In the wake of the Steelers backfield's dismal performance last Thursday, some seem to want to call time of death on the team's running game.

And frankly, that's fair.

23 rushes for 36 yards (a 1.6 yard per carry average) is pathetic by any measure.

But there's a larger issue at play than just the RBs ability to move the ball for positive yardage. In fact, it's a MUCH larger issue -- the Offensive Line.

There's no denying that neither Willie Parker nor Rashard Mendenhall were able to get any kind of production. The question is, though, is that because they themselves aren't able to hit the holes quickly enough or is it because there are no holes to run through?

Everyone has their opinion (of course they do, it's the internets). And I've seen a good amount of supporters for both sides of the debate.

For what it's worth, you can count me in the camp blaming the O-line. You certainly can't take the onus off of the backfield to do it's job, but it's also really hard to do your job when you're not given the opportunities you need to succeed.

The good news is, it's only week 2.

The bad news is, we've got the Bears.

Of course, losing Brian Urlacher certainly knocks them down a few notches. But even still, the Bears have a decent run defense that was ranked 5th in the NFL last season and last week held the Packers to 76 yards on 22 carries (not great, but not bad either). In otherwords, it's not like they're the Browns (who served up 225 yards on the ground last week, albeit predominantly to arguably the NFL's best rusher). Plus, you have to keep in mind that the Titans themselves aren't exactly swiss cheese.

Oh, and just a reminder - Max Starks is the only remaining starter from the Steelers O-line that got us One for the Thumb (a line that was built for running the ball) who's still even in Pittsburgh.

So, I'm curious, what do you make of this whole thing? Is the Steelers running game salvageable? How much of this has to do with the backs themselves? Do you see us having much success come Sunday? And most importantly, are you able to comment on this post (clear your cookies and cache and refresh this page before you try)?

Obligatory Footer - If you haven't already, become a fan of OFTOT on Facebook, join the blog network and follow me on Twitter. Or don't. Your choice, really.