{"id":294756,"date":"2023-11-09T17:25:07","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T17:25:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/?p=294756"},"modified":"2023-11-09T17:25:07","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T17:25:07","slug":"kenny-pickett-consistent-rushing-attack-huge-for-steelers-offense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/nfl\/kenny-pickett-consistent-rushing-attack-huge-for-steelers-offense\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenny Pickett: Consistent rushing attack 'huge' for Steelers' offense"},"content":{"rendered":"

Through nine weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers have scratched and clawed their way to a 5-3 record in an incredibly tough AFC North.<\/p>\n

They’ve done so without coming close to realizing their offensive potential. After finally finding some consistency in last week’s win over Tennessee, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has reason to feel encouraged about his team’s outlook heading into the back half of the 2023 season.<\/p>\n

The main reason for Pickett’s newfound optimism: Pittsburgh’s rushing attack has finally materialized.<\/p>\n

“It was huge,” Pickett said of the Steelers’ 166 net rushing yards in the 20-16 victory over the Titans, via the team’s official site. “I thought the balance was there. You know, (Najee Harris)\u00a0and (Jaylen Warren)\u00a0ran the ball great. The line was firing off the ball. They’re protected really well. I stayed clean the majority of the game. So, that’s kind of what we’re trying to get to here.”<\/p>\n

It’s been a slog to get to this point for Pickett and the Steelers. Pittsburgh currently ranks 29th in total offense, including 25th in rushing and in passing yards per game, and they’ve been outscored and outgained by opponents in 2023. Their -30 point differential is the worst among any team with a winning record entering Week 10, and their -790 differential in total yards ranks 31st in the NFL.<\/p>\n

And yet, the Steelers have continued to find ways to win games. All five of their victories have been decided by one possession. And like the rest of their AFC North counterparts (save for the 7-2 division-leading Ravens), they’re right in the thick of the AFC playoff race with a 5-3 record.<\/p>\n

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