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Is the Steelers defense in trouble?

By Kim Myers

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) reviews a play on a tablet during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) reviews a play on a tablet during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Steelers defense was always supposed to be a unit in transition, wasn’t it?

This is only Keith Butler’s second year as defensive coordinator and there are tons of new faces but should we be more worried about the current state of Pittsburgh’s defense?

After the second-consecutive loss of allowing over 100 yards rushing defensive captain Cameron Heyward said the team “quit” and linebacker Ryan Shazier compared the unit to “garbage.” The stats are pretty garbage when you take a look.

Pittsburgh ranks 26th in yards allowed, 17th against the run, 20th in scoring and 28th against the pass. They’re also tied for last place in sacks and are 31st in interceptions. If you’re feeling like something’s missing so far this season it’s because you haven’t seen a single member of the secondary pick off a quarterback yet.

No epic William Gay celebration dances after a pick six. Nada. They pressured Tom Brady plenty of times last week but the only time they got him on the ground they took a holding penalty that nullified the sack. Old-ass Tom Brady actually managed to scramble for 14 yards on this defense.

Time to panic? Maybe not time to panic per say but definitely time to tighten things up. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler told the PPG’s Ed Bouchette that he believes the team can turn it around. Remember this unit allowed only two touchdowns through the first two games.

"“I think these guys have enough pride and the history of this franchise is that we’ve always played the run pretty well. In the 14 years I’ve been here, we’ve always been good against the run. We intend to be that again this year.” – Keith Butler"

Clocks-a-tickin, coach Butts. I realize they’re about to embark on a week off but ain’t no time to talk about what you intend to be when you’re eight weeks deep into the season. They’re still atop the AFC North and that won’t change unless they return from the bye to lose to Baltimore on Nov. 6th.

Next: Steelers growing list of injuries

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Can this defense rise up against the run and start getting sacks and turnovers?

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