Mike Tomlin Reveals Unexpected Praise for Packers’ Most Controversial Unit

Here we go—Week 8 is shaping up to be a real barn burner, and guess who’s caught in the eye of the storm? None other than Mike Tomlin and his Pittsburgh Steelers, gearing up to face the Green Bay Packers. Now, here’s a juicy nugget for you: could this be Aaron Rodgers’ last—and only—shot at showing his former team what they’re missing? It’s a plot thickener right out of Hollywood, isn’t it? Tomlin’s not mincing words, either, tipping his hat to Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for crafting a defense so “fundamentally sound” it’s like a fortress for the Packers. But, let me tell you, the story’s far from one-sided. With Micah Parsons snarling on the edges and a Steelers’ offensive line that’s as unpredictable as a lightning strike, this clash is more than a game; it’s chess at its finest—full of gambits, risks, and that edge-of-your-seat tension only football can deliver. So, will Rodgers outwit his old crew, or will the Packers’ defense put the brakes on his revenge tour? Buckle up, because this one’s going to be a thrill ride!

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter in the game at Paycor Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. — (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face arguably their toughest challenge of the season in Week 8.

They will host the Green Bay Packers in what might be Aaron Rodgers‘ only chance to face his former team.

Unfortunately, the veteran quarterback will have to deal with a difficult defense, at least according to his head coach.

“Got a lot of respect for (Packers defensive coordinator) Jeff Hafley and the work he’s doing over there with those guys. They’re fundamentally sound. They don’t give up big plays. They reduce the amount of grass that they have to play in, and in doing so, they make offenses operate in an effort to score on them. You’ve got to be clean. You’ve got to execute,” Mike Tomlin said.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin with high praise for Jeff Hafley’s defense

“Got a lot of respect for Jeff Hafley and the work he’s doing over there with those guys, they’re fundamentally sound, they don’t give up big plays” #GBvsPIT pic.twitter.com/RXu04R73UU

— Hogg (@HoggNFL) October 21, 2025

The Steelers’ inconsistent offensive line will have its hands full trying to contain Micah Parsons.

The All-Pro edge rusher is coming off his first three-sack game in the NFL, and he’s emerged as the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.

Yet, as good as the Packers’ defense has been this season, it does have some vulnerabilities.

It hasn’t been nearly as good on the road as it’s been at Lambeau Field.

Also, it has some issues at cornerback, and that’s not a good sign when you’re about to face a savvy veteran who is still making plays at 41 years old.

Rodgers has played well this season, and he clearly has plenty left in the tank.

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur and plenty of people in the organization likely would love to spoil the QB’s revenge game.

Knowing what he’s capable of, it’s evident that the Packers’ defense will have to be at its best to contain him.

The post Mike Tomlin Says Key Packers Unit Is ‘Fundamentally Sound’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.