The Pittsburgh Steelers won 34-32 in week 1 against the New York Jets.
Aaron Rodgers played like he was in MVP form in week 1. He went 22/30 for 244 passing yards and four passing TDs.
DK Metcalf had four catches and 83 receiving yards. Calvin Austin had four catches, 70 receiving yards, and one receiving TD. Rodgers spread the ball around as seven different players had at least one catch, and five players had three or more receptions in the contest.
However, it was not all smooth on offense. The running game struggled to get going. On the defensive side, the run defense got pushed around.
The lack of a run game has been an issue for a few years for the Steelers, and the run defense has been an issue dating back to last season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Attack & Run Defense Remains An Issue
The Steelers cannot rely on Rodgers to play the way he did in week 1 all season. The offensive line was once again poor, as Rodgers was under duress often, and the ground game was nonexistent.
Steelers Ground Game Needs To Improve Soon
The lack of a rushing attack has been an issue for a few years now. The Steelers are just unable to get anything going running the ball.
In week 1, once again, the Steelers struggled to run the ball.
- Jaylen Warren: 11 rush attempts for 37 rushing yards
- Kenneth Gainwell: seven rush attempts for 19 rushing yards
- Kaleb Johnson: one rush attempt for -2 rushing yards
- Aaron Rodgers: one rush attempt for -1 rushing yards
Pittsburgh did not score a rushing TD and averaged a horrendous 2.7 yards per carry.
Last season, the Steelers averaged just 4.0 yards per rush attempt, ranking 25th.
For the Steelers to improve their ground attack, the offensive line needs to improve quickly. The line is getting no movement on run plays, and the running backs are getting hit immediately.
Steelers Run Defense Is Getting Manhandled
This issue dates back to last season. The run defense is getting bullied at the line of scrimmage.
Breece Hall had 19 carries for 107 rushing yards. Pittsburgh allowed 4.7 yards per rush attempt against a Jets team that is unable to pass the ball with Fields under center. The Steelers knew the Jets were going to run the ball all game and still were unable to stop them.
Keanu Benton, starting at nose tackle, has been dreadful. He is getting pushed at the line of scrimmage, and the run defense is suffering mightily with him at NT.
Derrick Harmon is a much-needed presence on the defensive line, and when he returns, the Steelers should strongly consider starting the rookie at the nose tackle position. If the Steelers insist on starting Harmon as a DE, rookie Yahya Black should be given a chance to start at nose tackle on running downs. Black weighs over 330 lbs and will be tough to move on rush plays.
Pittsburgh needs to make a change with Benton at NT, as he is just getting destroyed against the run.
The Steelers have options with Harmon or Black to put in at NT. They cannot keep allowing Benton to start at the nose tackle position, as he is unable to stop the run.
