Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 things to watch for against the Patriots

One of the NFL’s biggest rivalries heads to Heinz Field. But if the Pittsburgh Steelers want to re-gain their winning ways they’ll need to concentrate on these four areas.

Jaylen Samuels’ role

Jaylen Samuels wasn’t bad in his first NFL start. In fact, he was pretty good. The fifth-round rookie only rushed for 28 yards, but he caught 7 passes for 64 yards. In a game Pittsburgh trailed for most of, that’s not a terrible stat line for a first-time starter.

He’s certainly increased his role when Conner returns, but with the Pro Bowl hopeful likely out, Samuels will get the call again. Pittsburgh’s pass-heavy attack the last three weeks, they haven’t left much room for a running game. Getting back to a balanced offense, in Pittsburgh terms, is one of the most pressing concerns amongst fans.

He might only be a rookie, but getting Jaylen Samuels rolling leads to a win. Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster answer when called upon, but having that running game that defenses need to play against will make Ben, Browns and JuJu’s lives easier.

Jaylen’s involvement in the run game leads to fewer interceptions by Roethlisberger. If he doesn’t need to pass as much it leads to less coverage in the secondary, leading to fewer forced balls.

The fans know what they’re talking about. 11 for 28 yards doesn’t tell the defense to defend the run.