Pittsburgh is in a hole early, down 10-0 to the New England Patriots in Week 2, and now they’ve lost a key piece in the backfield. Running back Rico Dowdle is heading to the locker room after taking a hit during a chase for the ball. This is brutal for a team that’s already struggling to find any offensive rhythm.
Another Blow To The Backfield
Dowdle’s day ended after he was tackled by Patriots safety Craig Woodson following a sack on 3rd-and-7. The CBS broadcast confirmed he was going to the locker room, but the exact nature or seriousness of the injury is still totally unclear. Before leaving, Dowdle had managed 11 yards on four carries, which is not exactly lighting it up, but losing any back when you’re already behind is a tough blow.
Offensive Woes And Defensive Absences
This injury comes while the Steelers offense is just flat-out stuck, averaging a measly 3.3 yards per play. That’s not gonna cut it, folks. It’s early in the season, but that kind of inefficiency screams trouble. On the defensive side, they’re already without Joey Porter Jr. for this game against the Patriots. It’s been reported that the Steelers weren’t willing to give Porter more guaranteed money, and he even left practice early with the medical staff recently. So, the team is battling more than just the scoreboard right now.
This Week 2 matchup against the Patriots is turning into a brutal grind for Pittsburgh. With their offense struggling to move the ball and key players like Dowdle potentially sidelined, the team has got to find a spark fast. This early season form is rough, and they need to turn it around quickly to avoid a serious slump.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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