For all the bad surprises the Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten this season, the play of the defense has been a huge positive. Despite the losses of a franchise quarterback, star running back and wide receiver, then their replacements, this team is in the playoffs in large part because the defense is playing elite football.

What do we attribute this change to? Here at the big four reasons.

The Minkah effect

Ever since the Steelers traded their 2020 first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, this defense has been on the rise. The deep plays that have plagued this group for years are a thing of the past and Fitzpatrick’s ability to generate turnovers has become infectious.