The Pittsburgh Steelers started their season with a win over the New York Jets in a shootout. Despite their winning efforts, the Steelers showed plenty of concerns on their way to victory. They have a lot to clean up if they want to keep their unblemished record alive following their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This game could truly go either way.
Seattle enters this game following a challenging start to its season. Their offense struggled to gain momentum, while their defense delivered a valiant effort against the San Francisco 49ers. It was a game of slow offense, but both defenses did their best to keep the game close. The Seahawks are hoping to rebound as they head across the country to Pittsburgh.
Fans attending the Steelers' home opener can expect another nail-biter. The offensive line needs to deliver a stronger performance to compete with Seattle’s solid defensive front. Pittsburgh must show its defense is legit this week. The Seahawks want a strong run game, and it's a perfect opportunity for the Steelers' defense to prove last week was a fluke.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 2 prediction has the home team starting the season 2-0
"The Seahawks look seriously flawed, but so does the Steelers defense. This week will be vital in showing that week one was a fluke. If not, we could be in for a long season. That said, I think they get the win in relatively easy fashion." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 24-13)
"The Steelers are coming off a rare shootout win in Week 1. After narrowly topping the New York Jets, Mike Tomlin's team will be tasked with taking on a Seattle Seahawks squad with a tough defense, led by head coach Mike Macdonald. Unfortunately for them, the Seahawks will be forced to travel across the country for an early-window game. I have Pittsburgh emerging victorious in their home opener in Week 2." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 23-17)
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"The Seahawks pressured Brock Purdy more than he'd ever been pressured in a game before. Seattle will bring that strength against the Steelers' biggest weakness. If the Steelers' defense can quickly turn things around, though, Pittsburgh has the advantage." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 28-17)
Final prediction has Steelers leaning on Chris Boswell to get another win
Score Prediction: Steelers 24, Seahawks 21
Aaron Rodgers might've had a terrific performance against the Jets, but it would be unwise to assume he can produce that output each week. The Steelers have several storylines to monitor heading into this Week 2 battle. Will the offensive line show promise after a tough outing in New York? Will the defense live up to the hype and show that they can play effective football?
Pittsburgh's offensive line showed major lumps last week, but they should find ways to have better cohesion as a unit as the season progresses.
It might not be pretty, but they should give Rodgers just enough time to push the ball downfield. Seattle boasts a strong defensive front, though there are vulnerabilities in their secondary. The home team might stick with a similar offensive game plan as last week.
The Steelers' defense was more disappointing than the offensive line. They failed to control the trenches, and this is a massive opportunity for them to bounce back. The Seahawks want to run the ball, and they will challenge this defensive group to prove the doubters wrong. They should bounce back against the Seahawks and force Sam Darnold into some bad situations.
Flying across the country and playing in an early game is never easy to overcome. This will be a close game, and don't be shocked if the offensive line continues to show some warts in Week 2. Rodgers will do enough on offense to keep this team alive, with Chris Boswell saving the day once again. Pittsburgh's defense won't be perfect, but it should show signs of improvement.