4 takeaways from Steelers all-important victory vs Titans

Steelers chances hinge on the defense

If you’ve been watching the same team I have, then you know the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t stand a shot at doing anything in the playoffs without some terrific performances from their defense. At times this unit can really struggle. Statistically, they were the worst team in the NFL at defending the run through the first 15 weeks, in terms of yards per carry allowed.

However, this unit also has the upside to be one of the best defenses in the NFL when healthy and playing well. As I mentioned, T.J. Watt makes an astronomical difference when he’s on the football field, as he typically accounts for extra attention from opposing teams.

But it wasn’t just Watt who played well in this contest. Players like Cameron Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Joe Haden, and Joe Schobert were some of many players who really stepped up to the plate for Pittsburgh in this contest.

With the way the offense has been struggling all season and with limited firepower to take over games, so much will rely on the defense down the stretch. How this team performs down the stretch hinges on the defense we get from the Steelers.