The Steelers defense reminds me of the 2008 defense

The 2020 defense has most of the players are in their prime, just like the 2008 team did, and both squads had stud OLBs and a playmaking safety. Hopefully the 2020 season will end like the 2008 season did.

 

That is the hope!!



Definitely see some of the comparisons there. Hopefully though the team can overcome the loss of Devin Bush Jr. That was a big loss there.

 

2008 Steelers defense thru 5 games gave up 79 points. 9 Turnovers.

2020 Steelers defense thru 5 games gave up 94 points. 9 Turnovers.

 

This is our best defence since 2008, that's for sure.
We don't quite have the edge that the 2008 team did, but the game has changed so it's hard to play as violent these days.

Man I sure do miss watching Troy roaming around the field. He was special in a way that we may never see again

 

Speaking of past teams, when I saw Ben's numbers for the Browns game I thought Bradshaw was back under center.

 

And given the rule changes in the past 12 years, which are designed for the sole purpose of generating scoring, I think this D is looking pretty damn good!

 

Current defense is comparable to 2008 squad.

Defensive Line: 2008 is better, but our current D line is above average and more athletic. Hampton, Kiesel and Smith were beasts
ILBs: 2008 is better (Farrior and Timmons)
OLBs: Even. Watt and Dupree are just as disruptive as Woodley and Harrison
CBs: I'd have to say 2020 is slightly better.... nothing against Ike and McFadden, but Haden and Nelson provide more splash plays
Safeties: 2008 is better for now, Polamalu and Clark > Fitzpatrick and Edmunds... but if Edmunds keeps improving, I'll have to change my thoughts.

 

Defense is pretty damn good for 2020

 

Why doesn't anybody ever talk about Alualu? This guy has been stellar all year. Heyward and Tuitt get all the hype... but I think Alualu is quietly our best D lineman.

 

The 08 defense didn’t give up 300 yards of offense the entire regular season. That was crazy impressive.

the 20 defense is impressive though.

 

He’s better than hargrave. Doesn’t get pushed back, he’s a stud.

 

Agreed. Losing too many key players next year. Bud and possibly Alualu and Juju. We need to go all in to win now!!!

 

My only bone of contention with this is the cb's. I said in another thread that I was never a fan of Ike's, but our current cb's are making me miss him. He couldn't catch a ball of fuzz with velcro on his hands, but man, could he cover. I'd give up the splash plays for consistent coverage. Being able to contest most passes, to me, is more important than one or two splash plays.

And yes, he did get beat from time to time. Every cb does.

 

he sucks....if he doesn't get benched soon we are doomed!

Sorry bro, I just had to

 

I agree.... Ike was an underrated CB. Shutdown Corner in his prime.

 

Ike could cover!

He couldn't catch, and he might lead the parade on stupid penalties........but he could sure cover!

 

Wasn't he voted to the top 100 late in his career?

 

If he could catch, he might have rewritten the record books and got into the HoF.

 

I have been singing Tyson's praises since he got here. He has been a clear upgrade over Hargrave. Hargrave got pushed around to much. With Alualu thats not the case. The push that Alualu gets is making our inside linebacker play better.

 

I would still say the 08' defense is better, but it's a close call for sure. This is the most consistent QB pressure I have seen from a Steelers defense since 08'. I might even give this group the edge. Our run defense has been just as good as 08'. Again, maybe even better. But as other have said the pass defense just isn't quite there yet. We are still seeing some coverage breakdowns. Our safety play is good, but not nearly as good as it was in 08'. I like our corners but compared to 08' I would say they are below the line.

 

2008 defense is way better. they wouldn't almost lose to Jeff driskel.. I'd say the only thing this defense has an advantage over that defense is prob the pass rush.. 2008 d was solid all the way around and went up against the toughest schedule in football that year and dominated

 

The Steelers are the only defense in the league to not give up 100 points yet, Dallas has given up over 200 points .

 

I never said the 2020 defense was better, I meant they're comparable.

 

Talent aside, this defense is a special group, and they are playing inspired football. Hell, the whole team is. I might be overstating this, but it seems as if this squad has taken the Titans scheduling situation personally and turned it into something that helps motivate them. "Oh, you want us to play 13 games in a row for another teams' f**k up? Fine but, we're going to open up a can of whoop ass and the rest of the league isn't going to like the taste."