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What the Steelers must do to defeat the 49ers in week 3

By Jobe Morrison

(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

The Steelers can win if defensively…

If you want to watch a hot and cold defense, then the Steelers defense is for you. After limiting their opponents to seven total first-quarter points, the Steelers have allowed 54 total points the rest of the way.

They start well by limiting their opponents only to not having an answer to the offensive adjustments and breaking down in communication–a familiar theme the past couple of years. Despite racking up 4 sacks last week, the defense failed to get much pressure in the second half against the Seahawks. On top of this, the Steelers have allowed 125 rushing yards a game to this point.

To be blunt, this is unacceptable. The good news is the Steelers gained much-needed help in the secondary with the addition of Minka Fitzpatrick. The concern with this is there will be no adjustment period as he is expected to get significant playing time with Sean Davis being sent to IR this week.

For the Steelers to win defensively, they must stop the run, apply heat to the quarterback, and communicate (effectively.)

The run defense must come up big against the NFL’s 4th ranked ground attack. Making Kyle Shannahan’s offense one-dimensional is a crucial part of getting to the quarterback.

Once the ground attack is squashed, the Steelers must communicate on the back end to make two enormous tasks get accomplished: pressure Jimmy G & take away George Kittle. The receiving corps of the 49ers is filled with unproven talent–except Kittle.

Kittle is a game-breaker. The Steelers generally do not fare well against tight ends–last week they allowed two touchdowns to Will Dissly.

This week, they will have to find ways to double teams Kittle and let their corners take on one on one matchups. This will put pressure on Jimmy G. to test his unproven receivers and allow the pass rush to get home.

Next. Steelers show great faith in QB Mason Rudolph. dark

The Steelers have a lot to prove on the road in San Francisco. The simple fundamentals and concepts will either make or break them. With the young season on the line, this is one the Steelers cannot afford to lose. All eyes will be on the 7 point underdogs Sunday at 4:25 PM.

Here we go Steelers!

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