This post was originally published on this site
The black and gold will have their hands full against a desperate team
I’m not surprised the Steelers (+2) are a home underdog in their building on Sunday night as they welcome in QB Aaron Rodgers and his 2-4 New York Jets.
It’s even more telling that the black and gold are underdogs in primetime, as HC Mike Tomlin historically has frequently dominated in that spot.
Here are a few reasons why the Steelers could struggle in Week 7’s showdown with the Jets.
1. WR Davante Adams torched the Steelers last season
The newest Jet has reunited with his old pal Rodgers to form one of the best receiver tandems in the NFL, as he’s now paired with star pass-catcher Garrett Wilson.
In a Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders last season, Adams had his way with then-rookie CB Joey Porter Jr., posting 13 catches for 172 yards and two TDs.
Some are anticipating a “slow start” for Adams because he hasn’t played in three weeks due to “injury” … but he enters this game with no injury designation and plenty of familiarity with his former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Look out, Porter Jr.
2. QB Russell Wilson just takes too many sacks
The Steelers haven’t publicly tabbed Wilson as their starter for Sunday night, but the writing is basically on the wall. I don’t love the move, given Wilson’s propensity for taking long developing sacks.
The Jets rank third in the NFL with 20 sacks; it’s the clear strength of their defense. Justin Fields would have provided the ability to make chicken soup out of chicken you know what — an element that the Steelers haven’t had since Ben Roethlisberger was in his prime. Fields’ rushing ability is a huge reason why Pittsburgh currently sits at 4-2.
3. The Steelers are notoriously slow starters
In their last three games, the Steelers’ offense sputtered in the first half. In week 4 they trailed 17-3 at halftime to the Indianapolis Colts, which resulted in a loss. The next week they scored just three points against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half in an excruciating home loss. And last Sunday’s contest against the Raiders, they quickly faced a 7-0 deficit and scored just 12 points in the first half.
I can’t imagine a rusty quarterback who hasn’t started a game in roughly ten months is going to magically lead the black and gold to a fast start against an elite defense.
I have the Jets winning this game 24-20, and I think many of us will be playing Monday morning quarterback when it comes to Tomlin’s decision to replace Fields with Wilson.
What’s your final score prediction? Let us know in the comments section!