Jaguars vs. Steelers: Slowing down George Pickens, other keys to victory in Week 8

2. The Jaguars secondary need to contain George Pickens and Diontae Johnson in Week 8

Wide receiver George Pickens raised eyebrows when he said the Jacksonville Jaguars defense relied on hope to stop opponents, as in they hope their defensive front — filled with first-round picks — can hold up long enough. Pickens might've felt comfortable making those comments because he's having a pretty good year. But as safety Rayshawn Jenkins noted, he hasn't respectfully played secondary of the Jags' caliber.

It's true that the Jaguars give passing yards in a bunch. they are 31st in the league in that department. But that's because they take away the run early in the game and force opponents to beat them through the air. On top of that, teams are often trailing, so they need to pass in an attempt to catch up with them.

That said, George Pickens is one of the Steelers' top playmakers and Jacksonville will make it their priority to stop him and Diontae Johnson, who came back in Week 6 after missing time with a hamstring injury. Both of them are a threat to stretch the field and make plays at any given time if left uncovered. Working against the Jaguars is that cornerback Tyson Campbell is limited for the Jags and might not suit up Sunday.

If Tyson Campbell does sit out, Montaric Brown will make his second start of the season and will probably line up against Johnson while Darious Williams, who's having a career year, is assigned to Pickens.