The Pittsburgh Steelers changed their starting running back and 60% of the offensive line are new starters. Yet, the team still cannot run the football. What’s the problem?
Art Rooney issued a mandate in the 2021 off-season that he never wanted to see the Pittsburgh Steelers finish last in rushing. Well, unless something changes, and changes quickly the Pittsburgh Steelers are on pace to finish with less than 1,000 yards rushing as a team, according to Team Rankings.
After watching their Week 1 win against the Buffalo Bills, and their Week 2 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Pittsburgh Steelers are more than earning their ranking as the worst rushing team in the NFL. It may be coaching, the blocking scheme not working, or the personnel. Frankly, all of it appears to be to blame.
The Steelers, drafted Najee Harris in round 1 of the NFL draft to help solve some of their rushing problems from previous seasons. However, even the best running back in NFL history would find little room behind this offensive line.
Before the 2021 NFL season began, it was assumed that the Pittsburgh Steelers would struggle running the football. Gone are, Maurkice Pouncey (retired), Matt Feiler (free agency), David Decastro (released). Pittsburgh had limited cap space to address the issue and devoted draft capital to the offensive line. New offensive line coach Adrian Klemm preached being physical in the offseason.
When you watch the 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line on film, they are losing the battle at the line of scrimmage with concerning regularity. It’s not just on one player either, everyone seems to have a hand in the problem.