3 Alarming Steelers Statistics From 2021 That Must Change

The 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers were not perfect by any means, but still found a way to sneak into the playoffs which led to a first round exit at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. As analytics and statistics have become more important each season, there were several areas that made the Steelers look terrible on paper from the 2021 season. If head coach, Mike Tomlin wants a better result at the end of the 2022 season, many adjustments need to be made, but these three statistical categories need to be a heck of a lot more convincing than they were last season.

1.) Rushing Yards Allowed - 146 Per Game

Stephon Tuitt's decision to retire immediately hurts the defense's chances of having a bounce back year in terms of their rushing defense, but his departure doesn't necessarily destroy hope for improvement. Tyson Alualu will be back and healthy to assist T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and co. shut down opposing rushing attacks. Not only did last year's defense allow a league high 146 rushing yards per game, but an astounding 4.99 yards per carry. That is flat out embarrassing, especially with the amount of talent the team has on the defensive side of the ball.

This will be a complete group effort as there is no one player who will turn this area around. Improvements from Devin Bush and Chris Wormley along with the addition of linebacker, Myles Jack could also change this pivotal category. The defense is talented enough to make the adjustment in order to be more effective in stopping the run. One thing is for sure, the unit cannot settle to underachieve in 2022.

2.) Defensive Points Scored - 0

One may have thought this list would have started out with offensive categories, but nope. Until Watt's scoop and score in the Wild Card matchup, the defense had not scored all season. For the purpose of these statistics, we are looking at the regular season only. The Steelers were one of just three teams that did not have a defensive score. The offense is going through some change with the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger and might not be capable of putting up big numbers on the scoreboard, especially early on. Any help from the defense in terms of scoring could be a huge advantage.

The hope is that Minkah Fitzpatrick can get in the end zone a time or two as well as many a couple scoop and scores from linebackers after Watt, Heyward and Alex Highsmith wreak havoc in the backfield. The Steelers need leaders of the defense to step up and change the reputation that they built for themselves last year. Defensive scores are huge game changers and could be the difference in multiple games during the upcoming seasons.

3.) Rushing Yards Per Game - 93.12

Najee Harris had 1,200 rushing yards in his first season, so he wasn't the problem. The main issue was not having a second rushing threat to help with this area of the offense. Backup running back is still an area of concern and the team has historically been much more effective offensively when two ball carriers can be trusted with the ball.

Harris is going to run hard and only get better, but a revamped offensive line, maybe a fresh face behind Harris and more mobile quarterbacks could help with the rushing attack. The benefits of having a strong running game in today's NFL are plentiful. Play-action and consistently having a defense on its heels worrying about what play is coming next leads to an immediate advantage. The Steelers need more than just Harris effectively carrying the ball in 2022 and the offensive line has to be consistent enough for whoever is running the ball to effect each run.

What statistical areas do you think the Steelers need to improve upon in 2022? Let us know in the comments below!

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