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Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 8y

Steelers adjust to DeAngelo Williams' hit-the-hole running style

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' full-time switch to DeAngelo Williams after Le'Veon Bell's injury has the 32-year-old Williams on pace for more than 1,000 yards and 200 carries.

But Williams hasn’t found success on his own. The Steelers adjusted to Williams’ style, which meant a different blocking mentality for the offensive line.

Bell is a patient runner. He’ll let running lanes simmer to perfection. He's eyeing the safety as he waits, plotting his next move, or even his next five moves. His running is about nuance and timing.

Williams can do that, too, but as center Cody Wallace explained, Williams is less deliberate.

"DeAngelo is more of a guy who’s going to hit a gap and go," Wallace said. "Knowing DeAngelo’s in, it’s about moving your feet and driving your guy and get 4-5 yards."

That plan is working for the Steelers and Williams, who has 697 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 141 carries and 256 receiving yards on 25 catches.

Williams is rejuvenated in Pittsburgh after an injury-plagued last few years in Carolina. Without Williams, the Steelers would be combing free-agent markets for a reliable starter at tailback, forcing Ben Roethlisberger to throw 50 times per game. Williams is providing balance for the stretch run, which is why he must stay healthy. He's gotten 17 or more carries in all but one of the games he has started. He's been a skilled chip-blocker in passing situations. He's been just a really smart offseason signing overall -- and at a bargain (two years, $4 million).

But the offensive line has been surprisingly sturdy despite the losses of starters Kelvin Beachum and Maurkice Pouncey. The line's cohesion with Williams has helped him rush for 4.9 yards per attempt.

Williams' hit-the-hole approach suits an offensive line that's ornery by nature. They crave contact.

Williams craves something else, and it's not retirement.

"We’re fighting for a postseason berth," Williams said. "That’s where I’m at.”

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