The Steelers are set to play the Jets on Sunday. Here’s why their defense is about to do something that has only been done twice in the history of the NFL.
The 2019 Steelers defense has been more impressive than anyone could have imagined. Though defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt went down for the season with a pectoral injury, Pittsburgh’s defense only continued to get better as the season progressed.
Part of the reason for this was the spectacular play of 23-year old safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick wowed the nation with his ball-hawking skills and ability to put points on the board from the defensive side of the ball. He has had a season we haven’t seen from the safety position since Troy Polamalu was back in his prime.
While the Steelers are on track to become the first defense since the original Steel Curtain in 1974 to lead the league in sacks, quarterback hits, and takeaways, they are about to join an elite group of company in another area as well.
The @Steelers lead the NFL in sacks, QB hits & takeaways in 2019
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) December 11, 2019
Since the 1970 merger, only 1 team has led the NFL outright in both sacks & takeaways for a full, non-strike-shortened season
That team? The 1974 Steelers — the original Steel Curtain & Super Bowl IX champions pic.twitter.com/Dr4qkMNQEX
Since 1990, there have only been two other teams in the league that have had at least three consecutive seasons of 50 or more sacks. Pittsburgh topped 50 in each of the past two seasons, and after sitting on 49 sacks through the first 14 games, it’s inevitable that they are going to top 50 sacks for the third consecutive season.
The #Steelers defense is on the verge of something cool. #HereWeGo
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) December 20, 2019
(Courtesy of @NFL345) pic.twitter.com/tDwVfwOnAG
The only other teams that have done this over that time frame have been the New Orleans Saints (1991-1993) and the St. Louis Rams (1998-2000). The Rams, of course, went on to win a Superbowl in January of 2000.
While the Steelers may not be heading to the Super Bowl this year, it’s encouraging to know that they are heading for some elite defensive company. However, their problems this season have all come on the offensive side of the ball.
After Mason Rudolph was benched by Mike Tomlin during the Bengals game, fans had high hopes that undrafted rookie Devlin Hodges could lead the Steelers on a playoff run. However, Hodges is coming off a four-interception game and the worst performance of his football career.
Even so, with Pittsburgh’s defense playing at an elite level, all they need is serviceable play from their offense to be able to compete with any team in the league. T.J. Watt has been fantastic this year and is perhaps the best in the league coming off the edge.
With a defense firing on all cylinders, they will not only earn at least 50 sacks this season, they will have a chance to go somewhere in the playoffs – assuming their offense does enough to get them that far.