Stephen A. Smith Dismisses Green Bay Packers’ Strong Performance Against Pittsburgh, Says Steelers Are Not A Good “Litmus Test”
The Green Bay Packers used an incredible second half to smash the Steelers 35-25 on Sunday night. Taking down a team likely bound for the playoffs, the offense stacked up 454 yards all while the defense allowed just 295 yards and forced the opposition to 1/10 on third down. Despite the result, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was not eager to give the Packers credit for the win and instead felt the main takeaway from the game was how poor the Steelers were.
Green Bay Packers Impress on Sunday Night Football
Green Bay’s Sunday night clash versus the Pittsburgh Steelers was a highly anticipated game for all NFL fans, as Aaron Rodgers faced his old team for the first time. The pregame storylines were all about Rodgers’ homecoming (even though the game was played in the Steel City). The storylines after the game are now all about Jordan Love.
After an underwhelming first half, Love went on to have a historically good evening. He went 29/37 for 360 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no turnovers. His 20 straight completions to go along with it meant that Love achieved something no other player in NFL history has.
With Josh Jacobs still banged up and only able to manage 2.5 yards per carry, it was crucial that Love leveled up his game, and he did just that. Green Bay’s QB showed the ability to take on a lead role in an offense usually built on the run game. Nonetheless, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was dismissive of the notion that Green Bay is continuing to build towards a Super Bowl run.
Stephen A. Smith Disregards Green Bay’s Quality Display
Stephen A. Smith and his ESPN colleagues spent time on First Take discussing the Packers-Steelers showdown, with former offensive linemen Damien Woody expressing that he feels the Packers are currently playing like Super Bowl contenders. Smith shrugged off the notion and instead felt the game said more about the Steelers than the Packers.
Despite the national media painting Pittsburgh as a very strong overall team, the reality is that their defense, the league’s highest-paid unit, is 30th in yards allowed per game, 22nd in points allowed per game, and has been overall extremely underwhelming. Smith used this all as evidence to put an asterisk on a strong night from Love and the Packers offense.
Saying the Steelers are not a good “litmus test” for how good a team is, Smith was much more keen to use Green Bay’s other Sunday Night Football game from earlier in the season to evaluate the team.
“So don’t come to me about Green Bay, and what all Green Bay is, when you saw them give up 40, we saw them give up 40 and settle for a tie against the Dallas Cowboys.”
Stephen A. is not wrong about the Steelers defense being one of the league’s least-impressive outfits, and it is fair to point out that Green Bay is just one of many offenses to have field days against them, but it is a bit short-sighted to dismiss the overall performance.
Contextualizing Green Bay’s Primetime Win Over Pittsburgh
Green Bay was operating with arguably their most important offensive player, Josh Jacobs, continuing to not look fully healthy. They continue to be down multiple receivers, as Jayden Reed is still not back and although Christian Watson made his season debut, Dontayvion Wicks was out of the lineup due to a calf problem.
Love playing a lights-out game is certainly notable. Tight end Tucker Kraft stealing the show on National Tight End Day is worth celebrating. Emanuel Wilson deserves credit for assuming a big role in the backfield and gaining 61 yards on 11 carries. Watson made an impressive return to the field with 4 catches for 85 yards. Rookie Savion Williams scored his first NFL touchdown.
Primetime wins are always worth celebrating – especially against playoff-caliber teams, which the Steelers are despite their defense. The Packers return home for a battle against the Carolina Panthers next week.
Alex Cora’s Winning Philosophy: Attitude Over Ability for the Red Sox
Boston, MA — In a statement that reinforces the Boston Red Sox's tradition of grit and determination, head coach Alex Cora has emphasized that attitude plays a pivotal role in the team’s success. "I value attitude over ability," Cora said confidently. "If your skills aren’t there yet, we can work and improve together. But if your attitude is lacking, you won’t last with this team."
Cora’s leadership has always been about creating a culture where players are encouraged to grow not only in their skills but in their mindset. While talent is essential for individual performance, Cora firmly believes that a positive attitude is the key to the long-term success of the team. "The players who bring the right attitude, the ones who are dedicated, focused, and selfless, are the ones who will thrive in Boston," Cora added.
As a coach known for his strategic mind and ability to connect with his players, Cora is focused on fostering a team-oriented approach. He believes every player has the potential to improve with the right effort and determination. "The right attitude is non-negotiable," he stressed. "We need players who are all-in for the team, who take accountability, and who strive for continuous improvement."
With the Red Sox striving to return to postseason contention, Cora’s philosophy remains at the heart of their approach. Whether it’s a rookie making his debut or a veteran looking to make a comeback, every player is expected to demonstrate not only the ability to perform but also the right attitude to support the team’s collective success.
In Boston, the message is simple: you can improve your skills over time, but without the right attitude, you won’t have a place on this team. This emphasis on attitude ensures the Red Sox aren’t just a team of talented individuals, but a unified squad with one goal—World Series glory.
