Fansided

5 bold predictions for the Steelers against the Broncos

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 talks with Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 talks with Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 03: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 03, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 03: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 03, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

The Steelers won’t find success in the run game

Give credit where it’s due- the Steelers offensive line put out its best performance of the season against Green Bay. Najee Harris had his best rushing performance of his young career against the Packers. He gained 62 yards while averaging over four yards per carry. He also scored his first career rushing touchdown. It was good to see any sort of improvement, but they’ll come back to Earth against the Broncos.

Denver is currently allowing the fifth fewest rushing yards in the NFL. They’ve also allowed only two touchdowns on the ground this year. Plugging the interior gaps has been their specialty, and opening up those gaps has been Pittsburgh’s kryptonite.

In terms of the interior matchup, the advantage is in Denver’s favor. Kendrick Green matched up against Mike Purcell and Dre’Mont Jones isn’t going to be easy. The Steelers have also struggled at getting to the second level of any team’s defense in the run game.

If the run game struggles early, they’ll go right back to the short passing game and be completely one-dimensional offensively. If that’s the case, it’ll be the same broken record the Steelers have played throughout the first month of the season.

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