Green Bay Packers: 3 Key Matchups to Watch In Week 4

The Green Bay Packers made a statement win in Santa Clara in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, and seem to be getting hot as they enter a daunting part of their schedule. A matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 will bring with it many challenges this team has not faced yet this year.

Even though the Steelers have struggled so far in this young season, this will not be an easy game. for the Packers. Mike Tomlin, the Head Coach of the Steelers, has never posted a losing season in his time in Pittsburgh, and they have too much talent to start now.

In this pivotal Week 4 matchup, let’s look at some key matchups the Green Bay Packers must win to come out victorious.

Pittsburgh Pass Rush vs. Packers’ Offensive line

The Steelers boast one of the most dominant defenses in the entire NFL, which is headlined by TJ Watt and their elite pass rush. In Week 3, the injury-riddled Packers offensive line stood up well against the San Francisco 49ers’ talented front seven. They must continue this stellar play to come out victorious against the Steelers.

Watt appears to be on track to play this week, which will require some special attention. The Green Bay Packers offense is built around Aaron Rodgers, so keeping him upright is an integral part of finding success on Sunday.

Elgton Jenkins’ status for the game looks to be in doubt, so Yosh Ninjam will be tasked with protecting the blindside of Rodgers for another week. The young offensive line unit will be greatly challenged again this week and will need to find their stride early to beat the Steelers.

Just don’t take my word for it, coach LaFleur had some high praise for the Pittsburgh pass rush during his media availability this week.

Najee Harris vs. De’Vondre Cambell

The Steelers’ first-round pick from Alabama had an absurd 14 receptions in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and proved to be the best playmaker on Pittsburgh’s roster. I do not need any in-depth stats to tell you just how poor the Packers have been at covering RBs in the past.

De’Vondre Cambell has been a pleasant surprise thus far into the season but has perhaps his toughest matchup this week. Allowing Harris to be the reliable target for Ben Roethlisberger he was in Week 3 will lead to the Steelers finding a rhythm on offense, and will open up the downfield passing game. Keeping Harris in check is the key to holding down the Pittsburgh offense.

Beyond the receiving ability of Harris, it will also be imperative for Cambell to be on his A-game against the run. The Steeler offense has lacked any sense of continuity outside of Harris through three weeks. Cambell’s success or failure in Week 4 will go a long way in determining just how successful the Black and Yellow will be on offense.

Steeler Secondary vs. Davante Adams

Aaron Rodger’s favorite target is what makes the Green Bay aerial attack move. Davante Adams is virtually unguardable by just one single corner, and Pittsburgh knows that. The No. 1 corner for the Steelers, Joe Haden, stated that Davante is “everyone’s guy” in this Week 4 matchup.

Fresh off another signature performance, Adams is in a prime position to exploit the Pittsburgh defense if they let him. Mike Tomlin has put together a very good secondary, who has the talent to shut down most receivers, but Adams is not most receivers. All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will more than likely shade towards Adams’ side in an attempt to keep him in check.

The Steelers have made it known that they want to contain Adams. It is on Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to find ways to thwart Tomlin’s plan and unleash Adams in Week 4. If they unlock Adams, the rest of the offense will follow.

If the Green Bay Packers win these three matchups, I believe they will be well on their way to victory.

What are some other key matchups to look for in this game? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!