Steelers' D: Best in the league

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by hizmi

Well we may rank 1st in yardage, but yardage does not tell the whole story.

I don't think there's any question we have a top 5, and probably a top 3 defense, but the Titans have a very strong claim to the #1 spot.

Very true. We are definately top 3 to top 5. Titans can have the title right now. I would love to see us settle that arguement when we play the Titans. Wait until Hampton gets back.

[fansince'76]

At the moment, we're ranked #2 in scoring defense (14.8 ppg) and the Titans are ranked #1 (11.0 ppg). This trumps yardage allowed rankings, IMO.

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by fansince'76

At the moment, we're ranked #2 in scoring defense (14.8 ppg) and the Titans are ranked #1 (11.0 ppg). This trumps yardage allowed rankings, IMO.

I think both of them need to be used to assess who the better defense is. After all, an offense may give the ball over in their own end a number of times. That would run up the score a bit more. The other ranking I think needs to be used to assess the defense is time on the field. 130 yards a game with 20 minutes on the field is not nearly as good as 150 yards a game allowed with 35 minutes on the field

[NyGiantz]

Not a shock. You guys always have a good defense. Offhand can anyone recall when you have not? I am guessing maybe back in the 90s or something.

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by NyGiantz

Not a shock. You guys always have a good defense. Offhand can anyone recall when you have not? I am guessing maybe back in the 90s or something.

2003... our run D was still ok, but our pass D. was HORRIBLE.

Depending on which Giants team shows up, this will be a good game.

[WWIIOwheelz]

Our pass rush this year has been the difference. The Steelers are always fantastic against the run, and our secondary has improved a lot in the last few years, but Harrison and Woodley (and Smith, Timmons, Farrior.... everyone) are the stuff of nightmares for opposing QBs.

Hard to do much with the ball when you are fearing for your life 2 seconds after the ball is snapped, and it's just that simple this year.

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by WWIIOwheelz

Our pass rush this year has been the difference. The Steelers are always fantastic against the run, and our secondary has improved a lot in the last few years, but Harrison and Woodley (and Smith, Timmons, Farrior.... everyone) are the stuff of nightmares for opposing QBs.

Hard to do much with the ball when you are fearing for your life 2 seconds after the ball is snapped, and it's just that simple this year.

Sadly, that is true on both sides of the ball

though to be honest.... the Steelers DID look better this Sunday.

[steelpride12]

Our defense is filled with young upcoming stars, and the Veterans who raise the youngsters as leaders.
Woodley and Harrison are by far the best Outside Linebacking core in the league, and the veteran Farrior and the Youngster Timmons are also racking up the sacks.
The line is all strong tough leaders and our defense deserves to be #1.
Lets keep it up.

[Galax Steeler]

Hopefully our deffense will be able to get to Eli on sunday and pressure him into mistakes and add to our sack total this is going to be a good game come sunday.

[stlrtruck]

I think it's great but when it comes down to it, I'd rather have the 7th ranked Defense and a 6th Trophy than the 1st rank Defense and nothing to show for it.