Cam Heyward Predicts Strong Run Game Could Transform Steelers' Defense in 2026 A defense’s success often hinges on a productive run game, as it allows teams to control the clock, limit possessions, and give their defensive units time to rest and recover. The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled with this aspect in recent seasons, but defensive star Cam Heyward believes the 2026 season could mark a turning point. Speaking on his Not Just Football podcast, Heyward highlighted the potential of the team’s running back duo, Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, as a key factor in shifting the Steelers’ fortunes. The Steelers’ offensive struggles have been glaring, particularly in terms of time of possession. In 2025, the team ranked fourth-worst in the league, averaging just 28 minutes and 22 seconds per game. This was significantly below the league-leading Buffalo Bills, who managed an average of 33 minutes and 18 seconds per contest. The disparity in time of possession translated to a substantial difference in defensive workload. Pittsburgh’s defense played 1,112 defensive snaps during the season, compared to Buffalo’s 950. To put this into perspective, the average game features around 62 defensive plays per team, meaning the Steelers’ defense faced roughly 2.5 additional games’ worth of snaps compared to their rivals. This extended defensive exposure had tangible consequences. The extra 162 snaps meant more opportunities for opponents to score and for Steelers players to sustain injuries or fatigue as the season progressed. While the defense itself bears some responsibility for failing to stop opponents on third downs, the lack of an effective run game compounded the issue. For years, the Steelers’ offense has struggled to maintain consistent production in the running game, leaving their defense to carry the burden.#pittsburgh_steers #mike_mccarthy #rico_dowdle #jaylen_warren #cam_heyward
