Chuck Noll explains why the Steelers decided against taking a spectacular ace.

The Steelers look to build upon fourth quarter success

The Pittsburgh Steelers have typically struggled with the Jacksonville Jaguars since the old AFC Central days. Seemingly, the Jags have had Pittsburgh’s number at home as of late. The Steelers need to treat each week as a playoff game in the tight AFC North if they want to play in January. Beating the Jaguars would be a huge confidence booster for the young team as many consider Jacksonville a notch below the elite, but in the mix for a playoff run.

Here are three Steelers’ keys to a victory over the Jaguars in Week 8.

Key #1 – Bring the heat; rush the passer!

If there is a weakness on this Jacksonville team, protecting the quarterback is definitely one of them. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has been sacked 16 times in seven games so far this season. There are cracks in the Jags protection schemes and the Steelers are one of, if not the best at pressuring the quarterback.

The only issue with this philosophy is Jaguars coaches know Pittsburgh and what they bring to the table. If you haven’t heard, T.J. Watt is a household name. Pittsburgh is probably going to see a similar game plan that they have seen going back to the game versus the Houston Texans.

Houston and C.J. Stroud moved the pocket and schemed quick, timing based patterns in an attempt to slow down the rush. It worked and the Steelers were embarrassed on the road. With the offense not being able to do anything, this put the defense on the field for much too long and with hole’s already found, it wore down and simply could not stop Houston to the tune of 30 points.

Similar in build to both the Texans and the Rams with borderline elite quarterback play, Pittsburgh’s duo of Alex Highsmith and Watt need to be very efficient in their rushes getting their hands up as high as possible in passing lanes as Lawrence’s size alone gives him a slight advantage against defenses.

If the Pittsburgh rush can get into the backfield, it will be a long afternoon for the Jaguars offensively.

Key #2 – Don’t let up offensively

 Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In last week’s win versus the LA Rams, Pittsburgh looked atrocious offensively for the first 3 quarters amassing barely over 100 yards.

Then lightning struck.

The Steelers offense couldn’t be stopped in the fourth quarter, moving down the field at will, scoring two touchdowns and controlling the clock while doing so eventually kneeling on the ball for the win. It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. What is exciting for the coaches and fans was the display of complementary football in the fourth quarter. If only for that quarter, the team came together as a team. Both units responded to the others success and came away with the victory.