Steelers HC Mike Tomlin comments on the defense’s reputation

In his weekly press conference, Tomlin shared his thoughts on what great defenses have done in the past, and we review the pace the Steelers have been on in 2019.

As reported by NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala, she continued with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also stating:

"“I’ve always felt good about good defenses controlling the outcomes of significant games… If you’ve got a good defense, you’ve got a chance in any circumstance.”"

To clarify, this was in response to the question of “do defenses still win championships”? From one of the better defensive minds of our time, sporting a top 10 defense 8 out of the 13 seasons since taking over as head coach in 2007, this shouldn’t surprise many but the common narrative holds true to it as well.

”Offenses wins games, but defense wins championships”. Tough in a way to believe nowadays considering the game of football is energized through elite offensive play, and that the rules of the NFL have dramatically sped the rate of this change. Also considering the fact that in three of the past 5 Super Bowls, both teams have scored 24 points or more.

However, immaculate defensive type runs that would be considered outliers have happened in recent memory (Broncos in 2016), which might bid a slim hope for Tomlin’s already great 2019 campaign. A chance, yes, but in reality, the Steelers defense is going to need this last month to ultimately solidify their identity.

The 2019 Steelers Defense

The reason being, the justifiable adoration has led to rumors of possible candidacy for other teams and put Tomlin in the discussion for head coach of the year, but the Steelers defense has slightly benefited from the lack of quality of opponents. A lot of this can be attributed to the stalling performances by the offense, but against teams that are plus .500, the Steelers are 1-4 & allowing 24.6 PPG. In comparison to sub .500 teams, as they are 7-1 only allowing a mere 14.9 PPG.

Again, the blame is far past the defense and they are handling business when they should, but the quote by Tomlin is in a position to prove greatly or fail sadly. Already crushing the Arizona Cardinals & Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh & DC Keith Butler only have one offense left to worry about with a DVOA ranked above 22 (Baltimore – 1st).

Currently the 3rd ranked DVOA defense, in the last three games this unit has been on an astronomical level. Statistically and according to teamrankings.com, Pittsburgh is top 3 in opponents yards per game, yards per play, points per game, takeaways, sack percentage, 2nd half points per game, while also being top 5 in opponents third down conversion percentage & red zone scoring (TDs only). This is why although they have had their fair share of problems against better competition, nobody can remove their entire body of work this season & how they have improved over the course of the year.

The success came at the risk of one the more controversial trades of the year. It came with a rookie manning the middle of the defense. It came with a DE on a contract year that was beginning to lose the faith of fans. It came with a 30 year old CB leading the secondary. Then finally, it came with the support of an offense that is 20th in average time of possession.

Deserving of anything that goes well to end 2019, the playoffs aren’t too distant now that both the Titans & Texans are 8-5 with two games remaining between each other. In attempt to win out, Vegas actually favors the Steelers for the next two weeks, but it may all come down to a showdown against the division leading Baltimore Ravens to clinch the final wildcard spot.

“Those defenses’ reputation were built and solidified in Dec and Jan”

What would be more inspiring way to finish the year? Tomlin understands, the players have the ability, and the fans with the Terrible Towel are going to be running to the finish right behind them.