Green Bay Packers v. Steelers: 12 Quick Observations from Win
By Paul Bretl
The coin toss
Last week San Francisco won the toss and deferred, which allowed them to double-dip with a pair of touchdowns–one before the half and one right after. This week the Packers won the toss, deferred, and kind of did the same thing with a pair of field goals.
I’m guessing this opinion goes against the grain, but I would prefer to see them take the ball right away if they win the toss. The strength of this team is the offense, so play to that strength, be aggressive, and go score.
I’ve shared this opinion on Twitter with some saying, “what if they don’t score right away?” My response is, oh well. We can ask hypothetical questions all day. What if they do score? What if they defer but don’t double up? You get where I’m going with this. My point is to play to your strengths.
Cobb steps up in MVS’ absence
Nobody on this team brings the same skill-set that the Green Bay Packers are missing with Marquez Valdes-Scantling sidelined, but someone needs to step up in his absence. And on Sunday, that was Randall Cobb.
Cobb entered the game with only four receptions on just five targets, but in this performance alone, he tallied five receptions on six targets for 69 yards and with two touchdowns. He was also Rodgers’ security blanket on third downs.
Green Bay Packers defensive front controls trenches
The Green Bay Packers defensive front had a good showing last week against the 49ers and although I don’t expect their pass rush numbers against Pittsburgh to be as impressive as they were in San Francisco, they still controlled the line of scrimmage.
The Steelers run game was held to 3.9 yards per rush while the pass rush recorded five quarterback hits and two sacks. Again, not gaudy numbers, but in obvious passing situations, the Packers were able to pressure Roethlisberger, and the mere threat of Green Bay making their way into the backfield dictated the game as we saw a lot of quick passes.
This Steelers offensive line has had major issues all season and Green Bay was able to take advantage.