Let us give credit where it is due. Last Sunday’s 23-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens was arguably the low point of the season for the Green Bay Packers. They were shut out for the first time since 2006 and at home, no less. But defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, had to be somewhat happy with a unit that allowed only 219 total yards, sacked quarterback, Joe Flacco, three times and stole one of his passes. Still, a loss is a loss and the franchise’s consecutive playoff appearance streak of eight seasons is certainly in peril. Green Bay has dropped four of its last five games following a 4-1 start.

This week’s opponents are the talented Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that employs prolific wide receiver, Antonio Brown. He’s the key component to the NFL’s eighth-ranked passing attack. So are the Packers prepared for the task at hand?

Mind-boggling numbers

On Sunday night in Pittsburgh, this is what the Green Bay Packers’ secondary will be dealing with. First, a little history lesson. From 1999-2002, former Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison, hauled in at least 100 passes in each of those seasons. The final year of that stretch saw him total an NFL-record of 143 receptions. A year ago, Antonio Brown joined Harrison as the only players in league annals to hit the century mark in terms of catches in four consecutive NFL campaigns.

But that impressive record may fall by the wayside if the current Steelers’ wideout totals at least 30 more grabs in the club’s final six contests. Brown currently leads the league in receptions (70) and receiving yards (1,086). In last week’s 40-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, the eight-year pro pulled down ten throws for 144 yards and three scores.

Dating back to 2013, the numbers are incredible. In 73 regular-season contests, Brown has totaled 551 catches for 7,341 yards and 49 touchdowns. And he may just be getting warmed up this year.

Who is up to the task?

So will it fall upon veteran, Davon House, or third-year pro, Damarious Randall, to match up with Brown? The good news for the Green Bay Packers’ defense is that safety, Morgan Burnett, appears primed to return.

He was a full participant in practice on Wednesday after missing the previous two games and four of the team’s last five contests. Meanwhile, rookie cornerback, Kevin King, was out last week and did not practice on Wednesday. In any case, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ talented wideout is going to be an enormous challenge for whoever winds with the task at hand.
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