The Seattle Seahawks have no intentions of starting the season 0-2, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are the team carrying the momentum heading into their Week 2 contest. Still, for as impressive as Aaron Rodgers was in his debut with the black and gold, Seattle has a few aces up its sleeve for the matchup.
Ironically, however, that means playing into a strength for Seattle that didn’t reap enough benefits against the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener. Last week, the Seahawks put more pressure on Brock Purdy than any opponent he has faced in his young career. Unfortunately for Seattle, that only translated into one sack, and it didn’t help the team secure a victory.
Still, San Francisco has somebody the Steelers don’t: Trent Williams, one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Instead, Pittsburgh employs Broderick Jones, a floundering first-round pick who is making just his second start as the team’s full-time left tackle. His first start didn’t go well.
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald needs to dial up the pressure in Week 2
Jones allowed a sack on Rodgers on the Steelers' very first offensive play from scrimmage. Steelers fans' worst fears for the 2025 campaign were quickly realized then, even before he allowed another two sacks throughout the game.
Rodgers was sacked four times by the New York Jets’ defense, an uncomfortable number for the 41-year-old quarterback. But making Rodgers uncomfortable is exactly what coach Mike Macdonald’s defense should be looking to do in Week 2.
With Uchena Nwosu logging a full practice, Seattle’s deep defensive front might get back one of its most important pieces. Between him and other stars like DeMarcus Lawrence and Leonard Williams, plus the talents of Boye Mafe and Derick Hall, the Seahawks ought to be positioned to overwhelm the Steelers' inexperienced front.
Of course, Rodgers has his counters. He was lethal on play action, going six of eight for three touchdowns when turning his back to the Jets defense in Week 1. He also gets the ball out quickly. He was 15 of 18 when throwing in under 2.5 seconds in Week 1.
Pittsburgh should be inclined to offer more help to Jones this week after his struggles in the opener, but he remains a weak link in the Steelers' offensive front, which Seattle should be able to exploit throughout the game. Get to Rodgers enough through Jones, and Seattle will have a shot to come away with a road victory that few seem to be expecting.