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

1. The Jaguars must disrupt the Steelers O-Line, rattle QB Kenny Pickett

The Steelers offense hasn't precisely lightened up the scoreboard this season and one big reason is Kenny Pickett. The young passer has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 1,257 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. However, he's only attempted 30 passes or more this season because the Pittsburgh coaching staff wants to minimize his mistakes.

Granted, offensive coordinator Matt Canada's unimaginative scheme doesn't help Pickett but the point is that he isn't currently the kind of quarterback that will get into a shootout and lead the Steelers to victory. That said, having Diontae Johnson back gives the offense an overall boost. The Jacksonville Jaguars can't afford to stack the box and will need to devote resources to containing both Johnson and George Pickens. The good news is that it will be a bit easier to do without having to cover tight end Pat Freiermuth, who landed on Injured Reserve not long ago.

The Jaguars defensive front will need to rattle Pickett as much as possible but the Steelers offensive line has played better in recent weeks. Right tackle Chukwama Okorafor has held his own while Dan Moore has provided stability on the opposite side. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has acknowledged that Travon Walker and Josh Allen wreak a lot of havoc up front, so it's fair to assume they'll prioritize containing the Jaguars pass rush duo.

Okafor and Moore could get help to slow down Allen and Walker but this is a matchup Jacksonville should be able to win.

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