The mailbag of Pittsburgh Steelers’ questions was light this week, but both questions sent our way were good ones with answers that go a bit deeper than surface level. Let’s get into it:
Q: Why have we not thrown the ball deep? – Kevin C
A: Great question. The lack of play action in Week 2 was notable, compared to Week 1 where play action opened up a lot of deep looks. Aaron Rodgers didn’t line up under center a ton, which made the offense a bit more predictable. You have to have receivers that can
gain separation if you aren’t going to dress things up with play action, motion etc.
Q: Why don’t the Steelers do more stunts upfront or maybe add another defense? – KnowsBall66
A: Not sure what you mean by “add another defense,” but the Steelers have been doing more stunts and twists. They haven’t gotten to the quarterback, but that’s in large part because receivers are getting open quickly and both Justin Fields and Sam Darnold have taken advantage of that. The Steelers are top five in pressure rate and pass rush win rate -they are doing their job up front when it comes to pass rushing. That’s not to say they’ve been perfect – they have to do a better job at finishing when they do get to the quarterback – but their pass rush hasn’t been the issue with the defense, it’s been the secondary and the run defense.
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