5 THINGS TO WATCH
IRON CURTAIN ALTERATIONS:
The Steelers still are running a 3-4 scheme under coordinator Keith Butler, who replaced the legendary Dick LeBeau in 2015, but like the Packers under Dom Capers, they play a lot of nickel and dime. Teams are almost better off forcing them into sub-packages because their front seven is physical and difficult to run on. Over the last five games, the most rushing yards they’ve allowed is 71 yards. “When they get into their base 3-4 schemes, they’re salty,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “It really plays to the strength of their front seven. I think it’s clearly reflected in their statistics in how well they play the run.”
VETERAN PRESENCE:
Last week, the Packers faced a veteran Baltimore Ravens secondary that preyed upon young quarterback Brett Hundley. This week, they’ll be facing another secondary that has boosted its ranks with veterans. Former Cleveland Brown corner Joe Haden (leg) is out, but over the years they’ve built up their depth chart with guys such as safety Mike Mitchell, cornerback William Gay, cornerback Coty Sensabaugh and safety J.J. Wilcox. “We've always tried to infuse competition,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “I think that brings the best out of everybody and I think largely, usually that comes in the form of someone that's played a little football.”
BROWN OUT:
With rookie receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) having been ruled out, the Packers will be able to devote more double-teams to Antonio Brown, the NFL’s leader in receptions entering Week 12 (70 catches for 1,026 yards and six TDs). Every team focuses its pass coverage around containing Brown, but it comes at a price, which is why SmithSchuster has 33 catches for 568 yards (17.2 average) and five touchdowns. Brown is a great route runner and has years of experience with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “The reality of it, they can move him around and get him the ball so many different ways,” McCarthy said. “And that’s what you focus on.”
LIVING ON THE EDGE:
Both teams try to set up their outside linebackers for big plays. The Steelers have not had to rely on them, however, because inside linebacker Vince Williams has six sacks and end Cameron Heyward has seven. The Packers, on the other hand, have relied heavily on Nick Perry and Clay Matthews (10.5 of the team’s 21 sacks) for their pressure. Matthews (groin) probably won’t play, so veteran Ahmad Brooks, Kyler Fackrell and rookie Vince Biegel (two sacks combined) have to pick up the slack. Fackrell is coming off his best game and has a chance to build off it. “I think Kyler has always been very diligent in playing to his leverage and doing things right, but the position, your pass rushers and your corners, those are your playmakers,” McCarthy said. “They have to make plays.”
MISSING LINK:
Last week, the Packers took advantage of a backup playing left tackle; this week they’ll have a chance to take advantage of a backup right tackle. Starter Marcus Gilbert, one of the top tackles in the league, was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s PED policy. Chris Hubbard will take his place. However, Hubbard is no novice. He has started at right tackle in five games because of injuries to Gilbert and played in seven games. “We don’t have any hesitation regarding Chris Hubbard,” Tomlin said. “He’s upheld the standard for us not only this year, he’s been with our team for a number of years. We’re functioning in a very normal manner.”