DeAngelo Williams Sparks The Success Of Steelers’ Running Game

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to meet the Browns for the 125th time, the big news is around the second start of Landry Jones. There was also the slight chance of Big Ben making the start, but that was put to rest by Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ staff. But with all the attention centering on the quarterback situation, the surprise may come in the form of the running game.

The Steelers slipped by the Oakland Raiders and snatched the wild card position away from them. With the mediocre and unpredictable play of the AFC this year, that could change quickly. But the bright spot in Sunday’s win over the Raiders was the play of DeAngelo Williams. He led the Steelers with 170 yards rushing on 27 carries. To emphasize that even more, that’s a hefty average of 6.3 yards per pop. That means two quick hand offs to Williams and it’s first-and-10.

Steelers Nation is well aware of the toughness of Ben Roethlisberger. He’s no doubt chomping at the bit to get on the sod against the Browns. Per NFL Network, he was almost inserting himself into the lineup for the game. But that doesn’t seem likely.

“The bye will come at a good time, but I’m not even going to rule myself out this week,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m going to take it one day at a time. I can walk on it. I’m not running around or anything but the smart thing to do, from what doc has told me and the trainers, is just to kinda keep ice on it and get the swelling out and just kind of rest it, let it heal.”

Tomlin reassured the media that the Steelers anticipate playing without him.

DeAngelo Williams should be able to carry the load for the Steelers. With the loss of LeVeon Bell, this may be a good time to take an extended look at Williams. Despite only starting three games, Williams is in the Top 20 of NFL rushers. He has 480 yards and is in the company of some elite backs. Williams has also helped propel the Steelers’ rushing attack to No. 1 in the league.

At 32-years-old, Williams is looking better than runners younger than him. If Williams continues the pace he’s on and the Steelers utilize him in that capacity, he’ll rush for 1,353 yards. That is nothing for Steelers’ faithful to sneeze at. That’s comparable to Bell’s yardage from 2014.

With Bell out, there should be no reason Williams shouldn’t see at least 20 carries per game. The Browns’ run defense is ranked dead last in the league. This is an excellent opportunity to turn Williams loose and let him showcase the wheels.

Landry Jones is looking like a new man, as he prepares for his start against Cleveland. But with Williams having the hot hand, it may be wiser to test the waters against the Browns before putting the load on Jones.

“To be honest with you, I just have to go out there and play,” Jones said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I can’t play timid. I can’t worry about mistakes and worry about the future. I just have to cut it loose.”

Williams could definitely help Jones play loose and confident. A sound running game will cause teams to put extra men in the box and free him to make simple reads. Williams being featured will also take away the urge for Jones to go for style points. Simplicity will be the key to beating the Browns.

There’s no need to have an aerial battle with Johnny Manziel or McCown — if he’s healthy enough. A balanced attack with Williams will be key to running a ball control offense and limiting the touches that the Browns’ quarterback gets.

DeAngelo Williams will be a key factor in the outcome of Sunday’s historic battle.

[Photo by Maddie Meyer / Getty Images]