5 bold predictions for the Steelers in Week 11 vs. Jaguars

A new running room

It is no secret that the Steelers have struggled to get their ground game going in recent weeks. The whole unit, from play calling to blocking to the actual running back, has struggled mightily to make any sort of significant plays. Worse yet, this ground game was working well or while, as the team was mixing in other running backs besides James Conner to shake up defenses.

That game plan stopped, and the new one appears to be “let Conner run to the outside” which has led to minimal gains. This week, the Steelers break their traditional bell-cow mold, allowing for Conner and Benny Snell to split reps as runners with nine apiece. Anthony McFarland gets involved with seven rushes of his own. Altogether, the unit rushes for 125 yards and two scores on the day.

Shaking up who is running could help break up the rut this group is in. That said, it will be up to the blockers to get a good push, something they have failed to do recently. Against this soft Jaguars defense though, now may be the time for this unit to take over. Especially if Roethlisberger is making some key mistakes early on, this unit will be key in keeping the Steelers competitive.

While this game appears lopsided on paper, don’t be surprised if a lackluster Steelers team causes this game to be far closer than anticipated. If that’s the case, any of these bold predictions could alter the final outcome. Keep them in mind when the Steelers take the field this Sunday.