Tag: Steelers Defense

Steelers D is gonna eat Daniel Jones fumbles for dinner

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones struggled with fumbles lost in 2019, and the Steelers defense excellent in nabbing them.

The Steelers 2019 defense was hungry for turnovers. The unit satisfied that hunger by devouring 38 combined interceptions and fumble recoveries, and its .203 turnover average was good for first in the league. Of those turnovers, 20 were interceptions (second in league), and 18 were fumble recoveries (first in league). Overall, Pittsburgh forced 22 fumbles, for an average of 1.4 per game.

 

Here’s the breakdown on recoveries:

  • LB Devin Bush – 4 (one for a 20-yard TD)
  • LB T.J. Watt – 4
  • S Minkah Fitzpatrick – 2 (one for a 79-yard TD)
  • LB Bud Dupree – 2
  • DL Cam Heyward, CBs Joe Haden, Mike Hilton, Steven Nelson – 1

It just so happens that Giants quarterback Daniel Jones led the NFL in fumbles lost, with eight. Additionally, his 12 interceptions tied him for seventh in the league. If Jones’ turnover struggle continues into 2020, the Steelers defense could be feasting Monday night.

Opportunities were a-plenty for the defense in 2019. They were on the field for 182 drives, third-most in the league. But Ben Roethlisberger is back, and with it, the increased potential for extending drives and scoring points. With fewer opportunities and less pressure to win games, the rate at which they recovered fumbles last season will be challenging to sustain.

But having a go at Jones is an excellent place for them to start.

Stats courtesy of Football Outsiders

Special Week 1 Promotion! Bet $1, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either the New York Giants or Pittsburgh Steelers score a touchdown in their Week 1 game. Place your legal, online sports bets in IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

[vertical-gallery id=475984]

[lawrence-related id=475865]

Where did Steelers touch down among PFF’s defense rankings?

Pro Football Focus released its ranking of all 32 defenses ahead of the 2020 season.

It’s that time of year where Pro Football Focus releases its rankings ahead of the 2020 season.

PFF ranked the Steelers third, just behind the San Francisco 49ers and (the despised) Baltimore Ravens.

Here’s a snippet of what PFF’s Anthony Treash had to say about the Steelers D.

The trio of [T.J.] Watt, [Cam] Heyward and [Stephon] Tuitt is a force to be reckoned with and will be the toughest matchup of the year for any offensive line on the Steelers’ schedule.

Fitzpatrick produced an 87.6 coverage grade after being traded from the Dolphins, the sixth-best at the position. He certainly proved he could be one of the best deep safeties in the game for Pittsburgh.

In addition to Fitzpatrick, The Steelers have three of the NFL’s top-25 cornerbacks in their secondary [Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton]. 

PFF does give credit where credit is due — to Watt, Heyward, and the secondary. The 49ers and the Ravens are stacked on defense, but the Steelers have the potential to outdo both of them in 2020.

[vertical-gallery id=475482]

[lawrence-related id=469615]

Steelers on pace to tie their own historic record

The Steelers defense has been truly elite this season.

The current streak the Pittsburgh Steelers are on can be directly attributed to the elevated play of the Steelers defense. This group has shrugged on their recent reputation as underachievers and among the very best in the NFL this season. If not for a rocky two games to start the season, this unit could be the very best in the league.

But perhaps more remarkable is the pace the Steelers are on in three separate categories. With three games to play the Steelers lead the league in sacks, quarterback hits and takeaways. A feat so remarkable the last team to do it was the 1974 Steelers defense. A defense easily among the top five of all time.

[vertical-gallery id=455708]

[lawrence-related id=455884]