Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense isn’t fully healthy. But it’s pinned down its identity. For a unit that was much-maligned during the offseason and criticized early on during this campaign, an assured approach is paramount.
The Steelers entered Week 4 having allowed the seventh-most yards in the NFL through three contests. During a 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin on Sunday, it was a different story.
T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and the rest of the defenders wearing black and gold limited the Vikings to 70 yards on the ground, the fewest they’ve given up so far this season. Carson Wentz passed for 350 yards. It didn’t feel like it, though.
Justin Jefferson piled up 126 yards on 10 receptions, but defenses don’t typically have an easy time with him.
“When we’re playing our brand of football, playing Blitzburgh football, we’re going to win a lot of games,” safety DeShon Elliott said. “We’ve got to be aggressive and keep doing what we’re supposed to do. If everybody plays their part, we can win a lot of games, especially on defense.”
Elliott had an interception — almost two — and a sack in his return from a sprained MCL. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen noticed better communication with Elliott back in the fold.
“The biggest part is trusting everyone around us. I think that’s the biggest message,” Queen said. “When we trust each other, we go out there and make plays. The communication early, it was phenomenal. When we communicate at a high level, and we trust each other on the field, and we do everything that we do, there’s nobody that can stop us.
“You’ve got to pressure folks. If you sit back in coverage all day, whether its man or zone, you’re get eaten alive. Being able to switch it up, bring people from different places, just using the guys that’s around, is gonna be huge for us, especially down the stretch in December football, trying to stop the run, those blitzes are going to be crucial.”
Keeanu Benton, who registered 1.5 sacks, felt a vibe shift, as well.
“I feel like the energy was immaculate,” Benton said. “Everybody was out here, we knew what we came out here to do and we had to achieve it.”
Watt added a sack and pick, while Nick Herbig penciled himself down for 1.5 sacks and Queen another.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Is Steelers’ Defense Beginning to Live Up to Hype?
