As we’ll do every week to get you ready for the upcoming game, our X-Factor of the week. Sometimes it’s a player, unit, concept, or scheme. Here’s our X-Factor for Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
X-FACTOR: GAP INTEGRITY
Specifically, in the Steelers’ run defense. The last time Pittsburgh played even semi-respectable run defense was essentially that Week 8 game against the Cleveland Browns, holding Nick Chubb and company to under 100 yards rushing. Since then, Pittsburgh has allowed 100+ yards rushing in eight straight games, something that hasn’t been done since the Eisenhower Administration.
Although they allowed another 100+ game to the Kansas City Chiefs last week, they did show better run defense.