It’s Time To Stop Sleeping On The Steelers Defense

If you’re still sleeping, it’s time to wake up. The Steelers’ defense has been a lethal unit on paper the past handful of years, but this season they have a different feel to them. With a more complete, deeper unit, the Steelers could make some noise. If they stay healthy, they’ll be the reason that Pittsburgh goes toe to toe with some of the league’s best. They are the NFL’s highest-paid defensive unit and they’re finally starting to play like it.

The new additions from the offseason have paid off in a major way so far. DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, and Patrick Queen to name a few have been able to take the Steelers’ defense to another level to start the season. If Queen pulls in those two interceptions he could’ve had, the numbers would look even better than they already do. 

Numbers Never Lie

Through three games, nobody has been able to score more than 10 points on the Steelers. Opponents are averaging a league-low 8.7 points per game against Pittsburgh. Nobody has gone over the 300-yard mark against this defense yet either. Denver came close, posting 295 yards, but still no 300. The Steelers are giving up a league-best 229.7 yards per game. Impressive stuff out of the Steel City. 

In recent years, it has felt easy to run the ball on the Steelers. Not this year. Led by a fully healthy and freshly paid Cam Heyward, the Pittsburgh defense hasn’t let up more than 90 rushing yards in a game yet. In week one, the Falcons were scared to even run at TJ Watt. JK Dobbins was averaging nine yards per rush before his trip to Pittsburgh. This defense is gritty and they play like it. Opponents are converting on third down at a rate of just 22.9%. 

Through three weeks, the Steeler’s defense has amassed three interceptions, 16 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. Elliott and Jackson both grabbed an interception in week one and Cory Trice got one that sealed the week two win in Denver. Watt leads the way in tackles for loss with five with Heyward, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig all having two each. 

In news that will shock nobody, Watt also leads them in sacks with three although he should have five. Herbig grabbed two last week and Heyward, Highsmith, Elandon Roberts, and Monty Adams all have one each. This defense has only allowed two touchdowns. Somehow, it was Kyle Pitts and Quentin Johnston who scored them. 

Help From The Steelers Offense

In the past three seasons, the Steelers appeared to be an elite defensive unit, but the offense kept them on the field far too much. This season with a somewhat competent offense, the Pittsburgh defense is thriving. More time to rest for the bullies on defense is a great thing. 

Last year an average offensive drive for the Steelers lasted two minutes and 36 seconds and converted at a rate of 36.6% of third down. Through three games this season, the offense is putting together offensive drives that last three minutes and 17 seconds on average and convert on third down at a rate of 43.2%. Slight improvement goes a long way for a defense of this caliber. The Steelers have also won the time of possession battle in all three games. 

Surviving Injuries

Steelers fans have seen injuries destroy their top-level defenses in the past but this is one of the deepest units that Pittsburgh has fielded in many years. Highsmith is set to miss a few weeks with a groin injury but Herbig is more than ready to step in and wreck shop. In week three, Herbig registered two sacks, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. The kid is a stud and he’s just getting started. 

Unfortunately after getting his game-sealing interception in week two against the Broncos, Cory Trice has gone to the IR with a hamstring issue. That will likely move Darius Rush up the depth chart, a relatively unproven cornerback who played three games for Pittsburgh last year. Now he will get a chance to make some plays next to Joey Porter Jr and Donte Jackson. If they can keep the injuries to a minimum, this unit could take the Steelers on a run.