Steelers possess stingy defense

[mesaSteeler]

Steelers possess stingy defense
Justin A. Cohn
The Journal Gazette
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/p...0605/811090460

INDIANAPOLIS – Colts tight end Dallas Clark has watched film of the Pittsburgh defense, and he admitted it was a bit scary.

Not just because he saw a defense that can win games, but also because the Steelers can embarrass other teams.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, and we’ve seen films of teams who don’t know what they’re doing, that’s what (the Steelers) thrive on,” Clark said. “They thrive on confusion and making big plays, disrupting the normalcy of offenses. If you’re not on (your game), they can make you look bad.”

The Colts (4-4) take on the Steelers (6-2) today at Heinz Field.

“We have to be prepared for any type of look or anything they can bring,” Clark said. “What makes them good is that they can do so many things.”

The Steelers use a 3-4 defense, which the Colts had success against this season in a 31-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 12.

“But Pittsburgh does some things that are unique to them,” Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning said.

And the Steelers have some unique players, like Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu, who has 36 tackles and three interceptions this season.

“(Polamalu) is a very important part of what we do because he has what you can’t coach,” said Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, who was an assistant under Colts coach Tony Dungy in Tampa Bay. “He has great instincts. He trusts them. He’s a splash playmaker. We need his kind of effort.”

Aside from Polamalu and cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend, Pittsburgh’s defense is marked by a front seven that can dominate opposing teams. Pittsburgh is giving up an NFL- best 234.1 yards per game and has 32 sacks this season, led by James Harrison’s and LaMarr Woodley’s 10 apiece.

Not good news for Indianapolis, which has had inconsistent play from its offensive line and ranks last in in rushing (70.1 yards per game).

“(The Steelers) have good players. To me, that’s what the key is to their defense,” Manning said. “They have good players and they have an excellent front. That’s what has given people problems up to date is (not) being able to block their defensive line and block their linebackers, and they blitz quite a bit, as well. We talk about trying to protect the quarterback, protect the football and protect the game. That’ll be a goal this week, as well.”

In the last meeting between these teams, a divisional playoff game Jan. 15, 2006, the Steelers won 21-18, and then went on to win the Super Bowl. The Colts haven’t won in Pittsburgh since 1968.

“That’s not something I’m concerned about unless Joe Greene and those guys are playing in this game,” Dungy said. “Then, it would be something we would talk about.”

Instead, the Colts have been talking about keeping Pittsburgh’s defense away from Manning and trying to build on the momentum of last week’s 18-15 victory over the New England Patriots.

“The Steelers are a tough team, very physical, one that’s playing well,” Dungy said. “It’s going to be a big challenge for us.”

("he admitted it was a bit scary": Now this is what I expect of a Steelers D. Back in the 70's opposing teams had nightmares about playing the Steelers. It's good to see that other teams are admitting that they are scared of us. - mesaSteeler)

[stillers4me]

Be afraid, be very afraid.

[Dino 6 Rings]

Get the Fine Bucket ready because we are going to SMASH IN SOME SKULLS!

Fine for sacking the QB, 10,000.
Seeing the other team's QB with a busted lip and dizzy eyes...Priceless.

[fansince'76]

Originally Posted by Dino 5 Rings

Fine for sacking the QB, 10,000.

For this game, it will be more like $20K - Peyton is one of the fair-haired "faces of the league," after all.

[mesaSteeler]

Good point. Outside of the Lord God Emperor of the Universe Brady.Peyton is pretty boy face of the NFL. If a Steeler even gives him a dirty look they will be probably be banned for life.

[cowboykilla]

Knock Manning's head off and worry about the fines later. This is Steeler football we are supposed to cause havok and chaos.

[TeeJay]

Them Colts are leaving Heinz Field branded....................with Farriors helmet imbedded in Mannings face!

Ok....that came out wrong..................but you get the idea!