Browns at Steelers: Defensive Huddle
By Josh Fitzer
Greetings, Steeler Nation!
Welcome to another edition of Defensive Huddle. Let’s breakdown the performance of our beloved defense.
Here we go.
THE GOOD:
-The Steelers defense only allowed 9 points in this game, but also gave up 387 yards of offense to the Browns. Our defense has been doing this all year. They give up a ton of yards, but somehow find out a way to keep the opposing offense out of the end zone.
-Turnovers. Our defense keeps getting turnovers. They forced two total turnovers against the Browns on Sunday. One interception by Mike Mitchell and one forced fumble by Will Allen. I absolutely love ball hawking safeties. Our beloved defense has forced 20 total turnovers so far this season (9 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles). They only had 25 total turnovers all of last season. I’d say our defense is making some big strides this year.
-After putting virtually no pressure on Derek Carr last week, the Steelers defense came away with 6 sacks in this game. I think they needed to make a statement in that department, especially against a divisional opponent.
THE BAD:
-Our defense allowing 372 passing yards. This is kind of a double-edged sword because our defense isn’t allowing many points, but they’re giving up a ton of yards. There’s only so many times that a defense can do that and get away with it.
-I know some other people probably have a different opinion, but I didn’t see our defense do many things wrong. I think they did exactly what they were supposed to do, beat up on a bad team.
MY THREE STARS:
-Mike Mitchell: For his nifty interception in the end zone. Like I’ve said in previous posts, I think Mitchell is finally settling in with the Black & Gold.
–Arthur Moats: For his fumble recovery in the 1st quarter on the Browns first offensive drive. My apologies if a fumble recovery is considered forcing a turnover. I didn’t include this earlier because Moats recovered a fumble that happened because the football slipped out of Manziel’s hand. I’m not so sure our defense forced it in any way.
-Will Allen: For his forced fumble in the 2nd quarter.
Here we go, Steelers! Here we go!