Sunday night will mark the first team the Steelers face this season that plays a 3-4 defense. In 2008 the Steelers went 9-0 against teams that played the 3-4 front. This also included playoffs. Over those 9 games the Steelers averaged 113.89 rushing yards per game and 215.11 passing yards per game. Even throwing out the two games last year versus Cleveland, they averaged 104.57 yards rushing per game and 223.43 yards passing. After Sunday, the Steelers have 8 more games against teams that run the 3-4. This includes Cleveland twice and Baltimore twice.
The Chargers defense has allowed an average of 142.3 yards per game game rushing and 179.7 yards per game passing thus far in 2009. Expect the Steelers to try to run first against them to set up the pass. If they can run early and stick with it, things are looking good from this vantage point.
2008 3-4 Defense Opponents Stats
| Team | Rush Yds | Pass Yds |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 117 | 179 |
| Baltimore | 69 | 191 |
| San Diego | 124 | 308 |
| New England | 161 | 179 |
| Dallas | 70 | 204 |
| Baltimore | 91 | 246 |
| Cleveland | 176 | 193 |
| San Diego | 165 | 181 |
| Baltimore | 52 | 255 |
| Total | 1025 | 1936 |
| Average | 113.89 | 215.11 |
| Avg w/o CLE | 104.57 | 223.43 |
2009 3-4 Defense Opponents
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 4-Oct | San Diego |
| 18-Oct | Cleveland |
| 22-Nov | @ Kansas City |
| 29-Nov | @Baltimore |
| 10-Dec | @Cleveland |
| 20-Dec | Green Bay |
| 27-Dec | Baltimore |
| 3-Jan | @Miami |
