Defensive Dominance

The Steelers defense turned in another dominant performance. Kyler Murray and company were using pace and quick passes to wear down the Steelers defense. On the Cardinals first touchdown drive, the Steelers defense really looked gassed. There were some interesting schematic changes by the defense to account for Murray’s mobility. T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree were trying to keep Murray in the pocket rather than pressure him consistently. When the Steelers wanted to pressure, they blitzed an inside linebacker, and the scheme was effective.

Two inside backers, Mark Barron and Vince Williams, recorded sacks. Dupree and Cam Heyward both collected sacks as well and while T.J. Watt’s sack streak came to an end, his constant pressure and interception in the end zone were an excellent consolation prize. Joe Haden added two interceptions and the Steelers won the turnover battle for the 11th time in their last 12 games.