Stairway to seven: What must happen for the Steelers to win it all
Defense produces more takeaways
Mike Tomlin is a man of many euphemisms, or “Tomlin-isms” if you will. And one he focuses on frequently are “splash” plays. And defensively, there’s not a better splash play than a takeaway.
Unfortunately, the Steelers did not do this very often in 2018.
The defense is on its way back. Some games left us thinking otherwise, but the numbers speak for themselves. They were tenth in pass defense, and sixth in both run defense and total defense. However, the defense tied for 29th in takeaways, producing only 15 for the entire 2018 season. That’s not even one per game.
It also didn’t help that the offense turned the ball over 26 times, producing a -11 turnover differential. That ranked 28th in the NFL. Obviously, the offense will hopefully take better care of the football. And with Big Ben not having to force the ball to a particular receiver who demands targets, maybe the offense will.
But regardless of what the offense does, the defense has to be more opportunistic and take the ball away more. Notice games like New England, where they made big takeaways. They have serious impacts on the game and can turn the momentum in an instant.
Then, take notice of games like in Denver in 2018. The Steelers failed to take the ball away. Yes, the offense turned it over four times, but if the defense took the ball away even once, it could have turned the tide at any moment.
Turning into a defense that can take the ball away constantly is the last trait this unit is missing. They rush the quarterback as well as anyone in football, they have an elite defensive line, speed and talent in the middle of the defense, and upgrades at cornerback.
If the defense can start forcing turnovers and provide game-changing moments, this team could go all the way. With all the things they already do well, they don’t even have to be near the top of the league in takeaways to be elite. As long as they can force the opposing offense to make critical mistakes and be ball hungry, this could shape up to be a turning point for a defense that is so close to being great.