Steelers Defense is Tough Test for Raiders' Run Game

The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium for the first time on Sunday Night Football.

The Raiders are coming off of a rough loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, while the Steelers were dominant on defense against the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football.

As it has been for years, the Steelers’ identity this season is how well their defense shuts down opposing offenses. This may not bode well for the Raiders, as they have not gotten going offensively this season.

The Raiders have scored only 27 points through two games this season, and they have not been effective on the ground. Raiders’ rushers have only gained 116 yards on 44 attempts this season for an average of 2.6 yards per carry, and have yet to find the end zone.

All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs missed most of training camp due to his contract holdout, and while he kept himself in physical shape throughout the offseason, has not been the same player early on. He has carried the ball 28 times for only 46 yards this season for an average of 1.6 yards per carry.

Jacobs’ counterparts have not helped him out either, as the second-leading rusher on the Raiders is rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker, who took a jet sweep for 34 yards against the Bills. The rest of the Raiders have combined for 36 rushing yards.

If the Raiders want to win games this season, they will need to move the ball better. They face a tough test with the Steelers coming to town on Sunday night.

While the Steelers have been good on defense overall this season, they have surprisingly struggled to stop the run. They have allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL through two games with 386, with a league-high 5.6 yards per carry as well.

This presents an opportunity for the Raiders’ rushing attack to get on track. Coach Josh McDaniels and the Raiders’ offense has to get going this season, and it starts with establishing the run.

While the Steelers will probably not continue to allow so many rushing yards throughout the season, with the absence of Cameron Heyward in the middle of their defense, the Raiders have a chance to get Jacobs and the rest of the rushing attack going.

If they can run the ball against the Steelers on Sunday night, it could mean good things for the rest of the season.

The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.

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