State of Steelers at halfway mark of 2021 NFL season

Nov 8, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right) reacts to line judge Tim Podraza (47) against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right) reacts to line judge Tim Podraza (47) against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler (right) Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler (right) Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The Steelers defense is playing at a high level but could always play better

I think it’s not a stretch when I say the Steelers defense is playing at a high level but could always play better.  Through the first eight games of the season, the defense is ranked fourteenth in total yards allowed per game, is ranked fifteenth in passing yards per game, and is ranked fifteenth in rushing yards per game, according to ESPN.

To put those rankings into perspective, the defense is slightly above average. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but obviously, there is room for improvement.  I think anyone who is objective would agree that unless a defense is ranked first across the board, there is room for improvement.

What I do like is the fact that we have the eighth-best scoring defense.  In other words, we have the eighth-ranked defense in terms of points allowed.  That is a huge reason why the Steelers have five wins.  What I don’t like is the fact that we are 29th in INTs, with just three on the season.

Our defense thrives when we are getting both sacks and turnovers. We need to do a better job of getting INTs as they tend to be game-changers. Overall, I think we have won more games than we have lost because our defense is playing at a high level.

Let’s take a look at where we stand on special teams and on coaching.