The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of the 2024 regular season, and with it being the team’s latest game fans’ hopes remain high heading into the second half of the season. The hope is there is a winning performance on the horizon on Sunday in Week 10 when the team travels to play the Washington Commanders.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to on defense to claim their seventh victory of 2024? Let’s break it down…

Defense

Make them One-Dimensional

Let’s take a look at the team averages to see if the Steelers defense can impose their will on the Commanders high-flying offense.

WAS Offense

Pass YPG: 228.1 (11th)
Rush YPG: 163.9 (3rd)

PIT Defense

Pass YPG: 219.8 (21st)
Rush YPG: 90.5 (4th)

The Steelers defense will be challenged in this game, but the biggest factor in this game will be their ability to make the Commanders one-dimensional. Preferably, the Steelers stop the run and force the game into Jayden Daniels’ hands. If they struggle in this endeavor, it could be a long day for the Pittsburgh defense.

Take it Away

Leading up to the game everyone is talking about how the Commanders have only turned the ball over 3 times through 9 games (2 INT / 1 Fumble), but not a lot is being made of the Steelers 15 takeaways (10 INTs, 5 FR). The Steelers are more than capable of forcing plays into turnovers, just look at what T.J. Watt did on that critical 3rd down play vs. the Giants on Monday Night Football.

If the Steelers can take the ball away, setting up the offense with a short field or even scoring points themselves, it will be huge for their efforts in claiming their 7th win of the season.

Bend, Don’t Break

The Commanders offense is prolific, but it doesn’t mean they are doing everything well. The Washington red-zone offense is currently ranked 26th in the league, converting 51.2% of their trips into touchdowns. Their 3rd Down offense is converting on 45.9% of their attempts, so this very well might be a game where the Steelers defense gives up yards, but not points. If that’s the case, it could equate to victory for the black-and-gold.

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!