Steelers' TJ Watt And Alex Highsmith Facing Big Issue Against Packers In Week 8
There will be a lot of eyes on the Pittsburgh Steelers' matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. Not only are both teams contenders in their respective conferences, but both organizations have storied histories. To add onto all of that, Aaron Rodgers will attempt to join a short list of quarterbacks that have beaten all 32 teams. There are plenty of moving pieces, but the most important aspect of the contest for both franchises is coming away with the victory. It's not going to be an easy task, as both groups are well-coached and have plenty of talent.
The turnover battle will be an important aspect of the matchup, as will controlling time of possession. One area of the game where the Steelers have performed quite well in throughout the 2025 campaign has been the penalty department. Averaging just six per game, Mike Tomlin's unit has been able to play a pretty clean brand of football.
The Packers are pretty much the exact opposite, ranking 29th in the NFL with roughly 8.3 infractions per contest. That's why it is important to analyze certain positives and negatives that could come into play in regards to the officiating. Shawn Hochuli will be on the call, and his collective tends to hover around the league average for home team winning percentages, which is a positive for Pittsburgh.
There is one area that could get a little complicated for the Steelers, however. Hochuli and co. have called seven defensive offsides penalties in seven games. That mark ranks third-highest in the league. In the Steel City, that means star edge rushers, TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, need to be careful about when they are jumping to get off the ball.
Highsmith has not been called for an offsides yet in 2025, but Watt has been flagged on three separate occasions, which is tied for the most in the NFL. While the Steelers only look to control what they can control, it's very notable that Packers superstar Micah Parsons has also jumped offsides three times entering Week 8. It may seem simple, but these kinds of small mistakes can change the trajectory of any given game.
When certain officiating crews hone in on specific infractions, it's clear that they want to emphasize certain areas of play. Hochuli and co. tend to keep a little bit of a closer eye on the defensive line. This is something that Watt and Highsmith have likely already learned about, but they are aggressive players. Their instincts could get in the way, and a simple second or two could be the difference.
It seems as if referees will cut offensive linemen a little bit of slack when they are going up against top edge rushers. It shouldn't come as a surprise if both Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker try to get going a little early to combat the talents of Watt and Highsmith. In a game where plenty of defensive playmakers will be present, it's important that all defenders stay discipline, especially when it comes to jumping too early.
Steelers Have A Third Pass-Rushing Weapon That Has To Be Careful
Nick Herbig has blossomed into a big-play star since being drafted by Pittsburgh. He will be expected to get several snaps on Sunday evening, and also has to be cognizant of Hochuli and his crew's tendencies. Offsides is offsides, and clear infractions will always get called, but it may be much harder to get away with the dicey jumps that toe the line. This will be something to keep an eye on during the big primetime matchup in the Steel City.
Underdog Mentality: Titans LB Ready to 'Let It Loose' Against Colts
Somehow, the 1-6 Tennessee Titans are set to face their most difficult task of the season. Heading into Indianapolis, linebacker Cedric Gray is one of many players on the team who knows they are massive underdogs.
Gray, who has 50 total tackles in the past four weeks, has been a dominant defender for this Titans team. He knows he can't do everything by himself, but Tennessee's defense would be in an entirely different place without him.
After speaking to the media, it's clear exactly where Gray's head is at. The 22-year-old has far from given up, though he knows it's important to be realistic and adjust expectations as the season progresses.
Cedric Gray Comments On Upcoming Colts Game
Tennessee, who's coming off an embarrasing loss to Ex-HC Mike Vrabel, now has to play arguably the best team in the entire league. Sitting at 6-1, the Colts, who just beat the Titans in Week 3, hold plenty of key advantages.
"Whether you're an older player or younger player, I think it's hard for anyone to be 1-6," Gray said. "I think it's important that we stick together, keep the team morale high, believe in each other and trust each other so we can get through this together."
He continued, "We gotta go out there and let it loose. What do we have to lose? We're sitting here 1-6 playing a team that's playing really good football so we don't have nothing to worry about. Just go out there, play hard, us vs. The World, see what happens."
Gray's Historic Season
While he only had 10 total tackles against the New England Patriots, Gray has been doing something special this season. He joins Azeez Al-Shaair as the only Titans defenders since 2011 with 10+ tackles in four consecutive games.
Come October 26 he'll be looking to keep the streak alive against the Colts explosive offense. In fact, through seven games, the Colts have the most efficient offense this century . It's hard to believe, but QB Daniel Jones and RB Jonathan Taylor have been a dynamic duo unlike no other.
Going back to September 21, Gray had six tackles against the Colts. It marked one of two times this season he had the same number of solo tackles as he did assisted.
That Colts game was nearly his least productive of the season, which isn't surprisng as the Titans allowed 41 points. Now, a few weeks later, he's an entirely different player than he was in Week 3.
