Steelers Run Defense Will Face A Tough Test With Swift and Monangai

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For the Steelers’ defense this season, sustained success has largely depended on stopping the run.

Despite early-season struggles in this area, the Steelers’ run defense has improved significantly in recent weeks. According to TeamRankings.com, the unit currently ranks 13th in rushing yards allowed per game (106.4) and 12th in total rushing yards allowed (1,064).

This Sunday against the Chicago Bears, stopping the run will be critical to securing a victory. The Steelers will face one of the league’s top rushing tandems in D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai.

A major factor in the Bears’ success this season has been their ability to run the ball efficiently and effectively. They rank third in the NFL in total rushing yards (1,466), third in rushing first downs (84), and are tied for ninth in rushing touchdowns with 12. Even with reports of Swift's practice limitations this week due to a hip injury, containing Monangai alone will be no easy task.

Over the last three games, the Steelers’ defense has allowed an average of just 92 rushing yards per contest, highlighted by their standout Week 9 performance when they held the NFL’s leading rusher, Jonathan Taylor, to only 45 yards in a win.

With the possibility of facing two highly capable runners this weekend, the unit will need to be at its absolute best.