The Steelers got a rare and strong performance from Mason Rudolph last week against the Bengals. That’s why Mike Tomlin decided to start Rudolph against the Seahawks today, even though Kenny Pickett is healthy enough to return to the lineup. There’s always a chance that lightning could strike two weeks straight and Rudolph lights up Seattle’s defense, but the Steelers might be wiser to rely on their run game – especially considering how poorly the Seahawks have defended the run of late.

Last season this was this team’s greatest weakness, costing them several close games that they would have won otherwise. Early on this year it appeared that they had things fixed – and they were among the NFL’s best teams at stopping the run after several weeks.

However, over time their run D has fallen off quite a bit – starting around Week 7 and accelerating since Week 11. Since that point no team has allowed more rushing yards or rushing touchdowns than the Seahawks.

For the season the Steelers are averaging 110.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks them around the middle of the pack. Meanwhile, Seattle is allowing 129.6 yards per game on the ground. Only five teams have given up more this season.

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Story originally appeared on Seahawks Wire