Tomorrow, the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ run-strapped defense has a two-headed challenge on their hands: Containing the run stylings of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.
Not unlike themselves, the Green Bay Packers‘ two backs can gash you in different ways. Just ask the Los Angeles Rams, who the Pack ran for 184 yards on in Week 9.
According to NFL.com stats, Pittsburgh’s run defense ranks 23rd. The unit has allowed 133 yards per game through eight games and five touchdowns.
“It’s going to be a challenge going against them,” Alex Highsmith told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. “I think the first thing is stopping the run. They have a good two-headed monster in A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones, we have to stop them, get after them and get after Jordan Love in the passing game.”
“It starts there, stopping the run, not letting them get in rhythm, not letting them get those manageable third downs, keeping them in third and long so we can pin our ears back and get after them.”
They’ll have to do so without the services of Cole Holcomb, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week. He was a key player in getting after runners with 24 tackles, 16 of which were stops.
“It’s tough,” said Highsmith. “I hate it for him. He loves this game. I know we have capable guys that are going to come in and play. It’s an opportunity for guys like Mark Robinson and others to step up and play.”
Green Bay’s 3-5 record is deceiving, having dropped some very close matchups. Three of their five losses were decided by five points or less.
