The New Orleans Saints are set to play their first international game of the Kellen Moore era, and it won't be an easy celebration by any means. The Pittsburgh Steelers are seventh in passing yards allowed per game. On Sunday, the best path for victory won't be through the air but rather on the ground.
Heading into the week seven matchup, the Steelers have allowed only 204 passing yards per game, close to the top of the NFL. Something they've managed to get with both the efforts of the defensive backs and defensive lineman, they aren't just a defense that you can throw at over and over again. They're going to get to you eventually, whether it be via a pressured throw or a sack.
Pittsburgh is actually fourth in the league (19 sacks through six weeks) when it comes to taking down the opposing quarterback, something that the Saints have to be aware of if they want a chance at success. They've already struggled to protect Tyler Shough this year, with the New Orleans QB on pace for the most hits taken since at least 2006. If they want a chance to beat the Patrick Graham-led defense, then they'll have to attack their weakest point, the run.
The Steelers' run defense is the Saints' best opportunity
In comparison to their pass defense, the Steelers' defense is more susceptible on the ground. Allowing 103 yards per game, their run defense is close to average. That's just six yards more than the Saints yards per game average, and coming off the run game's best performance all season, the offense has the tools needed to crack the defense wide open.
The question of if Kellen Moore will use the tools correctly is a bit of a different story, though. He managed to figure out how to do so for about 15 minutes against the Giants, using various personnel formations and looks, but it's still unclear as to whether the young head coach can keep that play calling consistent. If he can, there's no reason the Saints won't be able to run away with the score like they did in the third quarter last week.
If the New Orleans run game is working on all cylinders, only then will their passing attack have a chance of being useful on the international stage. Forcing the linebackers and safeties to commit to the line of scrimmage, an honest run game will eventually lead to explosive plays like the ones you see on SportCenter's top 10.
The Saints will have to make the narrow difference between their rushing offense and the Steelers' rushing defense even more so on Sunday. Although again, that all depends on if Moore can keep the run game going for all four quarters.
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