Pittsburgh Steelers: Stock rising/falling after slaying the New England giant

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after intercepting a pass intended for Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Defense – Stock: Up

The defense has performed very Jekyll and Hyde all season long. One game they have a great day all around and the next they look like a junior varsity team.

It was all systems go for them in Sunday’s win. The first drive for New England was rocky but they locked it down after that drive of 72 yards through the air to allow just 200 passing yards the rest of the game.

The Steelers got consistent pressure all night and while it may not have resulted in a high sack total, it did affect Brady on his throws. T.J. Watt did get home once but he was around the quarterback all evening.

The run game gashed them in the Patriots field goal drive gaining 42 of their 96 rushing yards in that drive. The defense played great outside of the opening drive and this drive where they gave up most of their yards as New England only mustered 239 yards total on their other seven drives in the game.

The defense will need to continue this high-powered play next week as the Saints prolific offense hosts them. The Steelers need to apply the same approach to win again and keep the division in their hands.

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