Football is a developmental sport. Usually, the more you play, the better you become. Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff understand that philosophy all too well. The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been a team that rides momentum, and as they head into their highly anticipated Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, that momentum must start up front — by keeping Aaron Rodgers clean.
Two straight weeks without allowing a sack have been impressive — especially against talents like Myles Garrett and defensive coordinator Al Golden's schemes. Still, that progress doesn’t erase the offense’s glaring mistakes.
The sting of last week’s 33–31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals still lingers, but it can’t become a distraction. That game is in the rearview mirror. The Steelers have bigger cheese to fry — literally — as they prepare to welcome Jordan Love and the Packers under the Sunday night lights of Acrisure Stadium.
Let’s be honest: Green Bay is no pushover. Their 4–1–1 record doesn’t fully reflect how efficient they’ve been on both sides of the ball. The Packers rank seventh in the league in points per game (26.3), third in expected points per play (.15), and sixth in interception percentage (1.01%).
They might not always light up the highlight reel, but if you underestimate them, they’ll blow the lid off a game before you know it.
And then there’s the wild card — All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons. Yes, that Micah Parsons, now terrorizing quarterbacks in Green Bay after Jerry Jones’ emotional front office shuffle sent him packing north. It’s hard to imagine how that trade went down, but it’s been a gift for the Packers and a nightmare for the rest of the NFL.
Parsons has been nothing short of electric this season, tallying 5.5 sacks (tied for sixth in the league) and countless quarterback pressures. His combination of speed, power, and football IQ makes him one of the most disruptive defensive forces in the game. For a 41-year-old quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, facing that kind of chaos could be problematic — unless the Steelers’ offensive line continues its impressive protection streak.
Broderick Jones plans to help Pittsburgh Steelers snatch a win while keeping Aaron Rodgers clean
Luckily for Pittsburgh, left tackle Broderick Jones and the rest of the offensive line have made it a point of pride to protect their veteran leader.
“We have to continue to keep him upright,” Jones said earlier this week. “I feel like the O-line did their job doing that last week. We just have to continue to trend in the right direction and keep him upright.”
He’s absolutely right.
Keeping Rodgers clean isn’t just a luxury — it’s the key ingredient in Pittsburgh’s winning recipe. When Rodgers has time in the pocket, he’s still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in football.
Through seven weeks, he’s posted 1,270 passing yards and 14 touchdowns (tied for fourth in the league). Yes, his five interceptions are hard to stomach at times, but when he’s protected and focused, this offense hums.
Arthur Smith’s play-calling has evolved nicely over the past few games, mixing play-action looks and timing routes that complement Rodgers’ rhythm. But none of it works without solid protection. The Steelers’ ability to contain Parsons and Green Bay’s aggressive front seven will determine whether this team can stay in the thick of the AFC playoff race or take a step backward.
At 4–2, Pittsburgh is in a good position — but “good” won’t be enough in a conference as competitive as this one. To keep climbing, the Steelers have to make Rodgers’ jersey the cleanest on the field.
Micah Parsons will come flying off the edge, and Green Bay’s defense will throw every exotic look they can find. But if Pittsburgh’s offensive line holds firm, if Rodgers stays upright and in rhythm, there’s no reason this team can’t pull off a primetime statement win at home.
The mission for Week 8 is simple: protect the quarterback, control the tempo, and let the veteran lead. The Steelers know the formula — now it’s time to execute it under the bright lights.