4 Packers players Steelers fans should watch out for

Steelers must avoid testing Jaire Alexander

Jaire Alexander was the best cover corner in the NFL last season. As great as guys like Jalen Ramsey, Tre’Davious White, and Marlon Humphrey are, none of them were as good as Alexander was last year. Whether he can continue to play at that level remains to be seen, but his ability to erase players from the passing game could be a big issue for the Steelers. Diontae Johnson is expected to return this week, great news for an offense that desperately needs his ability to separate to try and get things on track.

Unfortunately, I expect the Packers to have Alexander line up across from Johnson to try and force Ben Roethlisberger to hold the ball. We all saw last week how ugly it can get when he tries to extend the play at this point in his career, and a big reason for that was Johnson not being able to suit up. I would much rather see Claypool on him for the size advantage, even though it would still be difficult to get him open against him.

The best thing Pittsburgh can do is try and avoid him entirely, especially on longer throws where he will have time to track the ball and make a play. Running the receiver he is covering across the field on crossers to try and make him navigate traffic would also be a good way to try and avoid him. Ben also has to be careful on the quick-outs and slants he likes to throw. Alexander could easily jump those routes and it’s pretty much a guaranteed pick-six.

These four players are the keys to success for both teams. If the Packers get their usual performances from them, I doubt the game is competitive the way the Steelers are playing. If Pittsburgh can limit them, then it becomes much more likely they can pull off the upset. It’s a tall task with such a talented opponent, but if the Steelers want to right the ship this is a game they must win.