Steelers: 4 Steps to Second Half Success

While the Steelers hold an AFC North lead entering Week 9, here are 4 changes that need to happen if they hope to make their 2nd-half playoff push.

Step 1: Get Healthy

Every NFL team has surely had their fair share of injuries at this point in the season. However, you can’t help but feel that the Steelers have had it worst than most. Unfortunately, the Steelers have had several starters miss significant chunks of time, including Big Ben, Cam Heyward, and Marcus Gilbert.

With the bye week currently underway, let’s hope we will be watching a more healthy version of the Steelers the rest of the way. Pittsburgh has performed admirably in the face of adversity, but it is frustrating that injuries continue to hold Pittsburgh back from reaching its fullest potential.

Step 2: Regain Offensive Aggressiveness

In my opinion, the Steelers have drifted away from their team identity in recent weeks. When they are at their best, Pittsburgh is challenging defense’s vertically and maintaining a high level of aggressiveness. Big Ben is taking his deep shots and slinging the ball around to all of his targets. Tomlin is making gutsy calls. We’re airing it deep on 4th and short. Tomlin is waiving the extra-point unit off the field and going for two point conversions.

In fact, the Steelers have yet to lose this season when scoring above 16 points. Their best performances this season have been highlighted by their prolific offense, scoring 38 on opening night against Washington and dropping 43 on a formidable Kansas City defense. When the offense is clicking, defenses have no answer.

There are several factors that may have caused the Steelers to dial back their aggressiveness, including injuries to key contributors. However, it would be beneficial for Pittsburgh to regain their offensive swagger and identity.

Step 3: Stop the Run

Looking at the defensive side of the field, the most important issue for Pittsburgh is stopping the run. After allowing 204 and 127 yards on the ground to Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount respectively in back-to-back loses, the Steelers need to find an answer. Luckily, that answer may be coming in the form of a healthy Cam Heyward and Ryan Shazier. Heyward is one of the best run stuffing defensive ends in the league, and Ryan Shazier possesses sideline-to-sideline range to make tackles all over the field.

However, I believe the biggest issue with the Steeler’s run defense is their cornerbacks. Notably, first-round rookie Artie Burns has struggled to contain the edge. You can see a full video breakdown of the problem in this article written by Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora.

One of the biggest keys for the Steelers going forward will be keeping  rushers from getting to the edge and reeling off explosive runs.

Step 4: Find Some Pressure

As we have been talking about all season, the Steelers need to find a way to generate some pressure if they wish to become Super Bowl contenders. Pittsburgh is currently tied for last in the league with a measly 8 sacks.

My biggest concern is that I have no idea where the Steelers can turn to for additional pressure. While Bud Dupree can hopefully return to the field soon, I am unsure how effective he will be with all his time away from the field. Additionally, the Steelers could start to send more rushers after the quarterback, but this would expose their lackluster secondary and open up the middle of the field for quick-hitting completions.

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Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s current personnel needs to begin to play at a higher level. Stephon Tuitt is due to get on the board and record his first sack of the season. Rookie Javon Hargrave hopefully can find his groove and start generating some pressures. Even Jarvis Jones could possibly begin to rack up some sacks, as he has been playing at a higher level.

If the Steeler’s can fix these 4 issues, I like their chances of once again contending for their 7th Lombardi in this year’s playoffs.