The Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17, following impressive performances by Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, and A.J. Dillon. With the exception of Pittsburgh’s first drive, the defense looked stellar, and it seems like the Packers have found themselves in mid-season form.
Following this victory, the Packers still sit alone atop the NFC North with a 3-1 record. Here are five numbers that tell the story of the Packers’ convincing win over the Steelers.
2
Everyone should know what this number is referring to. Of course, we’re talking about Randall Cobb’s two receiving touchdowns.
The Steelers had no answer for Cobb. Cobb and Rodgers have given all Packers fans a glimpse of nostalgia from the early 2010s. When I saw Cobb’s first touchdown, I was instantly taken back to the 2014 season, when Cobb put up 1,287 receiving yards.
This was Cobb’s first multi-touchdown game since 2015 when he scored three touchdowns against the Chiefs on seven receptions. Last year, Cobb only had three touchdowns the entire season for the Houston Texans. Rodgers pushing for Cobb to come back has been a move in the right direction, and we have seen Cobb carve out his role with this new offense.
Expect Cobb’s role to increase further with MVS being injured.
15
Sorry to those who started Aaron Jones in fantasy this week. He was vastly outplayed by his counterpart, A.J. Dillon. Both had equal opportunity to run the ball, totaling 15 carries in the game.
Dillon put up 81 yards compared to Jones’ 48, and Jones fumbled the ball late in the third quarter. But this shouldn’t be cause for alarm. The Steelers have a stellar run defense, only allowing an average of 99 yards per game on the ground this year.
However, what this may signal is a more balanced backfield in the future. Splitting the carries between Dillon and Jones will help prolong their careers. After giving Jones his payday this off-season, the Packers need to ensure his health, and sharing the backfield is a great way to do so.
91.3
Someone has to help Kenny Clark on the defensive line, and Kingsley Keke had the game of his life, earning a PFF grade of 91.3. He had a solo tackle, a deflected pass, a sack, and a strip-sack.
Keke had been a player who casual fans may not have been able to name these last few seasons. But this game showed development and growth that the Green and Gold have needed on the defensive line.
1
First-round pick Eric Stokes had his first of (hopefully) many more interceptions to come. Stokes has had a more significant role after Kevin King went out and Jaire Alexander’s shoulder injury. He didn’t have a great game until the interception, giving up ten receptions for 82 yards along with two missed tackles.
Stokes’ interception came on Pittsburgh’s last drive of the game and sealed the game for the Pack. He had perfect coverage on the speedy and elusive Diontae Johnson. When Roethlisberger tried to force the ball to Johnson, Stokes was in textbook coverage to pick the ball off.
500
To write this list without mentioning history being made would be foolish. Rodgers has now become the first Packer to account for 500 total touchdowns.
Not only did Rodgers throw two touchdowns, but he also ran for one other. He is now only one touchdown pass away from tying for fifth all-time. Rodgers will look to break this record next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
