Steelers vs. Raiders: 3 things to know about Pittsburgh's important Week 3 matchup
By Cory Rogers
Surprisingly, the Raiders' scoring offense is worse than the Steelers'
Fans in Las Vegas may want to trade offensive coordinators with Pittsburgh, as the Steelers' offense actually averages a full 3.0 points per game more in the scoring category.
On second thought, nobody would be that desperate.
Still, the Raiders have only put up a total of 27 points through two games (13.5 ppg), which is tied with two other teams for the fewest in the league. Las Vegas has a league-low 16 offensive drives and 96 total offensive plays and has had 25 percent of its drives end with an offensive turnover (second-worst in the league).
Despite those paltry numbers, Josh McDaniels' crew ranks one spot ahead of the Steelers with just 501 total yards of offense through two games (30 of 32). Quarterback Jimmy Garropolo has thrown just 50 passes, ranking 31st in the NFL in that category despite having All-Pro Davante Adams to throw to.
When he does throw, Garropolo's extremely accurate, ranking fourth in the NFL with a completion percentage of 72 percent (36-of-50). Part of that is because he likely feels comfortable behind an offensive line that hasn't allowed a sack and has only allowed him to be hit five times in two games (at Denver, at Buffalo).
The Steelers defense will be the stiffest test yet for the Raiders offensive line, at least in terms of keeping Jimmy G upright. Pittsburgh leads the NFL with a 39.8 percent pressure rate (sacks, hurries, and quarterback knockdowns combined per dropback). Watt leads the NFL with nine quarterback hits and is tied for first with four sacks.
The Raiders' running game has been virtually non-existent, like the Steelers. Vegas ranks 30th in the NFL with an average of 58.0 rushing yards per game, with lead running back Josh Jacobs averaging just 1.6 yards per attempt and 23.0 yards per game.
Pittsburgh ranks 31st with an average of 48.0 yards per game on the ground. Najee Harris is 18th in the NFL with an average of 4.6 yards per carry, but he's only rushed the football 16 times in two games.