The Minnesota Vikings‘ defense dominated the Cincinnati Bengals in their 48-10 victory last Sunday, and now they’ll aim to bring that same pressure against another AFC North opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Minnesota will present a major challenge for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Through the early part of the season, the Vikings’ defense has allowed the third-fewest passing yards (424), conceded just two passing touchdowns, and racked up nine team sacks along with 33 quarterback pressures.
Pittsburgh might struggle to get its passing game going, and with the Vikings’ ability to pressure the quarterback, that could create real problems for its experienced signal-caller.
Vikings veteran gives respect to Aaron Rodgers
Harrison Smith is one of the Vikings players who has faced Rodgers multiple times. The 36-year-old safety spoke to the media on Wednesday and shared his respect for the former Green Bay Packers star despite having multiple bouts during his time in the NFC North.
“It’s obviously a little bit different, but the things that he can do and is capable of still has it,” Smith said. “He still makes every throw. He’s obviously in great command of everything, pre-snap, post-snap.
“He’s a very unique player to play against just because of the way he plays the position. The things he’s able to do—with his awareness and just his ball handling, his fakes, stuff like that—it’s really high-level.”
This week, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith stated that he expects the Vikings’ defense to make life challenging for Rodgers, who would be under pressure throughout the game.
“Rodgers is second in the league in touchdown passes at seven, only behind Lamar Jackson who’s at nine,” Smith said on Wednesday’s edition of “First Take.” “But if you look at him in a clean pocket, he’s completing 78 percent of his passes. Under duress, it’s 27 percent. He’s not doing much.
“You know Brian Flores knows that, and Brian Flores is going to bring the rain. I don’t expect the Steelers offense to do much in this particular game. It should be a very low-scoring game because you know the Vikings defense could help to assist in neutralizing the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
