Jahmyr Gibbs Poised for Success Against Steelers’ Depleted Defense
The upcoming matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a pivotal moment for Jahmyr Gibbs. With key defensive players T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig sidelined, the Steelers’ run defense faces a significant challenge.
Steelers’ Defensive Struggles
Pittsburgh’s defense has already shown vulnerabilities this season, ranking 14th in the league for most rushing yards allowed, having given up 1,692 yards. Notably, the Steelers have conceded at least 200 rushing yards in two of their last three games, including a staggering 249 yards to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.
Watt, a cornerstone of the defense and a four-time first-team All-Pro, will miss only the 13th game of his nine-year career. Historically, the Steelers have struggled without him, holding a dismal 2-10 record in games he hasn’t played. The presence of both Watt and Herbig in recent seasons has limited opposing offenses to a 44.8 percent success rate. Without them, this figure jumps to 52.2 percent, placing them at the bottom of the NFL for that span. Furthermore, Pittsburgh has allowed a league-worst 50 percent conversion rate on third downs without these key defenders.
Gibbs’ Ground Game Potential
These circumstances create a promising opportunity for Gibbs, who has been a dynamic presence in the Lions’ ground game this season. The 23-year-old running back boasts an impressive average of 5.5 yards per carry, accumulating a total of 1,100 rushing yards. A significant portion of his success has come while running around the edges, where he has netted 385 yards and scored eight touchdowns.
However, Gibbs is coming off a disappointing performance against the Los Angeles Rams, where he managed only 38 rushing yards. The Lions’ ground game collectively struggled, finishing with a mere 70 yards and averaging 3.5 yards per carry. This was in stark contrast to the Rams’ robust running performance, which yielded 159 total yards at an average of 5.5 yards per attempt.
Cameron Heyward: A Tough Challenge
Despite the absence of Watt and Herbig, Gibbs will still face a formidable opponent in Cameron Heyward. The 36-year-old All-Pro defensive tackle is having a standout season, currently holding the highest Pro Football Focus overall grade among all interior defensive linemen at 90.1. His impressive run-defense mark of 83.0 ranks third among 126 qualified interior linemen, indicating that Gibbs will need to navigate a challenging path to success.
A Predictable Turnaround for Gibbs
Nonetheless, with the Steelers’ defensive unit weakened and Gibbs’ familiarity with Teryl Austin from their time in Detroit, there is a strong likelihood for a turnaround. Gibbs is ready to capitalize on this opportunity, aiming to rebound from his recent struggles. Predicting a performance of 79 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries against the Steelers seems reasonable, given the current circumstances.
This matchup presents an intriguing narrative, as Gibbs steps into a role that could define his impact on the game and the Lions’ overall success. The stage is set for him to exploit the Steelers’ vulnerabilities and reclaim his momentum on the field.
