Steelers Can't Fix Running Game

Steelers can't fix running game RB injuries and a struggling O-line plague Pittsburgh's offense
By Vinnie Iyer Sporting News http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/stor...ng-game-issues
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The Pittsburgh Steelers want a more balanced offense anchored by an improved power running game in 2013.
To do that, they need still need to iron out some familiar issues in the preseason. They're some of the same problems from ’12—keeping their top runner healthy and getting strong, steady play from run blockers.
Monday night’s preseason game against the Washington Redskins featured the much anticipated debut of rookie back Le’Veon Bell.
Bell, however, lasted just one series before leaving the game with a right foot injury.

He was already kept out of the Steelers' first preseason game while a battling a left knee injury. On Monday, he didn’t find much room to operate against a stout Redskins front seven, gaining just nine yards on four carries.
Rookie RB LeVeon Bell must stay healthy if the Steelers want an improved running game in 2013. (AP Photo)
Bell wasn’t alone in his inability to find enough holes. Although their leading rusher from last season, Jonathan Dwyer, also received few favors from a struggling Steelers offensive line.
There is some top-level talent on the line with center Maurkice Pouncey and right guard David DeCastro, but it’s clear the transition of both reshuffling four new starters and adapting a zone-oriented blocking scheme has been a bit rocky.

DeCastro (holding) and Pouncey (illegal hands to the face) both committed costly penalties, and left tackle Mike Adams was out of sorts just as much. They allowed the Redskins to not only get good push against the run, but made it very uncomfortable for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger against Washington’s aggressive 3-4 looks.
When that happens, the Steelers rely on quick, short passes from Roethlisberger to move the ball, and hope that his athleticism when chased out of the pocket will get them a few big pass plays, too.
Coach Mike Tomlin wants his team to be more Steelers-like—smashmouth on both sides of the ball.
Instead, he couldn’t have liked how the Redskins were the aggressors up front, and his linemen had both mental and physical struggles.
Given Bell’s high volume of carries as a big collegiate back at Michigan State, there should be some concern that he’s battled a pair of tough injuries in his first training camp. The bigger concern, however, is getting the front five to jell soon, or the Steelers will continue to field a sputtering rushing attack regardless of who’s carrying the load.