Is our defense really that bad?? I don't think so...

no, I know. At least the trend is shooting upwards. Stopping a true elite offense is yet to be determined...

sorry stopping a true elite qb is yet to be determined lol. Ryan is not elite

 

Agree... there's only 3: Brady, Rodgers and Brees.... 2 of those are upcoming on the schedule.

TBD: Mahomes and Goff

 

In terms of fewest punts, NO is #2 and NE is T-8. Getting multiple punts in a game from those teams would be a major defensive showing. (Especially since the league average right now is 2-3 punts/game.)

 

The point is that by the standards we used to use to judge defenses there really aren't many good ones in the NFL. The standards need to change because the game has changed. As bad as our defense has been at times it is around an average NFL defense in the current NFL.

 

I don't think 'the current NFL' is the only reason this D has struggled. Rule changes, ect haven't helped, but they have nothing to do with wide open receivers and blown coverage time and time again.

 

I'm not 100% certain but I think we've given up more big/splash plays than any other D in the league this season. Look at the last game, how many 3rd and longs did they give up? How many big plays did they give up to allow them to stay in the game?

Wayyyy too many that's how many.

Every year for the past several years it's been the same old song and dance - "The D is slowly improving!" B.S. We're just putting new dressing on a wound that refuses to heal. Time for a new doctor.

 

If the defense can find a way to both eliminate half or more of the penalties and stop opposing offenses on 3rd and 7 yards, or more, then they will be an above average defense. If the offense can stay high-powered and efficient - putting up 30+ points per game (ballpark), - then the Steelers will be force to be reckoned with.

 

It certainly started out that way, but according to this article, they have been way better over the last three games, giving up just 10 such plays vs 23 over the first three games, and only one such play vs the Bengals. Should that trend continue, it would be a good sign that some of the miscommunications issues that plagued the defense to start the season have been cleaned up.

 

well the run defense is doing good according to PFF

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-teams-run-defense-units-after-week-6

Stephon Tuitt getting a gold star no less

 

I just wish they would stick to applying pressure. Every time they let up and play this soft ass zone I’m sure even Nathan Peterman could pick them apart.