The Titans will be coming to Heinz Field on Sunday without running back Derrick Henry and, presumably, intending to run the ball, anyway.
"If I was looking at us, what would you do?" Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler wondered aloud this morning. "I'd run the ball, too."
The Vikings ran it 36 times and gained a season-high 242 yards rushing against the Steelers in a 36-28 victory on Dec. 9 in Minneapolis.
The eight big-play runs (10-plus yards) surrendered against Minnesota tied the Steelers' season high (Detroit also had eight).
The Steelers prepare for the Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End Coach Alfredo Roberts during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle John Leglue (77) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers running backs during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Edmunds (33) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Malcolm Pridgeon (64) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle John Leglue (77), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) and Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line Coach Adrian Klemm during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (76) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chaz Green (74) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line Coach Adrian Klemm during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Coach Mike Sullivan and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle John Leglue (77) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Trai Turner (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) and Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End Coach Alfredo Roberts during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) and Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End Coach Alfredo Roberts during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kalen Ballage (29) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Malcolm Pridgeon (64) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jace Sternberger (89), Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Anthony Miller (17) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Zach Banner (72) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Isaiah Johnson (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Karl Joseph (8) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end John Simon (38) and Pittsburgh Steelers Coaching Assistant Denzel Martin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end John Simon (38) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Khalil Davis (68) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (49) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers Coaching Assistant Denzel Martin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Daniel Archibong (61) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Delontae Scott (50) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Carlos Davis (73) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (49) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Carlos Davis (73) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Chris Wormley (95) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Carlos Davis (73) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (49) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Karl Joseph (8) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Arthur Maulet (35) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
It was the "how" and the "how many" that contributed to the Steelers' demise while trying to defend against the Vikings' ground game, the scheme and the execution that at times invited gaping holes to exploit.
"Dadgum, I don't want to see those holes again if I don't have to," Butler said. "One or two of them were, we were in stuff we didn't want to be in those situations. And some of it was we didn't play it correctly. So it was a little bit of both, a little bit of coaching, a little bit of playing.
"I'll tell you this, I gotta do a better job coaching than what I've done in order for us to get better in terms of stopping the run, because I hate that crap. Two-hundred yards? How many times we ever done that since I've been here? It hasn't been a lot. It hasn't been a lot that our rush average is what it is right now. Not in the 19 years I've been here it hasn't been like that."
The Vikings game was the sixth straight in which the Steelers have surrendered at least 100 yards on the ground and the second this season in which the 200-yard plateau has been breached (229 on Nov. 14 in a 16-16 tie with Detroit).
The streak began after the Steelers had limited the Browns to 96 rushing yards in 15-10 victory on Oct. 31 in Cleveland.
Roles on defense against Tennessee will be what they were in Minnesota, for the most part, Butler said.
"The difference for us is Spillane, he's gonna be back," Butler added.
Inside linebacker Robert Spillane (knee) hasn't played since Nov. 28 at Cincinnati.
The Steelers are No. 27 in total defense (371.3 yards per game), No. 30 in run defense (139.5) and No. 32 in opponent yards per carry (5.0).
"Does it bother me?" Butler responded. "You dadgum right it bothers me. We're gonna do our best to make sure we don't do that crap no more."
The Steelers held three of their first seven opponents under 100 yards rushing and never gave up more than 144 yards in that span.
To get back to that, Butler maintained, the Steelers have to get back to the most basic element of run defense.
"All of us have gotta win our individual battles," he emphasized. "The old cliche about 11 guys doing what they're supposed to do is really true. It's not something coaches just use. It's something that's gotta happen for us. We gotta win the individual battles. And part of the individual battles is getting off blocks. How do you get off blocks? We use the same technique we've always used since I've been here. And it's worked for a lot of other people, it hasn't changed.
"We still gotta get off blocks and get to the ball and play in unison together. We gotta be a better team defense."
