Three Steelers who must make an impact on ‘MNF’ The Steelers’ Week 2 meeting against the Browns is already crucial since they are trailing in the AFC North. Here are three guys that must perform for the Steelers in “Monday Night Football.”
Najee Harris plays running back.
The Steelers never developed their run game in Week 1, producing a league-low 41 rushing yards. Harris also looked good, running for 31 yards on six tries for a 5.2 yard per carry average. In Week 2, they must rely on the run game.
Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett struggled in Pittsburgh’s 30-7 loss a week ago, so the club should keep the ball away from him until he finds his rhythm. Harris was selected as a first-round selection by the Steelers in 2021. It’s time for them to believe in him again, like they did when they picked him a few years ago.
Calvin Austin III, wideout
With wide receiver Diontae Johnson out for up to four weeks due to a hamstring injury, Austin III will likely be the next man up. After Johnson left the game last week, the 24-year-old stepped in well, with six catches for 37 yards.
However, the speedster, who completed a 40-yard sprint in 4.32 seconds, needs to make some larger plays.
Just like he did in the preseason. If he can keep Cleveland’s tough defense honest on the back end, Pittsburgh’s offense could just get the much-needed bounce-back week. Keeanu Benton, defensive lineman
Cameron Heyward, a defensive tackle, is also projected to miss up to eight weeks due to a groin ailment. The Steelers will almost surely deploy numerous guys to fill the vacuum left by Heyward, but the team’s second-round rookie will almost certainly be given a chance to contribute on defense.
Following his Week 1 performance, Benton was rated as the second-best rookie by Pro Football Focus, ahead of No. 3 overall selection Will Anderson Jr. and No. 11 overall pick Peter Skoronski. He must contribute to limiting the Browns’ running assault, which ranks second in yards per game (206).
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