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Steelers’ keys to victory in Week 7
The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to get to 5-2 when they host the New York Jets this Sunday night to close out the Week 7 Sunday slate. Here is what they’ll need to do in order to win their second straight game
Pressure Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is completing just over 53 percent of his passes while pressured, also throwing two interceptions this season under pressure. However, Pittsburgh’s secondary needs to hold up their end of the bargain when the Steelers do get to Rodgers – he is fifth in the league in yards thrown against pressure and fourth in air yards. If the secondary remains disciplined while the front seven apply pressure, interceptions and takeaway opportunities will be there for the defense to capitalize on.
Ride the run game
Najee Harris is coming off arguably the best game of his career, rushing for over 100 yards and averaging nearly eight yards per carry. The Jets are 20th in the league in defensive EPA per rush and 27th in success rate against the run. It should be another good night for Harris.
Explosive pass game
Well, Justin Fields was benched because of the passing game lacking explosiveness so I better see some deep connections and multiple big chunk plays. The Jets are sixth in defensive EPA per dropback, but there is no room for excuses. The Broncos rank third and the Chargers rank fourth in that category, respectively, and the Steelers’ passing game did just fine against both of them. Russell Wilson showed last year that the deep ball was one thing he can still do well, so hopefully we see some of that in this game. Let him uncork it a few times, and do it early to keep this Jets defense honest.