Grades: Three Steelers defenders who earned As this week

Mike Mitchell

With Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor retiring at the end of last season, Pittsburgh really needed a couple of players to step up and fill that void at safety.

It’s been a rocky road this year at the position, but as the season goes along the Steelers are getting better and more consistent play. Yesterday Will Allen and Mike Mitchell wound up leading the team in tackles.

Mitchell was the real star though, and his fumble recovery was another example of a defense that’s getting more opportunistic every single game. He also defended a pass and was instrumental in defending the run.

Next: Steelers make Broncos defense look normal

For the game PFF gave Mitchell a +3.0 overall rating.

If the Steelers keep getting strong play in the secondary there’s no reason why they can’t beat any team in the AFC come playoff time.