The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive game plan changed Tuesday when news broke that Davante Adams was traded to the New York Jets ahead of their Week 7 matchup. Adams now joins his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who he spent eight seasons with on the Green Bay Packers. Together, the dynamic duo connected for 622 receptions, 7,590 yards, and 69 touchdowns. Time will tell if the two will pick up right where they left off, but the Steelers' defense will look to ruin the reunion between Rodgers and Adams when they go up against them on Sunday Night Football in Pittsburgh.
As the defense prepares for the Jets' new addition on offense, Steelers' Donte Jackson was asked on how they're preparing for the Jets' offense. Jackson didn't give much up about their game plan against the Jets or Adams. He did praise Rodgers and Adams though, calling them one of the best duos in the NFL.
The Steelers acquired Jackson in March in a trade that sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Jackson has been molding well into the Steelers' defense. He has three interceptions on the season, one of them setting up the Steelers' offense with an easy touchdown in the Las Vegas Raiders game in Week 6. It'll be interesting to see if he gets match upped with Adams on Sunday, but Jackson took into account the Jets still have other playmakers on the field.
“There’s [Garrett] Wilson, he’s also a great player. [Allen] Lazard, who has a great ID with Aaron Rodgers as well. And number 20, man, Breece Hall. He’s probably the most dynamic player I would say on an offense and that’s saying a lot about him.”
After a slow start to the season, Breece Hall finally broke free against the Buffalo Bills, rushing for 113 yards. The Steelers' defense has allowed 513 rushing yards this season, which ranks 6th in the NFL. They've also forced four fumbles through six weeks. Half of those fumbles come from TJ Watt, who punched out two balls against the Raiders in Week 6. Taking away the rushing game will be important because if Hall gets loose, he can run.
Rodgers is 40-years-old, turning 41 in December. He also has been banged up a few games this season when getting sacked. The defensive line will have to pressure Rodgers to make uncomfortable throws to his receivers. In the past two games, Rodgers has thrown four interceptions. With Alex Highsmith potentially back Sunday and Cam Heyward coming at Rodgers, the Steelers' defensive backs should have some opportunities to make some turnovers.
Steelers' Defense Looking For Quick Start Against the Jets
A problem the Steelers' defense has had is not starting games quick enough. They have been letting teams go down the field on them early in the game before making in-game adjustments. The defense played a lot better against the Raiders in Week 6, with timely turnovers and shutting down the run game, making an uncomfortable Aidan O'Connell throw the ball. Jackson emphasized that the Steelers' defense has to execute early in order to slow down Rodgers. Rodgers may be older, but he still has the mind of a veteran and can make quick decisions.
If the Steelers can shut down the Jets on the first drive of the game, it'll make a big statement for the rest of the game. They also need to redeem themselves during this prime time game as they lost in a heartbreaker to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 on SNF.
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