Steelers Scouting Report: Green Bay Packers, Week 8

Steel City Underground scouts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents each week of the 2025 NFL regular season ahead of the games to preview the upcoming matchup with a focus on key players, potential outcomes, news, and the latest social media chatter.

Through the first eight weeks of the 2025 season, the Green Bay Packers have established themselves as a legitimate contender in the NFC North and beyond. Standing at 4-1-1 and leading the division, their resume so far combines steady quarterback play, a rugged rushing attack and a defense improving in crucial moments.

As the Packers prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, here’s a look at the key contributors, how the team has performed through Week 8 and what challenge they present to Pittsburgh.

Key players for Green Bay

At the helm of the offense is quarterback Jordan Love, who has completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 1,438 yards, 10 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions through six games. He’s averaging 8.2 yards per attempt and has kept the offense in positive territory with a 108.1 passer rating.

Veteran running back Josh Jacobs continues to be the engine of the ground game, pounding out 414 yards on 111 carries with 8 rushing touchdowns — an average of 3.7 yards per carry so far this season.

In the receiving corps, tight end Tucker Kraft has emerged as a dependable target with 23 receptions for 326 yards (14.2 yards per catch) and 4 scores.

On the other side of the ball, linebacker Quay Walker leads the team with 59 tackles and provides physical presence in the second level of the defense. The defensive front also got a major boost when edge rusher Micah Parsons recorded a career-high three sacks in a Week 7 win, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Packers’ performance through eight weeks

Offensively the Packers have amassed roughly 2,060 total yards, including 1,438 passing and 705 rushing yards. They have converted 37 of 75 third-down attempts and 5 of 7 fourth-down tries, showing a willingness to keep drives alive and maintain momentum. Their balanced attack has helped them stay ahead of the pack in the NFC North and earn respect around the league as a top-tier opponent. However, analysts note that while the win column is strong, the “style points” are still earning debate.

Defensively, Green Bay has improved in key areas. Their ability to win late in games and make critical stops — such as in the fourth quarter of a tight win over the Arizona Cardinals — has become a hallmark of the unit under head coach Matt LaFleur.

The rushing defense has been particularly stout — opponents have been held to just 76.5 yards per game on the ground, the best in the league.

Still, the Packers know they must maintain consistency across all three phases (offense, defense and special teams) if they are to avoid another season of flash-in-the-pan success followed by playoff disappointment.

Challenge for the Steelers

Facing the Steelers, the Packers present a multifaceted challenge. On offense, their ability to run Jacobs and make Love’s passing efficient forces defenses to defend both threats. If Pittsburgh focuses too heavily on stopping the run, Green Bay will test them vertically through Kraft and others.

On defense, Green Bay’s front and linebacking corps are capable of disrupting timing and creating pressure — a wrinkle that could complicate the game plan of the Steelers’ offense.

Despite questions about quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now with the Steelers, Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged that the matchup against the Steelers is simply “about the Green Bay Packers vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

The Steelers defense will need to contain the run, limit explosive plays in the passing game and win the battle up front.

Should the Packers establish the ground game and maintain a methodical offense, they can control tempo and mask any weaknesses in special teams or situational football. Simply put, the Steelers must prevent the Packers from becoming two-dimensional and force them into one-dimensional, predictable offense for the Packers’ edge to diminish.

The bottom line

As the Packers continue their 2025 march, their blend of a reliable quarterback, a heavy rushing attack, emerging receiving threats and a defense trending upward gives them the look of a complete team. While the critics may still debate how polished they are, their performance through eight weeks speaks for itself.

For the Steelers, this is a true test: slow down the Packers’ balanced attack, disrupt their tempo and make them beat you one way, not two.

Don’t be surprised if Green Bay comes into Pittsburgh with confidence and a plan that makes the contest a true measuring stick for both teams.