Packers-Steelers Score, Recap: Trey Smack goes perfect in an otherwise sloppy game

In a preseason matchup, the Green Bay Packers faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. With 2:30 remaining in the third quarter, the Steelers stormed ahead, ultimately winning 28-9. Despite the Packers playing their starters on both sides of the ball and dropping to their second-team defense, neither team demonstrated strong performance on the ground - the Packers averaging 2.6 yards per carry and the Steelers 2.8.

However, the Steelers' three backups proved their worth, going 27 of 33 for 313 yards (10.1 yards per attempt) and scoring two touchdowns for an impressive 128.8 rating. Meanwhile, Green Bay's four quarterbacks were 19 of 30 for 97 yards (4.7 per pass) with a 74.4 rating.

The Packers' offensive first-team, led by quarterback Jordan Love, managed to go 46 yards and kick a field goal during their lone drive together. The second-team offense was ineffective, while the third-string unit managed two more field goals, cementing a 9-7 lead with 4:28 left in the third quarter for the Packers. The Steelers capitalized on this, scoring three touchdowns before calling the game. The Packers faced nine penalties for 76 yards throughout the game, while Pittsburgh accumulated 11 for 134 yards.

Injury concerns loomed for both teams, with several players sidelined. For the Packers, this included running backs Josh Jacobs (groin), Chris Brooks (hamstring), and Luke Musgrave (knee), along with tight end Tucker Kraft (knee), offensive linemen Aaron Banks (knee) and Zach Bako-Bewele (knee), edge defenders Micah Parsons and Dani Dennis-Sutton (knee), and linebackers Devonte Wyatt and Jordon Riley (knee, ankle).

The starters for the Packers' offense were Jordan Morgan, Jager Burton, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, and Anthony Belton. Notably, Jonathan Ford started as nose tackle in 3-4 formations, while injured players John Williams and Donovan Jennings entered the game before Darian Kinnard and Travis Glover, who were later replaced by rookie UDFA Josh Gesky.

On defense, Keisean Nixon and Brandon Cisse started as outside corners, with Kitan Oladapo replacing the injured Javon Bullard in the slot. Notably, Jonathan Ford served as the starting nose tackle in 3-4 formations, replacing Chris McClellan or Nazir Stackhouse. Anthony Campbell, praised for his pass batdowns in camp, also remained injured and was unable to play. Edge defender Collin Oliver's speed stood out in the game.

Kicker Trey Smack shone in the game, connecting on field goals of 58, 57, 38, and 37 yards; however, the 58-yard attempt was nullified due to Pittsburgh's roughing of the long snapper. Receiver Savion Williams and running back Pierre Strong Jr. paced the special teams in kick returns, with Skyy Moore contributing on punts. Overall, the game was a run-of-the-mill preseason affair, with both teams having ample opportunities to improve before the start of the regular season.