Tag: matchups

Steelers matchups to watch: Week 2 (DEN) – Najee Harris/Jaylen Warren vs. Broncos’ linebackers

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren take on a strong group of pass-coverage linebackers.

Sunday is almost here, and that can mean only one thing: rough and tough, physical Pittsburgh Steelers football. Nothing embodies that better than the Steelers’ running backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The matchup between this dynamic duo and the reliable set of Denver Broncos linebackers, led by Alex Singleton, will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The Broncos’ linebacker group—Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, and Kristian Welch—is a dependable unit that excels more in pass coverage than against the run. Further proving their pass coverage abilities, Singleton also recorded an interception against the Seattle Seahawks. This may counter check-downs, screens, or routes run by the ever-dynamic Warren, but it plays directly into the Steelers’ strategy of running the football with Najee Harris.

Week 1 in Atlanta was a masterclass in rushing, but Harris and Warren weren’t exactly efficient with their attempts. Both averaged under 4 yards per carry, but that’s to be expected with new faces on the offensive line and the injury to left guard Isaac Seumalo. Harris will look to improve his efficiency in a big way against a Broncos linebackers unit that is better prepared for the pass than the run.

With Sunday’s game just a few sleeps away, some would argue that the success or failure of the Steelers’ running game hinges entirely on this matchup. Watch it for yourself on September 15th, at 4:25 pm EST.

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Steelers matchups to watch: Week 2 (DEN) – T.J. Watt vs. Mike McGlinchey

T.J. Watt will be looking to wreck another game this week.

After a remarkable defensive effort in Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive player, T.J. Watt, will be a part of one of the matchups to watch this Sunday in Denver.  In Week 2, T.J. Watt will look to take on one of the Denver Broncos’ best players, right tackle Mike McGlinchey.

Mike McGlinchey, the former 2018 1st round pick out of Notre Dame, had a solid performance for the Denver Broncos.  McGlinchey, on 51 pass-blocking snaps, allowed only three hurries against the Seattle Seahawks defensive front, while allowing zero QB hits or sacks.

T.J. Watt was credited one sack on Sunday, but made key stops on running plays, and recovered an important fumble in the third quarter.  He also had two strip sacks taken away by penalties, one of which seemed like a completely botched call by the officials.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will head to Denver in Week 2 with hopes of strengthening their record to 2-0, and T.J. Watt’s role in beating McGlinchey will play a significant part in making it happen.  The Steelers and Broncos go head to head, September 15th, at 4:25 pm EST.

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Steelers matchups to watch: Week 2 (DEN) – Joey Porter Jr. vs. Courtland Sutton

Joey Porter vs Courtland Sutton will be the premier matchup on defense for the Steelers this week.

One of the bright spots from Pittsburgh’s Week 1 win was none other than their second-year corner, Joey Porter Jr., locking down Atlanta’s number one receiver, Drake London.  Week 2 will also require an elite shutdown performance, with this matchup focusing on how JPJ can limit the production of the Denver Broncos’ top receiver, Courtland Sutton.

Courtland Sutton had a quiet Week 1 performance against the Seattle Seahawks, walking away with 12 targets from Bo Nix, catching 4 of these for a measly 38 yards.  This may be attributed to having rookie throwing the football in his first NFL start, but Sutton will need some of his greatest separation skills to alleviate the pressure off of Nix.

Speaking of pressure, the human pressure cooker himself, Joey Porter Jr., will look to put Courtland Sutton to the test in Week 2.  JPJ plays with elite physicality, and creating separation will not come easy.  The Steelers’ second-year corner can make elite wide receivers disappear and will look to do so in Denver.

Joey Porter Jr. and Courtland Sutton will be a fun matchup to watch this Sunday, with physicality guaranteed on almost every route run.  The Pittsburgh Steelers will need this matchup to go in their favor as they hope to move to 2-0 on September 15th, 4:25 pm EST, in Denver.

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Steelers matchups to watch: Week 2 (DEN) – George Pickens vs. Patrick Surtain II

George Pickens had a huge game in Week One.

After a solid debut to his 2024 season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens will look onward to a tough matchup in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos’ elite cornerback, Patrick Surtain II.  This specific matchup will not only continue to add to Pickens’ resume but will be pivotal if the Steelers hope to move to 2-0 on the season.

Patrick Surtain II had a rough start to his 2024 seasonal debut.  After being targeted five times, he allowed four of those to be completions, while also offering up a passer rating of 99.2 when targeted.  The Denver Broncos will attempt to keep Surtain II on Pickens all game long, and these targets for completions will pay off hugely for Pickens’ 14.2 yards per reception.

George Pickens was, to say the least, electric in Atlanta.  Subpar play calling, modest quarterback play, and heinous calls from officials limited what could have been a monster game in Week 1.  Pickens has all the momentum heading into Week 2, while Surtain II will be looking to avoid a repeat of subpar coverage.

Pickens will keep all Steelers’ fans glued to this matchup on Sunday against one of the best young corners in the NFL.  The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Denver in Week 2, September 15th, at 4:25 pm EST.

 

Packers vs. Eagles: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 1

The biggest matchups to watch between the Packers and Eagles in Week 1.

The Green Bay Packers will kick off their 2024 season on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The game will take place at Arena Corinthians in São Paolo, Brazil, and will mark the first time an NFL game has been held in South America.

It is a heavily anticipated matchup against two talented teams with big goals for the upcoming season. Both are led by two young, gifted quarterbacks buoyed by tremendous supporting casts. Friday night’s contest will be a great first test for both teams.

Here are three key matchups to watch out for:

CB Eric Stokes vs Eagles WRs

Stokes’ first healthy start since Week 9 of the 2022 season won’t be easy. The 2021 first-round pick will be thrown into the fire against one of the most talented receiving groups in the league. The Eagles are led by wide receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, two lethal pass-catchers coming off 1,000-yard seasons. Stokes is healthy for the first time in over a year after battling multiple hamstring injuries that stemmed from a foot injury that required surgery. Green Bay hopes Stokes can return to his rookie form in which he showed a ton of promise right out of the gate, being named to the Sports Info Solutions’ 2021 All-rookie team. The 25-year-old corner has a lot to prove this season after getting off to a rocky start in his second season and playing just 110 snaps in 2023. Have the injuries impacted Stokes’ speed? Can he be relied on as the starter opposite of Jaire Alexander? Is he deserving of a second contract? These are questions Stokes must face in 2024 and it all starts on Friday.

Packers Interior OL vs Eagles DTs

Philadelphia can no longer rely on defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who retired after 12 productive seasons. The Eagles aren’t expected to have much trouble replacing the future Hall of Famer with two former top-15 picks, Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, waiting to take on larger roles. That means Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and whoever starts right guard for the Packers –likely Sean Rhyan—will have their hands full. A two-time Pro Bowler, there isn’t much need to worry about Jenkins. However, the same can’t be said for Myers and Rhyan, who have a lot uncertainty surrounding them entering the new season. Myers needs to take the next step in his development and prove he can be the team’s long-term starter at center. Meanwhile, Rhyan might just be a placeholder for rookie Jordan Morgan until he is ready to take over. It all starts in the trenches, where Green Bay must have an answer for Philadelphia’s stud defensive tackles.

Packers Pass Rush vs Eagles OL

The last time we saw Hurts, he was nearly blitzed to death in the Wild Card Round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Next Gen Stats, Hurts was under pressure in less than 2.5 seconds 13 times in that game. Knowing changes were needed, the Eagles parted ways with offensive coordinator Brian Johnson in the offseason. Kellen Moore was called on to be his replacement, but it remains to be seen if he has his players better equipped to handle pressure. Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said he plans to “let it rip” in his first game as a play-caller. That could mean any number of things, but if it means dialing up a ton of pressure against Hurts, he will have plenty of talent at his disposal. Led by a deep group of pass rushers, the Packers hope to lean on them to disrupt the quarterback throughout the season.

Now we know the New Orleans Saints opponents for 2024 season

Now we know the New Orleans Saints opponents for 2024 season, including matchups with the second-place Rams, Packers, and Browns:

The dust is beginning to settle on the 2023 NFL season, meaning we now know which teams the New Orleans Saints will be playing in 2024. Because the Saints finished the year in second-place in the NFC South, they’ll face a couple of other second-place squads from around the league.

New Orleans will host the second-place Los Angeles Rams (NFC West) and Cleveland Browns (AFC North) while visiting the Green Bay Packers (NFC North), despite having made the trip to Green Bay already this year. Look at it as an opportunity for payback after the Packers rallied to overcome a 17-point lead earlier this season and eventually eliminate the Saints from the playoffs altogether.

Here is every team on the 2024 schedule and their 2023 record:

Saints vs. Buccaneers: 4 defining matchups to watch in Week 17

On paper, the Buccaneers have the edge over the Saints in the most important matchups in the Week 17 game. What are the 4 pivotal matchups?

The New Orleans Saints face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a pivotal matchup that can essentially end the Saints season. That alone stresses how important this game is. Unfortunately, the key matchups in this game lean the direction of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Overcoming the edge will be paramount to winning the showdown.

It’s the most important game since last week. New Orleans didn’t show up a week ago. If they want to save their season, the team will come in to this game prepared to win these

Saints vs. Rams: 6 defining matchups to watch in Week 16

Saints vs. Rams: 6 defining matchups to watch in Week 16

The New Orleans Saints will look to follow up their big win against the New York Giants in a big Thursday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Saints are on a two-game win streak, and though they scored less points last week than in the game against the Carolina Panthers, the offense looked as good as it has all season against the Giants. As they try to follow that performance up, they will also get Chris Olave back from injuries.

The defense has also been on an upwards trajectory, allowing just six points in each of its last two games. They will find themselves in a tough matchup against Kyren Williams and the Rams offensive line.

Here are all of the matchups you need to watch as the Saints look to stay in playoff contention:

Saints vs. Giants: 4 defining matchups to watch in Week 15

The Saints cornerbacks will be frequently tested against the Giants receivers on the outside. That’s one of four matchups to watch in Week 15:

The New Orleans Saints look to end the New York Giants’ three game winning streak as Saquon Barkley and company come to town. Things haven’t been bright in New Orleans, but there’s still time to turn things around. After last week’s performance, a loss here feels like it would be devastating.

In order to come up with a victory, the Saints are going to have to stop the stars. Tommy DeVito may be the biggest story at the moment, but the stardom starts with Barkley. Barkley rushing against a vulnerable Saints run defense is one of the four matchups that will define this game’s result in Week 15:

Saints vs. Panthers: 5 defining matchups to watch in Week 14 game

The Saints are looking to beat the Panthers for the second time this year. These are the five matchups that will determine how close the game is:

The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers face off for the second time this season. The NFC South features two divisional matchups this week, the first two divisional rematches of the season. New Orleans beat Carolina in their Week 2 showdown and allowed a late touchdown to make the game look closer.

A win is a win, but the Saints need to win convincingly to change the perception of this team. Skating by a 1-11 football team that would have the number one overall pick if they hadn’t traded it away isn’t enough. In order to not just skate by, the Saints need to win these five defining matchups in Week 14: