Mike Tomlin Challenges Steelers Run Defense: ‘Get Your Camera Ready’

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers’ run defense has been the main focus of the preseason thus far. After surrendering over six yards per carry against the Seahawks, they vowed to come back with a better game against Jacksonville. They did just that, holding the Jaguars to a measly 3.2 yards per carry on 30 rushes.  That is an impressive mark, but after the disaster of 2021, the Steelers are not looking at that performance only.

Instead, the Steelers starters will play for a large portion of the first half. Cam Heyward expects that, and that means a massive test is upcoming for Pittsburgh. This week was a mock game week, and as a result, the Steelers put in a legitimate gameplan with the starters as they get ready to go. Tomlin issued a challenge to the Steelers’ run defense on Friday. It is their true test for the preseason.

“Get your camera ready,” Tomlin said of the run defense. “We’re game-planning and playing football this week. Obviously, that’s one of the components that’s got our attention.”

The players are responding to that challenge. It was not just the media that Tomlin gave that challenge to throughout the week. Instead, he emphasized how important this game was for the run defense to the players as well. Myles Jack and the linebackers are especially looking forward to making a big impact in the run game.

“We are excited, man,” Jack said. “Our goal is definitely to slow that down and get them more into passing situations so edge rushers can do what they do best. So, we’re taking an onus on that. We feel like on the early downs, if we can control that and put the ball more in the air and let our defense do what it does best, that will be huge. But make no mistake, this is definitely an exciting week for us.”

Last year, the Lions came to Acrisure Stadium and stopped the Steelers’ run defense. On 39 rushes, they gashed Pittsburgh for 229 yards and two touchdowns, averaging out to 5.9 yards per carry. It was an embarrassing performance for the Steelers on that day. However, they now know that the Lions are capable of the running the ball. With talented offensive linemen and D’Andre Swift in the backfield, this is no easy out. The game planning aspect of this changes things. Pittsburgh is specifically honing in on the Lions.

“This week is different,” Jack said. “We spent more time game planning and honing in on Detroit and what they do. This week is more like a game week. That’s what they’ve said. This is a game plan and they’re gonna let us do what we do. So, I’m very excited.”

The challenge of going up against Swift, Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, and others gives the Steelers are a great barometer for where they are at. Jack says that they have to step up to the plate. These are teams and games that good players and teams want to play and prove themselves against. That is what the Steelers run defense plans to do.

“It’s fun man,” Jack said. “This is what you look forward to, you play against a top line. To play a top offensive line like this with a good back, I mean, this is what you look forward to. I know it’s going to be a physical matchup. But we have to bring our best this week. I’m really looking forward to it.”

With most of the starters playing, this will be the final test for the Steelers defense. Can they stack up in run defense? Or will it pester them as an issue much like it did last year? Detroit will give Pittsburgh a much-needed tough test, and Tomlin will be watching with a close eye.