this a few times against the Bears and I think we’ll see it a lot more next week.