With the Steelers schedule finalized, here are four potential trap games to be aware of during the 2022 NFL season.
The NFL announced the official schedule for the 2022 season, and the Steelers weekly opponents are now set. While expectations are lower this year than usual, there is still hope for a decent season from the group. While I don’t believe that trap games in the traditional sense occur at the NFL level, teams can overlook opponents during the season.
One just has to think back to the miserable loss to the Jaguars the Steelers suffered in the playoffs in 2018. The talk of the was the revenge game they were going to have against the Patriots, but the Jaguars in turn knocked them out. No, teams don’t completely write off teams, but they can come out more relaxed and conservative against teams they deem inferior. With all that said, here are four potential trap games for the Steelers in 2022.
Steelers vs. Eagles
The Steelers will be making a short trip across Pennsylvania during week eight to play the Eagles. While Philadelphia isn’t a bad team by any means, they aren’t exactly imposing. This offense is built around the run and short passing game which makes them relatively predictable and not explosive.
The Eagle’s defense is another story, as they are a built-up unit heading into the year. That all said, they are a beatable opponent this season. Their game just so happens to come after a trio of difficult games and right before the bye week. The team may be looking ahead to getting the week off. Don’t be surprised to see this game be far more competitive than it should be.