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Steelers Beat Packers as Asante Samuel Jr. Earns 90.6

8/16/2026

43 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Steelers defeated the Packers in the season opener on August 15, 2026.
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. earned the highest defensive grade of 90.6.
Offensive tackle Jaheim Bell received the lowest overall grade of 42.3 and the worst run-blocking grade of 44.8.
Steelers special teams committed seven penalties.
Defensive back Israel Mukuamu posted the lowest grade of 27.5.

History

Historical Context

In 1970, the NFL’s first season after the AFL-NFL merger—its 51st regular season—realigned teams into the AFC and NFC, and the Steelers opened the year by beating the Packers 35–31 in Pittsburgh’s new Three Rivers Stadium. The win, highlighted by rookie quarterback Terry Bradshaw’s 254 passing yards, began a defensive identity that resurfaced when Pittsburgh again defeated Green Bay in the 2026 opener.

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Story summary

The Steelers defeated the Packers in the season opener on August 15, 2026.
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. earned the highest defensive grade of 90.6.
Offensive tackle Jaheim Bell received the lowest overall grade of 42.3 and the worst run-blocking grade of 44.8.
Steelers special teams committed seven penalties.
Defensive back Israel Mukuamu posted the lowest grade of 27.5.

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