In the past two games, one noticeable factor in the defense has potentially been exposed. Two running backs, Giovani Bernard and Darren Sproles made game changing impacts against the Steelers secondary, both being receiving threats.

Giovani Bernard has been targeted in the passing game 20 times in three weeks. 11 of those came against the Steelers. He caught nine of them for 101 yards and a touchdown, one that cut the lead to eight points. Darren Sproles, who had seven targets in his two weeks before Pittsburgh caught all six of his targets in week three. He took one to the house, a 73-yarder that essentially sealed the Steelers fate in week three.

In Week 4, Jamaal Charles is still questionable to return. He has his hopes high and at this point, it could be a coin flip. When he is playing, he fits the mold of Bernard and Sproles and then some. If his debut is to come on Sunday Night Football he is certainly going to have the desire to put on a show and the potential to do so.

The problem is, even without Charles, Spencer Ware has proven to be a reliable three-down back and Charcandrick West is an asset in the passing game. Through three weeks, West has 11 targets and Ware has 12. Ware has taken advantage of his targets, though, catching 10 and turning into 185 yards.

In addition to that, the team added Tyreek Hill, a rookie listed as a wide receiver. However, his 5’10” stature and breakaway speed can have him compared to a Darren Sproles type of weapon very easily. Hill was targeted four times last game, which had better be noted by the Steelers staff.

Alex Smith is a dink and dunk passer by nature and will settle for the short pass over the bomb every day. The Steelers should know that, should attack this area, and try to pressure the quarterback. The problem is, that should have been known by the Steelers when they faced a rookie quarterback in Carson Wentz.

Doug Pederson, the offensive coordinator of the Chiefs last season called the game for Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles. There is no doubt that that Andy Reid and his staff noted that these short passes can turn into long passes and that he will try to expose the Steelers with these weapons. The Steelers need to find a plan of attack because this cannot become a trend in week four.