3 things we learned from Steelers against the Minnesota Vikings
By Eric Hassel
The Steelers defense was porous and uninspired yet again
Similar to the offense, there is a distinct pattern developing with the Steelers defense, one that should never be witnessed again. The ‘D’ can not stop the run. It is sad that we are talking about the inability of a Steelers defense to stop the run.
We allowed the opposing RBs to amass two hundred and forty-two yards on the ground. That is utterly disgraceful, but that has happened way too many times this season. So why does it keep happening? I think it comes down to two simple reasons: Personnel and the play of said personnel.
Look, I realize that losing T.J. Watt as early as we did was a huge blow to the defense but if you’re telling me that the defense’s ability to stop the run hinges on one player then we’re in trouble. We are, in fact, in trouble on defense because of the lack of quality depth at key positions, such as OLB, for example.
I often wonder how many of our backups would be backups on other teams. I guess that doesn’t really matter until it does matter, meaning until the backups have to play a significant amount of snaps due to injury.
After Watt exited the game, I don’t think we had a prayer of generating any pressure on the opposing QB, thus we finished with zero sacks. We did; however, manage to nab two INTs courtesy of Ahkello Witherspoon. It was refreshing to see that type of performance from him considering he had been inactive for several games this season.
Let’s move on to the third thing we learned.