PITTSBURGH (AP) — When the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense holds its first meeting during a game week, the first message it receive is always the same: Smash the run.

It’s a tenet that’s been a part of the franchise’s firmament for the vast majority of the last half-century and counting.

Not so much of late. The group that has long been used to doing the smashing is now getting smashed with alarming regularity.

The latest evidence came in a 31-17 loss to Seattle on Sunday that dropped Pittsburgh to 1-1 and made a fast-fading memory the good vibes generated by a stirring win over the New York Jets in the opener .

While the Seahawks’ rushing total wasn’t gaudy — 117 yards on 29 attempts — Seattle was able to run when it had to, never more so than on Kenneth Walker III’s 19-yard touchd

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