The Pittsburgh Steelers have a big test ahead of them in Week 7 as they will be taking on the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football. The Steelers need this win in order to stay on pace with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, but it won't be easy. Aaron Rodgers is the most experienced quarterback in the league, and Pittsburgh has struggled against veteran quarterbacks in 2024. With the addition of Davante Adams in New York, Pittsburgh's secondary is going to need to step up so that the game doesn't get out of hand.
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick runs onto the field before an away game.
The Jets already had an intimidating passing game prior to their acquisition of Adams. Both Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard have been more than capable receivers, and Breece Hall is also a threat coming out of the backfield in the passing game.
Former Pittsburgh rival, TJ Houshmandzadeh went on The Facility on Friday, and he spoke about how he believes Pittsburgh's defense will get picked apart by Rodgers and the Jets receivers.
"Aaron Rodgers has not had a 300-yard game since December of 2021," explained Houshmandzadeh. "Dak Prescott just lit the Steelers up for over 300 yards passing. I believe Davante and Aaron Rodgers are gonna put on a show. Aaron Rodgers, 300-yard game, finally. If Dak can do it, why can't Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and Garrett Wilson do it?"
Pittsburgh gave up 336 yards through the air when they lost to the Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. This was by far the highest total of the season, but the defense also struggled against Joe Flacco -- another extremely experienced quarterback. There has been a pattern throughout the 2024 season for the Steelers' defense, which is that the unit struggles against veteran quarterbacks.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen disrupts a pass from Joe Flacco in 2024.
A lot of signs point towards Pittsburgh's defense struggling with the passing game in Week 7. There is the fact that they will be going up against one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, plus the sheer talent at receiver. Another thing to consider is that the Steelers are still starting a rookie undrafted free agent in Beanie Bishop Jr. at slot cornerback.
Bishop was picked on against the Cowboys, and he has struggled throughout the year. New York will take advantage of this and find ways to scheme receivers open against Bishop, and Rodgers will certainly be looking for the young cornerback before the snap.
With Adams joining the Jets, there is a chance that Wilson will be lining up in the slot across from Bishop in many formations. This is clearly an advantage for the Jets. Pittsburgh has seen Bishop struggle throughout the season, so hopefully the defensive staff has come up with ways to make the rookie less vulnerable in coverage. The result of this game has a lot to do with how the defensive backfield performs.
Steelers' Secondary Is More Vulnerable At Home
When Pittsburgh lost to the Cowboys in Week 5, it was mainly due to a few plays where the defense seemed to have some confusion in their coverage. During the week after the game when Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about what caused that, he gave the reasoning that the fans at Acrisure Stadium are extremely loud -- which makes it difficult to communicate.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin made sure to note that the team appreciates the fans, but also that it makes it hard to hear when on defense. This is his 18th season coaching in the same stadium, and he has played countless prime time games. He should be used to the environment that game setting invites while also providing alternative ways for the defense to communicate with one another.
Pittsburgh's matchup with New York is at home, so a lapse in communication within the secondary is something to look out for.
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