Steelers: Defense makes statement in win over 49ers

First off, I’m a defensive guy. I love good, hard hitting defense. So when the Steelers defense played the way they did today, I was all smiles.

Since their not-so-good performance against New England, the Steelers defense have had to hear about blown assignments, missed tackles, and everything in between. They went into their Week 2 matchup with some question marks.

How will they contain Kaepernick? When will Boykin play? Steelers fans were left with a more devastating question: Is the Steel Curtain dead?

That question was quickly answered in the Steelers 43-18 win over the 49ers. The 49ers, who came off an impressive win over the Vikings just six days ago, were expected to pick up right where they left off. Unfortunately for them, that wasn’t the case.

The Steelers defense came out guns blazing and didn’t stop. They held the 49ers offense to only three points through the first half. They also had few goal line stands. The same defense who looked lost and confused just ten days ago looked focused, determined, and pissed off today.

There are a few players I’d like to recognize.

Ryan Shazier had an AMAZING game today. He finished the day with 11 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He left the 4th quarter with an apparent shoulder injury, but said in the post-game “It’s a LB injury. It’s nothing serious.” Shazier seems to be light years ahead of where he was last year.

This has got to make Steeler Nation very happy. Antwon Blake was a man on a mission today, racking up 10 solo tackles. Bud Dupree is continuing to progress in his rookie campaign. He had 3 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, and 1 sack.

Lawrence Timmons was his usual self today, finishing with 6 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles. Cameron Heyward showed why he is the captain on defense. He racked up 5 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, and 1 sack.

The Steelers defense only had one blown assignment, it seemed Shazier didn’t follow through with covering Vernon Davis which led to a 43 yard gain.

I don’t think the character of this defense has shown yet. So it’ll be very interesting to see how they play following a win. Overall, I think the Steelers defense played great today.

We’re coming for ya Rams!

Next: Steelers explosive in win over 49ers: Instant Reaction

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