After rushing for fewer than 100 yards against the Miami Dolphins last week, the New England Patriots running backs aim to trample a highly-qualified Pittsburgh Steelers defense this weekend. For the first time in a while, the Patriots saw perfect practice attendance from all active players earlier this week, which means all three of the team’s running backs are healthy and ready to go. Call it a hunch, but a healthy Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel and James White are more than ready to throw a wrench in Pittsburgh’s run defense, currently ranked sixth in the league. Oh, and let’s not forget about James Develin, the moving mountain himself.
New England Patriots Running Backs Looks to Trample Pittsburgh Steelers
Essentially Divisional
Showdowns between the Patriots and the Steelers are always hotly contested. In the last five outings, the Patriots have come out on top by an average of nearly 13 points. For whatever reason, the Steelers talk big leading up to this matchup, but can almost never walk it. The closest they came was last year, when the Patriots won 27-24 after a controversial call that negated a touchdown and ultimately ended with a signature Duron Harmon interception.
Of course, we don’t expect this game to be a blowout. Even without Le’Veon Bell and James Conner handling their ground game, the Steelers are more than well-equipped with air weapons. Whether or not head coach Mike Tomlin can play the appropriate defensive schemes – and whether or not they have anyone who can cover Rob Gronkowski – is another story.
By now, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is used to facing the Steelers. Earlier this week he said of the matchups, “They’re practically in our division now. We’ve played them practically every year at least once, if not twice, it seems like since I’ve been here. I don’t know what it would be like, a year without playing the Steelers. There haven’t been many of them.”
After last week’s game-ending shenanigans against the Dolphins, Belichick and his team are undoubtedly heading to Pittsburgh prepared. Steve McGuire has already covered how the Patriots receivers will match up against the Steelers, so now let’s examine how the team’s run game will fare.
The Four Horsemen
James Develin 2018 stats:
– 3 carries
– 4 yards
– 3 touchdownshttps://t.co/ffdUleuGoq— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 2, 2018
Burkhead, Michel, White, and Develin. If you, like many fans, hadn’t really considered Develin a running back until this season, we wouldn’t blame you. By and large, he has served as the team’s fullback, breaking through defensive linemen to open up lanes for backfield guys like Burkhead and Michel. However, in recent games Develin has become something of a touchdown machine himself. This year alone, he’s pushed forward for four touchdowns. Before this season, his lone career touchdown was recorded in 2013. As the team’s juggernaut back, he alone poses a significant threat to the Steelers defensive line.
Then you toss in guys like Michel and Burkhead. Prior to Burkhead’s stint on Injured Reserve, Michel’s ground game had been impressive. Now that Burkhead has returned, Michel’s carries have decreased in quantity, though not in quality. If anything, having the two runners is good for New England’s ground game. Instead of loading every carry on one work horse, the two can now alternate. Both players are excellent early-down rushers, good for eating up chunks of yardage on first and second downs.
As for third downs? In addition to the team’s now healthy lineup of pass catchers – including Josh Gordon, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Gronkowski – New England can also lean on James “Sweet Feet” White, who’s on track for a career-record season. While Develin is the “up front and in your face” threat, White is the elusive backfield mystery. The effective Steelers run defense likely won’t know how to contain all four of New England’s rushing weapons, especially when they’re trying to figure out how to cover the Patriots receiving threats as well.
Good on Paper, Bad in Practice
While there’s no doubt that the Steelers will put up a fight, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to plan for every component of the Patriots offense. On paper, the Steelers rushing defense is ranked sixth in the league, but have struggled – or outright floundered – against teams with one or two decent running backs. They have yet to take on a team as efficient as the Patriots, who feature a fearsome foursome of running backs.
The Steelers have allowed an average of fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. All things considered, expect that to change this week. Look for Develin to tack on another rushing touchdowns, and I’d expect White to break some ankles before running another one in. The Patriots are coming to town, and with a playoff berth on the line after a gut wrenching loss in Miami last week, best believe they’re coming ready to play.
Prediction: 37-24, Patriots.
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