Mike Tomlin Reveals Bold Strategy to Shut Down Jets’ Run Game While Preparing for Justin Fields’ Unpredictable Mobility

Come Sunday, the Steelers and Jets will collide in a showdown that’s got everyone buzzing—but if you ask Mike Tomlin, the secret sauce to shutting down New York boils down to one thing: stuffing the run. Tomlin’s not just guessing here; he’s keyed in on new Jets coach Aaron Glenn’s game plan, which proudly waves the flag for a ground-and-pound offense. That means the Steelers’ defense has its work cut out, needing to corral the dynamic duo of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, while keeping a sharp eye on quarterback Justin Fields—Tomlin’s former protégé with a running game that’s as tough to tame as a bucking bronco. Fields isn’t your typical mobile QB; his blend of power and agility makes him uniquely challenging, demanding a focused defensive approach that could be the difference between victory and defeat. As the Jets ramp up their air attack to complement Fields’ legs, the Steelers know the first hurdle is to stop the rush dead in its tracks—and that narrative sets the stage for an enthralling Sunday clash. LEARN MORE

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says stopping the run is the key to stopping the Jets.

With the Steelers and Jets set to face off on Sunday, Tomlin says he expects new Jets coach Aaron Glenn to focus his team on running the football, which means that’s what the Steelers’ defense needs to be ready for.

“You’ve got to start first with their running game,” Tomlin said, via Steelers.com. “I think Coach Glenn has been very transparent about their desire to run the football and their commitment to do so, and so that has our attention as we prepare.”

The Steelers’ defense will need to account for running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, but it won’t be surprising if the Jets’ leading rusher is quarterback Justin Fields. Tomlin knows Fields well from coaching him last year and says Fields is unlike any other quarterback in his unique running ability.

“He’s stronger than most mobile quarterbacks,” Tomlin said of Fields. “That’s a component of his game that I think is unique. He’s a really talented guy physically. He’s not easy to bring down. He’s got a real solid base about him. He’s big. And so, when I think about what might be different, I think about his unique physical skill set. But in terms of schematics, I don’t know the things that they do are going to be uniquely different from others. I think there are some global things that people do in that area.”

The Jets will need Fields to become a better passer if they’re going to win with him, but Fields is one of the best running quarterbacks in football, and Tomlin knows that’s the first thing to focus on when facing Fields and the Jets on Sunday.