Steelers defense to lead 2021 team further than imagined?

The Steelers defense led the way in a Week 1 upset of the Bills, but is that same unit going to be what drives the team beyond expectations in 2021?

The Pittsburgh Steelers were determined to send a message to the NFL on the opening day of the 2021 season.

After the final whistle blew in what was supposed to be a one-sided Week 1 Buffalo Bills win, head coach Mike Tomlin and Co. headed towards the locker room with a positive winning record.

The Steelers’ 23-16 road victory against the Bills served as a reminder to everyone watching. Although Pittsburgh has been one of the recipients of a tough 2021 schedule, the franchise has plans to show it’s built to last regardless of those challenges. Steelers defenders like Cameron Hayward, T.J. Watt, and Melvin Ingram all provided the performance needed to make Buffalo’s quarterback, Josh Allen, uncomfortable.

Pittsburgh’s defense focused on attacking the quarterback. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler’s play-calling showed the fans watching how aggressive his defense can be. This unit sacked Allen three of the eight times he was hit in the pocket.

This improvement helped the team’s response from the 26-15 loss received at the hands of the Bills last season.

During that 2020 matchup, the Steelers defense could not produce a pass rush against the Bills offense front. As a result, Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs were able to make more plays down the field.

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada had a decent first game on offense, too, as they were able to find their rhythm when needed despite finishing the game with a 33-percent third-down conversion rate.

Read More: 3 reasons Pittsburgh’s defense showed it can be special in Week 1

The lack of third-down conversions did not impact Pittsburgh’s willingness to control tempo, though. Rather, the Steelers’ 26:43 possession time helped control the momentum late in the fourth quarter where they were able to outscore the Bills 17-6 in the final frame.

Steelers defense must carry over into Week 2 vs. Raiders

The victory on Sunday against the Bills serves as a reminder the Steelers are still one of the league’s strongest teams. Since being eliminated from the AFC playoffs picture last year, Pittsburgh has made it clear it plans on making this season count.

After defeating Buffalo last week, Pittsburgh must prepare to host the Las Vegas Raiders at Heinz Field for Week 2’s home opener. The Steelers must bring the same energy they took on the road with them to the field this Sunday if they plan on finishing victorious. Butler must continue to incorporate a strong pass rush in his game plan in order for Pittsburgh to achieve success.

The Raiders are a team riding the momentum of a Week 1 overtime victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

With the comfort of playing at home at their advantage, the Steelers defense must be ready to send another message in Week 2.