Defense Gets an Eyeful

[SteeleReign]

Originally Posted by Rick5895

There will be some difference when Ike gets back. There were very big cushions against ATL but I have a feeling that had more to do with who was in there. Although the Steelers did some things to be excited about, it is still just pre-season. Let's not get over excited or overly upset at our successes and failures in these games.
I believe we will still have our usual top 5 Defense. The difference this season is we appear to have a big play quick strike offense, which will translate into more time on the field for the D. Therefore a rotation of DL and spelling Harrison if he's still not 100 % is important in the early part of the season.

Well said. Let me just say that that those huge cushions were prevalent last year too. Because this team is built to win Superbowls, they will need to get through New England, San Diego, Indy, Green Bay, etc. If we play that soft coverage against those QBs we'll get torched like we did in the Bowl last year.

[SteeleReign]

Originally Posted by steelerjim58

Not meaning to pile on, but agreeing with my fellow fans, bend but dont break is exactly what the defense is designed to do. Which is exactly why Brady and co. does so well against the Steelers. Their offense is designed to do what the Steelers defense is designed to give up. They have no problem taking 15 plays to go eighty yards. Dink and dunk up and down the field.

Remember the game, a few years ago, where New England threw the ball 20-some-odd consecutive plays to start the game. All up and down the field. 5, 10, 15 yards a pop. Drove me nuts!

[effyou515]

Originally Posted by Atlanta Dan

Atlanta QB Matt Ryan vs. Pittsburgh (first half)
Comp. - 22
Att. - 42
Yards - 210
TD- 1
Int - 1
Rating - 65.6

The Steelers defense did stiffen up in redzone and keeped the Falcons out of the endzone like defenese is designed to do.

[SteeleReign]

Originally Posted by effyou515

The Steelers defense did stiffen up in redzone and keeped the Falcons out of the endzone like defenese is designed to do.

Well, the dropped pass by Jones certainly helped a bit. Problem is, without better DB play, we will have issues beating playoff teams like New England, Indy, San Diego, etc. I do see some positive signs coming from Butler, Brown, and Lewis. We'll see. Soon.

[Atlanta Dan]

Originally Posted by SteeleReign

Well, the dropped pass by Jones certainly helped a bit. Problem is, without better DB play, we will have issues beating playoff teams like New England, Indy, San Diego, etc. I do see some positive signs coming from Butler, Brown, and Lewis. We'll see. Soon.

For some reason the Steelers have not been torched by San Diego or Manning (who has health issues with his recovery from neck surgery - glad Steelers get him in September)

OTOH New England owns them when Brady is healthy