The Steelers will improve their rushing TDs to one per game in 2021

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2021 regular season, but before the real games begin, the team has to head to training camp to fine tune their skills. As we here at BTSC prepare you for the start of camp, we give you a series called “30 Scenarios in 30 Days” which gives you a Steelers scenario every day leading up to the start of camp.

It is simple how it works. We provide you the scenario, reasons why it will or won’t happen, and then our prediction for what we think will take place.

Let’s get to the scenario...

Scenario: The Steelers will improve their rushing TDs to one per game in 2021

Steelers rushing touchdowns per season (NFL rank):

2020: 12 (t-27th)
2019: 9 (t-29th)
2018: 16 (t-7th)
2017: 12 (t-15th)

Why it will happen: After a rough 2019, the Steelers were back on track with rushing touchdowns early in 2020 and even got rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool in on the action. With a new first-round running back and a new offensive coordinator, The Steelers having another five touchdowns on the ground isn’t an outlandish jump while having an extra game.

Why it won’t happen: While the Steelers had nine rushing touchdowns through their first seven games in 2020, they finished the season with only three over the final nine games. Add in the fact the Steelers haven’t averaged more than a touchdown a game since they had 21 touchdowns in 2005 and it may be a little ambitious to expect 17 touchdowns this year.

Prediction: The 2020 season saw huge numbers in the rushing touchdown department. Nine teams rushed for at least 20 touchdowns in the regular season after only two seasons prior the Steelers were in the top 10 with only 16. If this is going to be a league-wide trend, the Steelers would benefit from getting in on the action. But asking so much from the rookie running back, especially with an offensive line who is unproven more than anything else, it’s simply too much to ask even though it is a reasonable goal.

Check out yesterday’s ‘30 Scenarios in 30 Days’ prediction:

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.