Inside the Numbers: Steelers Offense vs Dolphins Defense
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph will return to action this week after suffering a severe concussion against the Ravens in Week 5. Devlin Hodges did enough in the win against the Chargers, but if this team is going to make any kind of run at qualifying for postseason play, it will be Rudolph who leads them there.
Pittsburgh is kicking off a three-game homestand this week by welcoming the Dolphins to Heinz Field for Monday Night Football. The Dolphins are making a serious run at the number one overall pick in next year's draft. They are 0-7 so far in 2019 and have looked abysmal in the process.
Here's how the Steelers offense matches up with the Miami defense on paper:
| Steelers Offense | Dolphins Defense |
|---|---|
20.5 Points-per-game (21st) | 35.2 Points-per-game allowed (32nd) |
276.5 Total yards-per-game (28th) | 417.3 Total yards-per-game allowed (30th) |
76.5 Rushing yards-per-game (26th) | 160.8 Rushing yards-per-game allowed (31st) |
200.0 Passing yards-per-game (28th) | 256.5 Passing yards-per-game allowed (22nd) |
8 Turnovers (5 INT/3 fumbles) (T-19th most) | 2 Takeaways (1 INT/1 fumble) (32nd) |
5 sacks allowed (1st) | 7 sacks (T-30th) |
35% 3rd down conversion (21st) | 47% 3rd down conversion against (28th) |
Advantage: Steelers
If there was a perfect week for Mason Rudolph to return from a serious head injury, it's now. The Steelers protect the quarterback better than anyone in football and Miami is one of the worst teams at getting after the quarterback.
Looking at the numbers though, the Steelers should try to exploit Miami's terrible run defense. The Steelers have been trying to establish the ground game more recently and this would be another great opportunity to run the ball and manage the clock.
Time of possession has been one of the worst qualities of the Steelers offense this year. They finally broke through and won the T.O.P. battle against the Chargers. They were able to run the ball successfully and convert 3rd downs. They need to do the same against Miami.
The Steelers defense is banged up and it's unknown if key players like T.J. Watt and Steven Nelson will be available. Keeping the defense fresh will be key in giving the Steelers the best chance to win the game.
With Rudolph back under center, he is eager to open up the offense a bit. The Steelers' gameplans have been very conservative this season, which is one of the reasons why they have a good turnover margin and have allowed the least amount of sacks in the league.
In order to beat the good teams, they'll eventually have to take shots further down the field. Of course, Miami does not qualify as one of the "good teams" in 2019, but this could be a good week to loosen the reigns a little bit. Miami's defense is prone to allowing big plays. If the Steelers can establish the run game, that should open things up down the field.
There's no such thing as an automatic win in the NFL. The Steelers have to take care of business on Monday night. They have the advantage in just about every way possible. There should be no excuses for a poor performance.
