Steelers News: Mitchell, Moats, Nix

The Steelers will definitely be enjoying their bye week after a home win over the Browns and having more injuries this season than anyone can keep track of. While the team ices up their bumps and bruises during the bye we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Saturday, Nov. 21^st.

Gotta stop that run

The Steelers defense has been a surprise to everyone who thought that unit was going to be what holds the team back this season. Their ability to stop teams in the red zone from scoring as well as take the ball away has kept the team in games, if not helped them win games so far this season.

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Mike Prisuta explains that Steelers assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Mitchell is concerned with the defense being able to stop the run no matter what. Even if the NFL is largely considered a passing league Mitchell remains focused on stopping the run as a key to victory.

"“But when a team can get 100-plus yards (rushing) on you it’s two-dimensional. Now they use the play-action, they use the bootleg. It puts you behind the eight-ball. We want to put them behind the eight-ball. We want to stop the run on first and second down, let it be third-and-7, third-and-8. Now we have a better chance to win third down.” – John Mitchell"

No hard feelings

Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats was expecting a big fine for his unintentional facemask penalty against Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel last Sunday in the 30-9 win over Cleveland. But, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler Moats received the minimum penalty, a $8,681 fine, for the unnecessary roughness penalty.

On the play Moats grabbed Manziel’s facemask and twisted it around. Manziel was evaluated after the play but never left the game.

Carving out his role

Steelers undrafted rookie free agent fullback Roosevelt Nix has been making a name for himself and making a case for himself all season says the Trib’s Ralph N. Paulk. He doesn’t have a rushing attempt thought but his value to the offense has been in his blocking.

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When he’s not paving the way for DeAngelo Williams to gain yards he’s making an impact on special teams with a forced fumble so far. The fullback isn’t a position that a lot of teams carry these days but Nix has made sure his play leads the Steelers to always find a place for him.