How do we make our run game better?

The news out of camp and the recent joint practice with Tampa is we are still struggling in the run game. The positive is our pass blocking is doing well.

How do we fix this? What is the issue? We have thrown high pedigree players at this and we are on a new franchise rb but we’re still struggling. Our defenses on to the wide zone scheme in the nfl and perhaps we migrated to this too late or are we not adept at teaching it? Do we have a run game coordinator? We seemingly have all the right players now to run a wide zone scheme. Is this an adaptation to Smiths offense or did he always run wide zone? I’m trying to understand the issues better. Perhaps it as simple as the oline and rb just gelling and growing.

 

All the so-called experts said the problem was Najee

 

All the same "experts" who claim this is a passing league and you don't need RBs anymore!

 

Throwing the ball is a way to open up the run.

 

If you can throw

Otherwise you get 8 men in the box

 

How?!


Continued reps from the Offense. Moreover, increased cohesion along the Offensive Line. More positive experience means more proficiency and productivity.


The end.

 

Too early to worry about it.

 

We need to block it better? I don't really care if the run game doesn't look perfect in camp. I want to see how it grows over the course of the year. We have a young OL that will need to get its footing, but our backs are explosive. I wouldn't expect a top flight unit right off the bat. Remember we were an average team in total rushing last year and a bottom third team in yards per attempt. And improved running game would be one that becomes above average. I think we can do it, but there's no reason to start to panic during preseason.

 

agreed. last game the jags stacked the box and we threw it over them. i believe rodgers is capable of exploiting that.

 

How? The offensive line continues to practice. Basically you practice running the football. You don’t get better sitting around. You don’t get better talking about it.

 

I don't know how "we" fix it.....
But the Steelers just need to stick with it. From what I saw, it's not awful and just missing reps. (I don't think they have the personnel to dominate the run game but can be really effective)
I think Kaleb's self-assessment was spot on. Hopefully he makes those changes and adjusts with the familiarity.
The line seems to be coming along.

And remember, these are really vanilla plays they call.
I really like Tampa sent the blitz on many reps. I think that really helped.

 

this is part of it. Maybe Rodgers can help with this - BACK The LB's and S's off the LOS.

Smith can help with this - with better play calling.

EVERYONE in the STADIUM knew we were running on first down last year. I'd bet we were the highest first down running team int he NFL last year. i am not even going to look it up - I will say......TOP 5.

Smith is not very good.

none of this bodes well for our offense in 2025.

Blame Tomlin and Rooney, first and foremost.

these top ranked OL draft picks, players and athletes DO NOT SUCK. our SCHEME and COACHES do.

 

We are doomed.

 

not doomed - just another MEH season, floating around .500, around 1 and done - the ususal

 

With our 3 IOL we need more of a run between the tackles scheme, just my opinion.

 

Agree. Interior OL is better than OTs.

 

More Fullback
More Pulling Guards
More Blood

 

MORE BLOOD - YES

 

Come on man. It’s only mid August. At least wait til the Ireland game.

 

More power and duo and less zone.

 

I know it was from a different time, but Franco's football life showed up on my YT and I rewatched it, Joe Green and others thought we got a bust in his first camp, and Noll even benched him the first 4 games regular season, he then went on to win rookie of the year and SB MVP, lol. Relax folks.

 

Winner. Most of the stuff written today about this practice, that practice, or this preseason game is very unknowledgeable , and mainly done for clicks, but I understand that,and that they have a job to do also.

 

You have over 7,000 posts and still, you expect reason and calm to prevail on these boards? You are the definition of optimism!

We are much better at making much about nothing and doomsaying. That is where our true strength lies.

 

I would add that practice is just that, practice. Players and concepts are being tested and refined. We are not seeing the 1st team guys putting out max effort for an entire game. I would expect that Arthur is tweaking his plan and players based on what seems to be working or not working. Same for the defense. September 7th against the Jets is when we are going to see where we stand.