Kaboly: Injured Steelers Defense Gives Lions the Edge, Jahmyr Gibbs Poised for Big Run
If the Pittsburgh Steelers could choose one area to be fully healthy right now, the defensive front would be at the top of the list.

While Derrick Harmon is expected to return this week, Pittsburgh is still likely without T.J. Watt and could also be missing Nick Herbig. That leaves the Steelers relying on Jack Sawyer and additional depth pieces against one of the league’s most dangerous offenses — a less-than-ideal scenario.
Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly

believes those injuries create a clear opening for the Detroit Lions, particularly in the running game.
“Detroit wants to establish the run, and they’re probably going to find favorable matchups along the defensive line,” Kaboly said Friday on Kaboly + Mack. “If Sawyer is starting and lining up across from Penei Sewell, that’s a tough ask. Sawyer can compete physically, but Sewell is arguably the best tackle in football right now. Add in guys like Jeremiah Moon and DeMarvin Leal rotating in, and you can see where problems might arise.”

Sewell’s reputation as one of the elite offensive linemen in the NFL is well-earned, and his matchup with Sawyer would be challenging. While Sawyer has flashed promise during his rookie campaign, he’s still a fourth-round pick with limited experience. Offensive coordinators often target young players in situations like this, especially when they’re matched up against top-tier talent.

That imbalance is one reason Detroit’s offense is so difficult to defend. The Steelers can’t consistently commit extra defenders to stopping the run, because wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are capable of punishing defenses downfield.

But playing lighter in the box opens the door for Detroit’s running back duo — Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery — to take control, potentially leaving Sawyer isolated without support.
Kaboly expects those circumstances to lead to at least one explosive run.
“They have to contain both backs,” Kaboly said. “But I’ve got a feeling Gibbs is going to pop one — maybe a 50-yarder — because someone is going to miss an assignment.”
Gibbs has built a reputation as a home-run threat.

Despite splitting carries with Montgomery, he has been remarkably productive, ranking seventh in the league with roughly 1,100 rushing yards while averaging 5.5 yards per attempt — one of the best marks in the NFL. He’s already ripped off a 78-yard run this season, underscoring his ability to change a game in a single play.

While Detroit has more riding on this matchup in the standings, Pittsburgh can’t afford another poor showing against the run. After surrendering 200 rushing yards in back-to-back games, the Steelers showed improvement against Miami on Monday night. As the season approaches its final stretch, maintaining that defensive progress will be critical — even against an offense as balanced and explosive as Detroit’s.