Steelers-Jaguars game preview with JP Acosta

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for what will arguably be the season's toughest contest to date. The AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars will be walking into a sea of black gold, but they are far from underdogs. So to get a better beat on why and how the Jags are excelling this year, I spoke with […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer

Oct 26, 2023 9:38 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for what will arguably be the season's toughest contest to date.

The AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars will be walking into a sea of black gold, but they are far from underdogs.

So to get a better beat on why and how the Jags are excelling this year, I spoke with JP Acosta of SB Nation:

Trevor 2.0?

Trevor Lawrence looked like the QB we all thought he was capable of becoming after just one year with HC Doug Pederson. What growth have you noticed in year two of the Pederson-Lawrence relationship? -Gregson

The biggest area of growth from Lawrence has been avoiding the backbreaking interceptions. For every QB, you want them to toe the line between aggression and caution, and this year it feels like Lawrence is toeing that line a bit more. He’s also taken on more of a role in the run game, taking off on third down to convert in those situations. He’s blossoming into the elite QB we believed he could be.
-Acosta

A Ridley Rut?

Calvin Ridley started out hot down in Jacksonville. As of late, he has cooled off some. Is that a result of more attention from defenses or maybe more manufactured touches for Kirk, Engram, etc? -Gregson

It’s primarily still being rusty on Ridley’s part and less attention being devoted to Kirk and Engram. Ridley is being used in a completely different way than he was in Atlanta, and it’s going to take a bit to get adjusted to that. He’s bound for another big breakout year. -Acosta

'Lull Em' To Sleep, 'Take Em' Deep

The Steelers have been susceptible on the backend, with less than stellar play at the CB position. Do you expect that to be a point of emphasis for the Jaguars offense? Or should Steelers fans prepare for a heavy dose of Etienne-Bigsby? [Jaguars RBs] -Gregson

I think they do take shots at the corners for Pittsburgh, but it won’t be in explosive downfield plays. It’ll look more like peppering them with speed outs and curls until they step up and then the Jaguars hit them over the top. The Steelers DBs have to stay disciplined or else the Jaguars will dice them up.
-Acosta

Pickens Poke The Bear?

Personally, I think the Jags have an underrated secondary, that will have even more motivation in light of some recent comments from George Pickens. Who has been the catalyst for that groups playmaking ability? -Gregson

I think the catalyst has been improved play by the safeties. Andre Cisco has been phenomenal to start this season, and Rayshawn Jenkins is the emotional leader. Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams both played well last year, but the middle of the field was still susceptible to big plays. With better safeties, that’s ended. -Acosta

Who Comes Out On Top?

Finally, what are your keys to the game, and your final score prediction? -Gregson

The key for the Jaguars is to continue to get Travis Etienne involved on offense. Either in the run or pass game, he has to touch the ball. For Pittsburgh, they can’t get caught up in running into the teeth of the Jaguars defense. Their run defense is one of the best in the league and if the Steelers try and run against it, it’ll put Kenny Pickett in situations where he has to win on his own.

Jaguars win 28-14 -Acosta