Steelers are winning, aren’t running away

“The only reason it’s a concern is it decreases our chances of winning.”

Mike Tomlin

Steelers coach

The Steelers had only 70 yards on 26 carries in their 20-13 come-from-behind victory against Dallas.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers might be sitting pretty in the AFC playoff race, but they haven’t won 10 games with their usual offense.

Over the past four decades, the Steelers have hung their hat offensively on the running game. This season, however, their run offense is ranked No. 23, the second-lowest rushing ranking for the team since 1970.

Pittsburgh has continued to win and can clinch a division title by winning at Baltimore on Sunday, but the lack of a consistent running game is becoming a concern.

“The only reason it’s a concern is it decreases our chances of winning,” coach Mike Tomlin said at his weekly press conference Tuesday. “Down the stretch, you’ve got to be able to run the football and control the football against good people, close out football games, so we’ve got to continue to work at it.”

Six times this season, the Steelers have failed to gain at least 100 yards rushing.

They are averaging 103.8 rush yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. In a come-from-behind win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the team had only 70 yards on 26 carries — a 2.7 yards-per-carry average.

“I think our lack of a run game success was partially based on the fact we didn’t get a chance to run it as much as we’d like, more than anything,” Tomlin said.

Willie Parker had only 12 carries for 25 yards Sunday to give him 597 for the season.

Mewelde Moore has 521 yards this season but only five carries for 22 yards Sunday.

The lack of a running game has contributed to an offense that ranks 26th in the league overall in yardage (302.8 per game) and 20th in points (22.2).

Still, Pittsburgh has moved the ball when needed, sustaining drives during the fourth quarter and in overtime.

“I find comfort in that,” Tomlin said. “Now, do we need to get better and be more consistent and play 60 minutes of winning football offensively? Absolutely. The big thing is we find a way to possess the ball, control the clock.”

Also Tuesday, Tomlin had good news on the injury front. Only fullback Carey Davis sustained an injury against the Cowboys.

He has a calf strain and is questionable for the Baltimore game.

Defensive end Brett Keisel has missed the past two games due to a knee injury but Tomlin said he is “getting closer, close enough to merit consideration to play” Sunday.