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What the Steelers must do to defeat the Rams in week 10

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is congratulated by Ben Banogu #52 of the Indianapolis Colts after the game on November 3, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is congratulated by Ben Banogu #52 of the Indianapolis Colts after the game on November 3, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Ryan Lewis #24 of the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Ryan Lewis #24 of the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Steelers can win if offensively…

Let’s go ahead and get it out of the way: establish an effective run game.

However, let’s add an element to this: find a way to effectively run the ball while reducing Donald’s impact.

It’s important to eliminate Donald’s presence (which is tough to do) by running the ball effectively. This reduces the exposure of a “must-pass” mentality and allowing him to wreck the house. Remember, his best football is played usually late in the year (see last year’s slow start, extraordinary finish.)

In addition to establishing the run (duh), there are a few folks the Steelers need to get involved in the passing game early: tight ends and James Washington.

With the receiving corps still find its rhythm, it’s time to open up the passing game with the tight ends despite Fichtner’s apparent hatred of them. The tight ends have not made the type of sprinkled in plays we have seen the previous couple of years–and the offense is sputtering because of it.

Working the tight ends underneath will open more passes over the top. There’s no better warm hand right now to establish that with than James Washington.

Last week Washington came away with three big catches that immensely aided the flow of the game. The biggest was a 40-yard bomb in the 4th quarter that set the Steelers up to take the lead.

If that was simply the game he needed to get going, then let’s keep taking those shots. Who knows, maybe the deep ball will be back in business in the Steel City!

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