WEEK SIX: SEATTLE @ PITTSBURGH (-5, O/U 42.5)

Synopsis:

Þ Pete Carroll (158-106-1) vs. Mike Tomlin (146-80-1)

Þ Sun., Oct. 17, 2021 @ 8 P.M.

Þ Weather Forecast (via nflweather.com)

Three Keys

Chase in the Slot

Chase Claypool had an absolute monster of a game this past Sunday, racking up 5 receptions for 130 yards and a score. Looking at his route tree, we can see that three of his five receptions were completed from the slot, with a couple of them being hit over the middle of the field.

It was once thought that the best way to utilize Chase Claypool was through contested catches deep down the sideline. While he still presents that matchup threat, hitting him over the middle of the field allows the Steelers to take advantage of his speed and ability to create yards after catch.

Looking at the Week 5 leaders across the league, Chase Claypool had the highest average of yards after catch among players tracked with a minimum of 4 receptions.

This situation is partly helped by the Steelers’ run game having an effective day, allowing for more passing lanes to develop across the middle of the field. The Steelers’ formula for success was established and should be replicated.

Pound the Running Game

Najee Harris had his first 100-yard rushing game as an NFL player behind an offensive line that largely held the vaunted Broncos front in check.

Looking ahead to Sunday, the Seahawks rank 31st in the NFL in terms of rushing defense, giving up an average of 145 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry through five games. Looking at their run gap defensive chart, it is an area that the Steelers can and should exploit.

Continue the First Down Success

In past weeks, we lamented about how slow the Steelers were playing on first downs. A large amount of their first down plays did not gain much value, even seeing a majority of them go for no gain or negative yardage.

Against the Broncos, the Steelers managed to have 19 of a possible 25 plays go for positive yardage and overall averaged 3.64 yards gained on first down. Even more impressive, the Steelers called 20 (!!) runs on first down. When the offense is balanced and the running game is efficient, the entire engine of the Steelers offense is working. Ben is allowed to limit the number of passes thrown in an effective way and the team is able to produce long drives.

The best drive of the season so far for the Steelers came in the third quarter, when they were able to string together a 7 minute drive with 14 plays and a touchdown.

As mentioned before, the formula is there. The Steelers just have to find a way to replicate it every week.