A look at how the Steelers fare against the Packers in October
The Steelers head to Lambeau Field this Sunday to meet Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in what will be a sure test for the black and gold.
The Steelers, following back-to-back losses to the Raiders and Bengals, will need to find a way to get back on track again. Having to go to Green Bay may not help them in this case. However, this game will be the first meeting between the Steelers and Green Bay in an October game since 1975.
Steelers October Record at Green Bay
The Pittsburgh has only played Green Bay six times in October, and in that span, they are 2-4 against the Pack. They have faced the Packers twice at home and four times on the road.
The Steelers road record against the Packers should be of concern as they are 1-3 against the Packers on the road, with their last October road win coming in 1975. Yet they have never faced the Packers in a week four matchup, so it will be a first in the history of each franchise.
When the Packers have a Winning Record
If the Packers have a winning record in October, traveling to Lambeau Field for the Steelers is a dicey proposition for them. In October, the black and gold went to Wisconsin twice, when the Packers had a winning record, 1946 and 1940, and have an 0-2 record against the Packers.
The only win the Steelers had against the Packers when they had a winning record was in Pittsburgh. When the Packers have a losing record in October, the Steelers are 1-1 at Lambeau Field.
Who Scores First
Recently, a lot has been made of the Steelers not scoring on their opening drive or in the first quarter, and it could loom large this Sunday. In all October meetings, even the game played in Pittsburgh, the Packers are 4-0 if they score first in the contest. Yet if the Steelers score first, they have a 2-0 record in all October meetings. So if the black and gold can get an opening drive score this Sunday, it might help them tremendously.
Ground Game makes a difference
Pittsburgh may want to open those running lanes for their Rookie Najee Harris. When Pittsburgh has a running back rush for 100 plus yards in all October games home or away, they are 2-0. When they fail to reach the century mark in the rushing department again, they are 0-4.
In the case of the Packers, it’s not that different; they are 3-1 at home with a back rushing for 100 yards plus. In all October games 2-3. However, a strong running game will be more important for the Steelers than the Packers this Sunday.
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When they play this Sunday, it marks a new month, October, and it’s a month in which Pittsburgh plays remarkedly better than they do in September games. While it’s easy to assume the game against the Packers could be a disaster, as the Bengals game, it is also a chance for the Steelers to rebound and get back on track. We shall find out Sunday.