Advertisement

5 Steelers’ offensive keys to victory in Week 7 against the Jets:

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with teammates prior to the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with teammates prior to the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

In Week 7, the 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers take on the 2-4 New York Jets in what will be a Sunday Night Football matchup for the ages.  The Jets’ defense is their strongest asset, and if Pittsburgh’s offense hopes to beat down the NY defensive unit, they should follow these 5 offensive keys to victory.

Let Russ Cook:

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 32-13, at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 32-13, at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Russell Wilson’s first start of 2024 should give the offense the boost it desperately needs. Let the veteran QB take charge early to establish momentum.

Feed George Pickens the ball:

Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Dallas won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Dallas won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pickens has all the tools of an elite WR1, but hasn't had a top-tier quarterback, until now. The team should target him heavily this week and watch the offense light up New York’s defense.

Rely on the screen game:

Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With Pittsburgh’s offensive line struggling, they can’t be expected to block at an elite level in Week 7. Calling screen plays will help keep Wilson upright while moving the ball efficiently down the field.

Target the middle of the field:

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) scores a touchdown while being chased by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Elijah Molden (22) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) scores a touchdown while being chased by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Elijah Molden (22) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

With D.J. Reed and Sauce Gardner forming an elite cornerback duo, the Steelers should focus on exploiting the middle of the field, forcing the linebackers and safeties into coverage to open up passing lanes.

Slow the pace down:

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hurdles Jack Jones #18 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hurdles Jack Jones #18 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Though the Jets boast an elite run defense, the Steelers are built to win by controlling the clock, winning the turnover battle, and maintaining possession. Leaning on the running game is key to achieving that.

More 2024 season Week 7 - Steelers vs Jets!

5 Steelers’ defensive keys to victory in Week 7 against the Jets

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has his starting QB vs the Jets

Steelers fans have mixed reactions to Week 7 QB decision

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 Steelers’ offensive keys to victory in Week 7 against the Jets: