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Do the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a run in them?

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 28: Benny Snell Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 28: Benny Snell Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers look to reach the playoffs for the third straight. Could a suddenly-rejuvenated ground attack be the key to a strong finish?

It has been a very down year in the Steel City. Mike Tomlin’s club owns a 4-7 mark in 11 games. That’s as many losses as the Pittsburgh Steelers had a year ago (9-7-1) when they managed to sneak into the playoffs as a wild card. Of course, that hasn’t meant much as of late as the franchise has dropped four straight postseason games dating back to 2016.

One of the team’s many issues in recent seasons has been the lack of balance on offense. This season, the Steelers’ attack has had problems moving the football both on the ground and through the air. There are many factors when it comes to the struggles of coordinator Matt Canada’s unit and his play-calling has received plenty of scrutiny. But the lack of a consistent running attack has been a problem even when veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was at the helm.

But the ground game has shown life in recent weeks. It’s come with an offensive line that looks like it is finally coming together. And while Najee Harris remains the team’s main starter out of the backfield, a number of running backs – as well as rookie signal-caller Kenny Pickett – have contributed to the cause.

In their last four outings, the Steelers have combined to rush for 635 yards. That’s a healthy 158.8 yards per contest. Tomlin’s team has reached the century mark in all four games. During the club’s 2-5 start, Canada’s offense ran for only 615 yards – a disappointing 87.9 yards per game on the ground.

Harris leads the way with 585 yards rushing on 158 carries (4 touchdowns) this season. But in the Monday night win at Indianapolis, Benny Snell Jr. totaled 12 carries for 62 yards and one score. Anthony McFarland added 30 yards on six carries. And Pickett finished with 32 yards on a half-dozen attempts. Pittsburgh finished with 172 yards in 36 attempts in the 24-17 win.

But the bottom line is that the Steelers are still at the bottom of the AFC North. The team takes on the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and then returns home for their first meeting of the season with the Ravens. This is an offensive unit that has scored just 17 touchdowns in 11 outings. Could a strong finish by the running game make Tomlin’s team one to keep an eye on down the stretch? The progress must continue when it comes to this aspect of the Pittsburgh offense.

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