Steelers loser: the Defense
When the Steelers won against the Bills in week one, it was due to the defense playing at an elite level. The pass rush was unstoppable and in turn, the secondary had plenty of help in shutting down the Bills. Against the Raiders last week, the injuries to the defense, specifically at pass rusher, exposed this defense. With the injuries still prevalent this week, the rest of the defense was going to be tasked with playing well despite relying on reserves.
The defense played ok, but they looked like a group that was struggling without their starters. Specifically, with the pass rush, the team failed to regularly get after the quarterback. Melvin Ingram was the only effective pass rusher on the day, but he still failed to get after Joe Burrow. The low-level depth players failed to make an impact. This edge group has to get healthy going into next week.
While the secondary is far from bad, it clearly needs an elite pass rush to be effective. Without it, they are regularly exposed by opposing passing offenses. As well, deep threats at receiver are proving to be this team’s weak spot. Henry Ruggs won deep last week, and Ja’Marr Chase did the same this week. The argument could be made that the only effective aspect of this team is the pass rush, and when it isn’t playing at a top level, this team has little to offer overall.