4 key questions Steelers must answer to beat the Titans

Can the Steelers stop the Titans’ backups?

Much has been said and critiqued about the Steelers’ inability to stop the run over the past few weeks. Each game seems to yield the same results, as opposing running backs face wide open holes en route to huge games. It doesn’t matter the back either, as elite and middling players have all found ways to be successful against this defense.

This week, the Steelers take on a Derrick Henry-less Titans offense, and while the backups haven’t been horrible, they haven’t been a huge threat for defenses to stop. This week is different though because the Steelers’ run defense has been that bad. D’Onta Foreman and Dontrell Hilliard have been ok in the Titans scheme, but either could realistically go off for a career day against this defense.

With some players getting healthier along the line and others that have been developing in just a short time with the team, this run defense should improve. That said, they have proven little over the past few weeks in terms of the ability to stop the run. They can make a statement this week by stifling the Titans there, or they could continue their narrative of bad run defense by allowing yet another big game on the ground.

The Steelers have a chance to break out of their slump this week, but their inconsistencies make it hard to truly believe this will be an easy game. If the team wants to have a shot this week, they will have to do their best to answer these four questions in week 15.