The run game significantly improves from last season
The story of the Steelers from last season was the run game being non-existent. It was a combination of reasons why the team could not accomplish successful run games but the blame was plentiful. The offensive line could not get a push, the offensive play calling was subpar, and the running backs could not read the rush lanes correctly. The team spent the offseason focusing on fixing these issues going forward. A new offensive coordinator was brought in and the offense saw new faces enter the fold. Mat Canada is said to be an offensive guru that should be able to fix what this offense lacked last season, consistency.
The Draft was huge as it saw prolific running back Najee Harris join the team in hopes of sparking this dull offensive attack. Other offensive line shakeups happened as well. Draft picks like Kendrick Green and Dan Moore Jr. will fight and hope to start for this offensive line. Both are more power-run blockers that need some work in their pass protection.
This team is looking to balance the offense and get the run game going again. Taking away Ben Roethlisberger’s responsibility to carry this offense just from his arm will not be the crutch of this season’s team. When you have one of the league’s worst run games in a season then the arrow can only be pointed up.
The Steelers have a lot of work ahead of them still but these predictions could very well become reality. This is still a solid team that will challenge for a playoff spot when that time of year rolls around.