Jaguars vs Steelers Preview
Photo Credit: Matt Pendleton, USA TODAY Sports
After a 1-2 start to the regular season, the Jaguars have won four straight games and seem to be clicking all the right buttons, and are one of the hottest teams in football. The Steelers coming into town now will be a fun matchup, as the Steelers are just a tough, well-coached team that figures a way to win and be a competitive team while the Jaguars are looking to continue to be on fire.
Pass Protection and Kirk
The Jaguars need to protect Trevor Lawrence, as T.J. Watt is second in the league in sacks and will need to double him, so it can be more challenging for him to get to the Quarterback. Trevor Lawrence will look to continue to be mobile and move around the pocket, as that has dramatically helped the offense. Christian Kirk has established his role as Trevor Lawrence's favorite target, and that should continue as Kirk has six or more targets in every game except for week one and over 50 yards in five out of the seven games. If the Jags can pass-protect and get the ball to Kirk and Etienne, they will be in a perfect place.
George Pickens
The Jaguars come into this game as one of the worst defenses in the league, allowing over 350 yards as a defense. George Pickens has been feasting the last two weeks, going over 100 yards in both games and becoming very reliable, with Diontae Johnson just coming back last week. If Kenny Pickett can get the ball to his receivers and take advantage of the weak pass defense that the Jaguars are bringing, the Steelers can go 5-2 and keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.
Prediction
Jaguars and Steelers should be a slug-it-out game as the Steelers defensive line will be able to get after the Quarterback, but I don’t think the Steelers have enough offensively to keep up with the Jags with that said, I think the Jags pull away late, and win 23-17 in the end. Trevor Lawerence will do just enough to beat the Steelers and go 6-2 on the season, continuing to be one of the hottest teams in football.
