The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense hasn't lived up to the preseason hype. However, one of the key members of that is optimistic that things could change on Sunday night.
The AFC-North leading Steelers (4-2) will host the NFC North-leading Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) at Acrisure Stadium, looking to rebound from a poor performance in their previous game. The Steelers allowed 484 total yards in a 33-31 loss to the Bengals in Cincinnati that ended their three-game winning streak.
The Steelers are 28th among the 32 NFL teams in total defense, and their pass defense ranks 31st, ahead of only the Dallas Cowboys. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt, though, believes the defense has had a good week of practice heading into quarterback Aaron Rodgers' first career game against the Packers, the franchise he spent the first 18 seasons of his 21-year career with.
"Sometimes it's a terrible week of practice and you go out and play well," Watt said. "Sometimes it's the other way around. But you like to think that usually good practice translates to good play. And I feel good about this week."
The Steelers have four new starters this season as they assembled the highest-paid defense in the NFL during the offseason.
First-round draft pick Derrick Harmon quickly moved into the lineup at defensive end. Nickel cornerback Jalen Ramsey was acquired from the Miami Dolphins in a trade, while left cornerback Darius Slay and free safety Juan Thornhill signed as free agents.
Somebody suggested to Watt that the newcomers were still trying to assimilate into coordinator Teryl Austin's defense. However, the four-time All-Pro rejected that thought.
"We're six, seven games in now at this point," Watt said. "We've been together since the summer, especially in the early training camp period. So, there's no excuse. Us having new guys; every team has new guys, new additions. We just need to be on the same page."
The Packers are 14th in the league in total offense but seventh in scoring, averaging 22.6 points per game and scoring at least 27 points in five of their six games. Jordan Love quarterbacks an offense that includes running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Tucker Kraft.
"After our last performance, this is the perfect dose we need to get back to good football," Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward said.