Dec 15th 2008 9:48AM by JJ Cooper (author feed)
Filed under: Steelers, VikingsThanks to the Cardinals calling seven running plays during their blowout loss to the Vikings, the Steelers’ defense is no longer No. 1 in every significant category.

The Steelers are No. 1 in total yardage allowed (239.1 yards per game), No. 1 in passing defense (163.3) and No. 1 in scoring defense, but the Vikings have surpassed them for the title of top rushing defense. After allowing 43 yards to the Cardinals, Minnesota is now allowing 71.8 yards per game while the Steelers, after giving up 112 rushing yards to the Ravens, are allowing 75.8.

But the Steelers are still in good shape to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to lead the league in all four categories. Minnesota has to face the Falcons and Giants, the top two rushing offenses in the league, over the final two weeks of the season. The Steelers have to take on the Titans (No. 5 rushing offense) and the Browns (No. 24 rushing offense) over the final two weeks.