Every week this season there has been at least one critical head-to-head matchup – whether two individual players on opposing sides or squad versus squad – that have seemed to be a clear area of focus. A lot has been said during the 2017 regular season about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ veteran quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger; some have been positive statements and others have questioned whether he was a ‘weak link’ during a particular week.

Admittedly, our own staff here at Steel City Underground has asked the difficult questions in a pragmatic analysis of his play, but we’ve also talked about his best qualities – and performances – as well. Against the Packers, the matchup of the week will be how well Roethlisberger does against a Green Bay defensive backfield.

Embed from Getty Images

When ‘Big Ben’ is on, he’s on

Roethlisberger may have made some statements earlier this season that indicated that perhaps he didn’t have what it took to be a starting NFL quarterback anymore, but if you look at his regular season stats for 2017, ‘Big Ben’ is still playing the game well. And while he was criticized for making such statements, it was a veteran thing to do rather than toss blame onto other teammates. He has taken the good with the bad and continued to roll with it. And when he is on his game, he’s really on his game.

Through 12 weeks of play, Roethlisberger has a quarterback rating of 87.8 with 2,597 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.  There is still a lot of football to play this season, however, and looking at his best two games versus worst two games (based on passer rating and TD/INT ratio), the wily veteran has shown that he can still lead his team to a victory even when faced with challenges and adversity (including poor performances from his supporting staff).

TOP 2 PASSING GAMES	OPPONENT	CMP/ATT	YDS	CMP %	TD	INT	PASS RAT
	TITANS	30/45	299	66.7	4	0	115
	BENGALS	14/24	224	58.3	2	0	117.4

LOW 2 PASSING GAMES	OPPONENT	CMP/ATT	YDS	CMP %	TD	INT	PASS RAT
	JAGUARS	33/55	312	60	0	5	37.8
	RAVENS	18/30	216	60	1	1	79.3

“We gotta be able to ring up the scoreboard and get yards in chunks,” head coach Mike Tomlin said in his weekly presser, “by any and every means…I believe we have the schemes and personnel to do those things.”

Former NFL coach Eric Mangini told the “First Things First” crew, “I think (the Steelers are) incredibly hard to beat when they play their ‘A’ game. We played them out in San Francisco and we had Antonio Brown doubled multiple times and Ben Roethlisberger was able to put it in tight windows. (Brown) was able to go up and get it…Roethlisberger can extend plays.”

Embed from Getty Images

Packers could get a lift with return of Burnett

A depleted defense for Green Bay may have some small relief in their backfield ahead of facing Roethlisberger and his squad of talented offensive targets – Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Le’Veon Bell, Martavis Bryant and other supporting cast – due to the return of safety Morgan Burnett this week. Burnett (groin) returned to practice after missing the past two games.

“‘Mo’ is great to have out there,” said rookie cornerback Kevin King (who was limited this week due to a shoulder injury). “He’s a veteran guy and one our leaders on defense, and on this team. Having him out there is like a security blanket.”

Burnett lead the Packers in 2016 with 92 tackles (78 solo) and finished second on the team with 13 passes defensed while setting a career-best three sacks. His numbers haven’t been as good in 2017; 34 total tackles (23 solo) with just two passes defensed and no interceptions.

The Packers’ defensive backfield has been a rotating door without Burnett in the lineup. Rookie safety Josh Jones filled in as the hybrid “Nitro” linebacker in the nickel package while Marwin Evans and Jermaine Whitehead – reserve safeties – were utilized in the dime sub-package.

King was able to return to practice, but whether he’ll get the start against the Steelers or if Mike McCarthy sends Damarious Randall out remains to be seen. Davon House and Ha-Ha Clinton Dix are the presumed starters in the left corner and free safety positions.

What has hurt the Packers’ defensive backfield the most has been the lack of pass rush by their front. With Clay Matthews unable to practice early in the week, linebacker Ahmad Brooks (back) limited, defensive tackle Kenny Clark (ankle) unable to participate, defensive tackle Quinton Dial (chest) limited and linebacker Nick Perry (foot) limited, the Packers may not have an answer for the Steelers’ tough offensive line or be able to stuff the run.

Lack of up-front play forces a lot of the pressure to keep opponents out of the end zone squarely on the shoulders of the defensive backfield – and that’s not turned out well for this Packers squad. On the season, Green Bay has allowed their opponents to convert seven-of-nine fourth down conversions, given up 3,401 total offensive yards on 625 plays, 1,o57 rushing yards, 2,502 passing yards and greater time of possession. Against the Steelers, this will be an ultimate test for a Packers team that has been terrible on offense as well.

Randall leads the team with three interceptions (one was a pick-six) while Clinton-Dix (2), Davon House (1), and Kentrell Brice (1) follow. With Roethlisberger on track after handing the Tennessee Titans a big loss, the lack of turnovers could hurt Green Bay defensively.

“I’m excited. I’m ready,” Burnett told the media on Thursday. “(Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell) are the best, very explosive, very athletic … ‘Big Ben’ is also the leader of that team.” Burnett explained that despite Roethlisberger having struggled in some games, he hasn’t paid attention to past situations and understands that the Packers will have to be prepared for the veteran to extend plays and take advantage of opportunities. “He’s always going to find the open guy,” Burnett said. “He’s always going to give his players an opportunity to make a play on the ball so you gotta be ready and prepared going against them.”