Running plays are back in style in NFL
For the Observer-Reporter
When studying the Los Angeles Chargers this week, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff must have felt like they were looking in a mirror.
The Steelers have run the ball 77 times in their first two games. The Chargers have run it 71.
The Steelers have attempted 43 passes. The Chargers have attempted 46.
The Steelers are No. 1 in the league in third-down defense, allowing a conversion rate of 19 percent. The Chargers are second at 23.1 percent.
The Chargers are No. 1 in the league in scoring defense, allowing 6.5 points per game. The Steelers are second, allowing 8.0 points per game.
"Styles make fights," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "These guys play ball in a lot of ways similar to us. There's going to be some challenges. It should be exciting because of it."
What it won't be is a high-scoring game.
Because of the way both teams play, this game could be over in 21⁄2 hours. Don't expect a lot of errant passes. Or passes in general.
But that's not unique in today's NFL.
The Saints have scored a league-best 93 points in their first two games. They've had quarterback Derek Carr attempt 38 passes.
The Buffalo Bills, with quarterback Josh Allen, one of the game's best, have attempted 42 passes, one fewer than the Steelers.
Running the ball and playing defense is back en vogue in the NFL. And the Steelers seem to be at the forefront of that movement.
The reasons for the shift are twofold.
First, defenses are playing more two-high safety alignments, thus keeping offenses from throwing deep passes. But that also takes the safeties from stopping the running game.
The second reason is that because so many college teams utilize spread offenses, defenses have had to get smaller and faster to keep up.
Many teams simply have bulked-up safeties playing inside linebacker. They're good in coverage, but light in helping stop the run.
Because of this shift, the Steelers just might be able to play this brand of football all the way to the postseason.
The defense is outstanding and opportunistic. The offense is possessing the football and not committing turnovers. And that is important. In the past 25 games in which they haven't turned the ball over, the Steelers are 22-3.
• That Steelers win in Week 1 over Atlanta is going to look better and better as this season goes on.
The Falcons shocked the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. Don't be surprised if they give the Kansas City Chiefs everything they can handle this week.
• Are the Baltimore Ravens in trouble?
The offensive line is a major issue. And their next three games are at Dallas, Buffalo at home and then against Cincinnati. Baltimore needs to find a way to win two of those. A 1-4 start would be a huge hole from which to dig out. That loss to the Raiders at home last week might be the worst loss by anyone in the league last week in a weekend filled with NFL upsets.
• Is the world of Dan Moore haters ready to admit the Steelers left tackle has turned himself into a good player?
Was Moore troubled in his first couple of seasons? Sure. He was a fourth-round pick thrust into a starting role at left tackle because of injuries. Installing him as the starter as a rookie wasn't the plan.
But to Moore's credit, he's gotten better every year. That's allowed to happen.
This week's games
Chargers (plus 11⁄2) at Steelers: There are many similarities between the Steelers and Chargers, with some notable exceptions. The Steelers have more playmakers on offense, though that is offset somewhat by the presence of talented quarterback Justin Herbert. But while the Chargers are talented off the edge, like the Steelers, the middle of their defense isn't close. That will be the difference in this game. Take the Steelers, 16-13.
Giants (plus 61⁄2) at Browns: If the Giants hadn't lost their kicker last week at Washington, they would have won that game. As it is, they're 0-2 and headed to Cleveland, where the Browns play much better defensively. Cleveland will force Daniel Jones into some errors. Take the Browns, 24-13.
Ravens (minus 1) at Cowboys: Dallas had a streak of 16 consecutive home wins stopped last week by the Saints, who ran the ball down their throat. Baltimore can cause similar issues. The problem, however, is that Baltimore's offensive line isn't good and will have trouble blocking Dallas' pass rush. And the Ravens have allowed the most passing yards in the league. Take the Cowboys, 27-24.
Commanders (plus 71⁄2) at Bengals: Nothing like a bad Washington team coming to town to kick-start another slow start for the Bengals. The Commanders are soft on defense. The Bengals aren't much better, but they've got Joe Burrow and the Commanders don't. Take the Bengals, 27-16.
Dolphins (plus 41⁄2) at Seahawks: A cross-country trip with Skylar Thompson at quarterback isn't a recipe for success. The Dolphins are built to win with their offense. But not having Tua Tagovailoa is going to put them in a tough spot in a difficult place to play. Take the Seahawks, 30-13.
Last Week:
Overall:
Dale Lolley hosts The Drive on Steelers Nation Radio and writes a Sunday column for the Observer-Reporter.
