3 reasons why the Steelers running game will improve in 2019
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t do a lot of damage on the ground last season, but here are three reasons why their running game will improve in 2019.
The Steelers had a terrific offense a season ago, but unfortunately not a lot of that production came on the ground. According to Team Rankings, Pittsburgh was 31st in the NFL in rushing attempts last season – averaging just 21.6 attempts per game.
Some of the teams in the top 10 in rushing attempts included the Patriots, Saints, Rams, Cowboys, Bears, Seahawks, and Texans.
Though running the ball every play isn’t going to be the key to success, there is evidence between a balanced approach to an offense and success. As I wrote in a previous article, the Steelers did not run the ball enough in 2018.
Last year, Ben Roethlisberger led the NFL in passing attempts. His 675 throws were 95 more than Patrick Mahomes (whose team boasted the best offense in the league), and 300 more than Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady.
On the flip side, the Steelers running backs saw some of the least attempts in the league despite their top two backs in James Conner and Jaylen Samuels rushing for 4.5 and 4.6 yards per carry, respectively.
The fact of the matter is, Pittsburgh’s approach to the offense last season didn’t work . Ben Roethlisberger ended up turning the ball over too much, and it kept the Steelers defense on their heals. Allowing more running opportunities should take some clock and give the defense the much needed rest they deserve.
Not all is lost, however. It’s a new league year, and here are three reasons why the Steelers running game will be better in 2019: