The Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly become one of the more disruptive run defenses in the league, and they proved it again in Week 15. Despite giving up an average of 120.9 rushing yards per game this season, they held one of the NFL’s most explosive backs, De’Von Achane, to just 60 yards on 12 carries.
That performance didn’t just help seal a critical win - it knocked the Miami Dolphins out of playoff contention. And now, the Steelers are eyeing a similar outcome against the Detroit Lions in Week 16.
This time, the challenge is even steeper.
Detroit brings a two-headed backfield monster in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery - a duo that can wear you down with power or beat you with speed. But the Lions' ground game hasn’t been the same when Gibbs isn’t clicking.
The numbers are telling: Detroit is 0-6 this season when Gibbs rushes for fewer than 70 yards. That stat alone makes it crystal clear - if Pittsburgh can bottle him up like they did Achane, they’ll put Detroit’s offense in a tough spot.
That’s easier said than done, though. While Miami’s offense is dangerous, Detroit brings a more balanced, physical identity - especially up front.
And yet, that offensive line hasn't always lived up to the billing, particularly when facing strong defensive fronts. That’s where the Steelers could find their edge.
Even without T.J. Watt and rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh’s front seven was disruptive last week.
They didn’t just contain Achane - they forced Miami out of rhythm, which allowed the Steelers offense to find its groove and put together four straight touchdown drives, something they hadn’t done since 2018. That kind of complementary football is what this team has been chasing all year.
But Detroit isn’t Miami, and Gibbs isn’t the only threat in the backfield.
David Montgomery brings a bruising, between-the-tackles style that could be exactly what the Lions need to counter Pittsburgh’s physical front. The problem?
Detroit hasn’t leaned on him consistently, even in situations that beg for a power run game. There have been moments - including last week - where Montgomery was curiously underused, especially when the offense needed a tone-setter to grind out tough yards.
It’s a trend that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Montgomery himself recently made some noise on social media, hinting at possible frustration with his role.
And honestly, it’s hard to blame him. When you’ve got one of the most versatile backfield tandems in the league, why not unleash both?
That’s the challenge - and the opportunity - for Detroit this week. The Lions need to deploy Gibbs and Montgomery in tandem, not in isolation.
Let Gibbs stretch the field and test the Steelers’ pursuit, but don’t forget that Montgomery can do the dirty work inside. Especially against a Pittsburgh defense that just showed it can handle speed but might struggle more against a steady dose of physicality.
If Detroit leans too heavily on Gibbs and doesn’t give Montgomery his due, they risk playing right into the Steelers’ hands. And that could be the difference between a statement win and a frustrating loss - not just for the team, but for a backfield that’s capable of so much more when used the right way.
Sunday’s matchup isn’t just a test for the Steelers’ defense - it’s a test of Detroit’s identity. Will they trust the full power of their run game, or lean too far into finesse against a defense that thrives on disruption? We’ll find out soon enough.