The Pittsburgh Steelers had an awful time stopping opposing teams on the ground last year and finished dead last in the league in both total yards and yards per attempt. In 2022, Pittsburgh's run defense got off to a rough start allowing an average of 142.7 yards a game through the first three weeks and they had many worried about a repeat of the season prior.
(Photo Credit: Joshua A. Bickel / Associated Press)
Now after 10 weeks, the Steelers have made a huge shift and got into the top ten of the league ranking sixth in both categories. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin wants this positive trend of suffocating the opponents in the run game to continue in 2022 and not allow other teams running backs to dictate the game.
"We got into every game with the idea we have to stop the run first," Austin said Thursday at the UPMC-Rooney Sports Complex via Dale Lolley of Steelers.com. "A lot of people say, what are you talking about, it's a passing league? But that's what it is to me."
Pittsburgh, with the much-welcomed return of 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt to the lineup in Week 11, was able to hold five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara to his lowest total of the season, with just 26 yards on eight attempts. The team also had prepared specially for the unique weapon that is Taysom Hill and held him to just one yard on three carries.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt (#90) celebrates a defensive play against the Detroit Lions in a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Austin highlighted just how important the former Wisconsin Badger is to the Steelers' ability to slow down opposing teams' run game.
"I know everybody talks about the sacks, but he's an outstanding run defender," the Sharon, PA native said. "When you watch him in the run game, you watch how he disrupts things at the point of attack, it makes it easier for a lot of guys to get their job done."
Steelers Tough Task in Week 11
The challenge moving into Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals will be eliminating former Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from the game. In nine career games against Pittsburgh, the Oakley, California native has an average of 5.06 yards per carry, and in his two career wins against the black and gold, both in 2021, he rushed for 90 and 165 yards.
Earlier this year, Pittsburgh allowed him to gain 82 yards but, it was on 27 attempts for an average of just a tad over three yards a carry. Austin said stopping the Oklahoma product will be key even with the Bengals still missing star receiver Ja'marr Chase due to the other Bengal weapons receivers Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and tight end Hayden Hurst.
"Our goal is to stop Joe Mixon because if Joe Mixon runs on us, that doesn't leave us much of a chance," Austin said. "If they get the running game going, they can hit Tyler, they can hit Tee, Hurst down the field"
Three-time All-Pro and defensive captain Cam Heyward highlighted what Pittsburgh will have to do to stop Mixon when he spoke to the media.
"You've really got to wrap up well with him," the 12 year NFL veteran said. "He's always looking to really punish the secondary. He's not shying away from contact and he's got great balance."
Steelers' Cameron Heyward (#97) and Heach Coach Mike Tomlin work on the game plan against the Philadelphia Eagles. | Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Heyward added it will be necessary for the team to also be aware of what Joe Burrow can do with his legs. In the Week 1 matchup, the former Heisman Trophy winner ran six times for 48 yards.
The Ohio State product said it will be crucial for the Steelers to not only affect him in the passing game but also make sure they close up any holes that would allow the 2020 College Football National Champion to break out of the pocket and hurt them on the ground.
So, Steeler Nation, do you agree with Austin that if Pittsburgh can't stop Mixon they have no chance? Have you noticed an improvement in stopping the run this year?
As always, let us know your thoughts below in the comment section or on our social media feeds.
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