The biggest matchup the Packers have to take advantage of in the Week 8 matchup against the Steelers

Every great NFL season has its share of stories that are bigger than football. This week, the spotlight is squarely on Aaron Rodgers. For almost two decades he was a face Green Bay Packers franchise. Rogers was known as the master of the frozen tundra and the author of countless unforgettable weeks. This time, however, Rodgers is on the opposite side. Sunday Night Football in Week 8, he leads the Pittsburgh Steelers into battle against the Green Bay Packers, the team he once defined.

Rogers’ return sets the stage for a prime-time chess match

It’s a conflict full of subtext. It’s not really about bitterness, it’s about history. Rodgers insists there is “no animosity” towards his old team. Of course, the competitive fire that made him great is sure to burn brighter than usual under the lights at Acrisure Stadium. The Packers (4-1-1) are coming off a close 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Steelers (4-2) are licking their wounds from a 33-31 loss at Cincinnati. With Green Bay entering as a 3.5-point favorite according to some pundits, this isn’t just another prime-time game. It’s a measuring stick for new eras for both franchises.

Here we will try to look at and discuss the Green Bay Packers who are most to blame for their Week 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Packers passing offense must target the Steelers’ biggest flaw

Pittsburgh’s defensive pedigree is loaded with big names, huge salaries and a formidable front seven. However, secondary remains his Achilles heel. Through six games, the Steelers ranked near the bottom of the NFL in passing yards allowed, and they especially struggled against tight ends. Therein lies the opportunity for the Packers.

The biggest matchup the Packers have to take advantage of in this Week 8 clash is their passing attack against the Steelers defense, especially through Tucker Kraft’s running backs. The Steelers have been on fire all season for opposing tight ends. They gave up chunk plays and red zone scores at an alarming rate. Their coverage schemes were static, and running backs Peyton Wilson, Cole Holcomb and Patrick Quinn, while athletic, had difficulty reading route combinations in play-action looks.

Kraft, meanwhile, was quietly reliable. He is security blanket for Jordan Lovewho scored 10 touchdowns and only three turnovers in six games. Against Arizona, Kraft was key. He hauled in a key touchdown early in the fourth quarter and later converted a gutsy fourth-and-2 that set up the game-winner. He doesn’t post great numbers. Still, his timing, toughness and chemistry with Love made him a stabilizing force in Green Bay’s balanced offense.

Draft: Establish a run to clear the middle of the field

The formula for Green Bay is simple. With that, execution will be everything. The Packers’ ground game, led by Josh Jacobs, has to command respect early. That’s the key to neutralizing Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt and Nick Herbig. That pair combined for 8.5 sacks and was successful in bringing down the edge. When Green Bay successfully establishes the run, it freezes those backs just long enough for Lion to attack the seams. This is where Kraft and slot receiver Matthew Golden can do their damage.

This is not a defense to be taken lightly. Cameron Hayward remains a disruptive force on the interior. Newly acquired Jalen Ramsey brings star power and leadership to the secondary. However, Ramsey’s arrival hasn’t solved Pittsburgh’s communication problems or its tendency to give up explosive plays over the middle. The Steelers are 28th in total defense and 31st against the pass. They are ahead of only Dallas, a defense that the Packers destroyed just a few weeks ago.

That’s a mismatch the Packers need to correct. When Love uses play action effectively, the field opens up. That’s when Kraft becomes deadly. Expect head coach Matt LaFleur to point to early crosses and leaks at the end. That will make the Steelers safety a tough read. If Green Bay can dictate the pace through those short-to-intermediate routes, it will keep Watt guessing. That will also slow down Pittsburgh’s pass rush.

Why Tucker Kraft Could Be The X-Factor

For all the headlines surrounding quarterbacks and big names, this game could hinge on a close battle that flies under the radar. Tucker Kraft vs. Steelers linebackers and safeties is the kind of chess match that decides games between evenly matched teams.

Kraft’s ability to find the soft spots and keep the chains moving will be critical in sustaining the drive. That would also wear down the Steelers front seven. When Green Bay feeds Kraft early, it opens up opportunities for Romeo Dub and Matthew Golden to attack deeper routes out of the play. If the Packers can capitalize on that pattern, it could force Pittsburgh to make some uncomfortable adjustments. That should open the door for Love’s best statistical game of the season.

The Rogers factor

Yes, all eyes will naturally gravitate toward Rodgers’ return. That said, the Packers can’t afford to talk about nostalgia. The Steelers offense, while potent at times, has shown vulnerability against pressure. Green Bay’s defense should take advantage of that. On the other hand, the Packers’ real strength comes from their ability to attack with balance. They should run enough to stay honest and pass effectively enough to control the pace of the game.

Rogers, of course, will do everything in his power to spoil that plan. He is cerebral, surgical and still capable of excelling in the big moments. However, the Packers’ best counter is their execution. If Love stays composed and exploits the Steelers’ defensive deficiencies, Green Bay can turn this ‘revenge’ game into a post-Rogers identity statement win.

Final thoughts

The Steelers defense looks threatening on paper. However, the paper does not cover sudden coverages, missed tackles and mental lapses. The Packers’ passing offense has the tools, timing and balance to exploit those flaws. It’s not about airing it recklessly; it’s a surgical strike, with Tucker Kraft as the centerpiece.

If Green Bay protects Jordan Love and gets consistent production from the tight end position, the Steelers’ vaunted defense will crack under pressure. And if that happens, the Packers might just leave Acrisure Stadium with proof that their future is now.