All Running Backs on Deck

The running game was a mixed bag. Snell took the majority of the carries with 16. He ran hard, broke a lot of tackles, but only finished with 41 yards rushing. His 2.6 yards per carry average was subpar, and his fumble, the Steelers lone turnover, was demoralizing. But it’s hard not to like Snell’s game. He’s a power runner, and while he isn’t going to run away from the defense, he gets the tough yards for the Steelers. Samuels on the other hand is frustrating to watch. I’ve been studying him all season, and he doesn’t run like a running back.

His background of playing multiple positions is evident. He has developed some bad habits as a running back. He stops his feet at the line of scrimmage if there’s no hole and doesn’t display the vision to see cutback lanes when they develop. Speaking of cutback lanes, Zach Banner was absolutely dominant as the sixth linemen. He was consistently opening holes at the line of scrimmage and working to the second level.

Another great contributor was Kerrith Whyte. He brings a different skill set to the Steelers backfield. In only his third game as a Steeler, he’s displayed great acceleration and speed. He tied Snell with a team-high 41 yards rushing but he only had five carries. He’s averaged 6.7 yards per carry in the three games he’s been a Steeler and looks like a great change of pace back. His big-play ability is something that the Steelers inconsistent offense badly needs. Hopefully, Whyte continues to improve.