The Good: The Steelers Found a Running Game This Week
A big part of why the Steelers' offense improved this week was the efficiency in the running game. Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren had space to run and create chunk plays for themselves.
While the Titans' front seven doesn't have many recognizable names outside of Jeffery Simmons, they did come into the game ranked 16th in rush defense. Still, the Steelers managed to rush for over 6 yards per carry, with both Harris and Warren going over 75 yards with explosive runs over 20 yards a piece.
The only significant change to the offensive lineup was the move from Chukwuma Okorafor to first-round pick Broderick Jones. Jones did some impressive things on run downs, coming out of Georgia as a known mauling run blocker. He certainly wasn't the only factor in the marked improvement for Pittsburgh, he was a significant piece to the puzzle.
Overall, Matt Canada called runs in more opportune moments. The Steelers were able to run the ball on third and shorts rather than almost exclusively on second and long. That took away from some of the predictability of the offense and took pressure off the offense and Kenny Pickett.
Having a solid run game was the expectation from how the team finished last year, but it hasn't been the case as the offense has endured its early-season struggles. If Pittsburgh can unlock this aspect of the offense consistently moving forward, it'd be a welcome improvement and maybe the most important one to boot.