Sunday is almost here, and that can mean only one thing: rough and tough, physical Pittsburgh Steelers football. Nothing embodies that better than the Steelers’ running backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The matchup between this dynamic duo and the reliable set of Denver Broncos linebackers, led by Alex Singleton, will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The Broncos’ linebacker group—Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, and Kristian Welch—is a dependable unit that excels more in pass coverage than against the run. Further proving their pass coverage abilities, Singleton also recorded an interception against the Seattle Seahawks. This may counter check-downs, screens, or routes run by the ever-dynamic Warren, but it plays directly into the Steelers’ strategy of running the football with Najee Harris.
Week 1 in Atlanta was a masterclass in rushing, but Harris and Warren weren’t exactly efficient with their attempts. Both averaged under 4 yards per carry, but that’s to be expected with new faces on the offensive line and the injury to left guard Isaac Seumalo. Harris will look to improve his efficiency in a big way against a Broncos linebackers unit that is better prepared for the pass than the run.
With Sunday’s game just a few sleeps away, some would argue that the success or failure of the Steelers’ running game hinges entirely on this matchup. Watch it for yourself on September 15th, at 4:25 pm EST.
