Steelers' dominant defensive outings foreshadow historic 2024 season

The Pittsburgh Steelers' early season success in 2024 should not surprise anyone. Stifling defense is the brand this franchise emulates ritualistically. It is paying off well this campaign. An aggressive pass rush and stingy defensive backs have guided Mike Tomlin's unit to the first 3-0 since 2020.

Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, this Steelers defense has gone beyond their usual reputation of keeping games competitive — they’ve been outright dismantling opponents before halftime. 

Creating havoc for quarterbacks is the recipe for Pittsburgh's success. Austin's defense ranks 4th in interceptions (5) and sits atop the league in points allowed, giving up just 26 through the first three weeks. For the first time since 1973, the Steelers have held each of their first three opponents to 10 points or fewer. These historic outings are a testament to a relentless defense - opportunistic when forcing turnovers. 

Austin’s scheme has consistently kept Pittsburgh in games over the past few seasons despite lapses in the offense. This year, his approach is suffocating opposing offenses from the start. Much of this comes from the relentless pass rush led by All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt and a supporting cast that consistently collapses pockets.

Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and, Cameron Heyward join the All-Pro. Pressure turns into bad decisions. Their ability to disrupt the timing of offenses has led to turnovers and quick possessions, which is evident in their league-leading turnover differential (+4) heading into Week 4, tied for second overall.

Pittsburgh Steelers defense keeps the the Franchise above water

Complementing the pass rush is a disciplined secondary capitalizing on hurried throws. Donte Jackson and company have been opportunistic, with interceptions that change the momentum and put the ball back in the hands of the Steelers’ offense. A combination of pressure and ball-hawking is why Pittsburgh ranks so highly in takeaways while keeping their mistakes to a minimum.

This defensive dominance also has a ripple effect on the development of quarterback Justin Fields. With the defense giving him shorter fields and more possessions, Fields has been able to grow into his role without the burden of having to win shootouts.

The stellar defense is helping the Steelers stack early wins and allowing Fields to develop into the franchise quarterback. This was the vision of the front office when they acquired the young gunslinger.

With an all-around team effort on both sides of the ball, the Steelers are making significant strides toward becoming a contender for a deep run in the extended NFL season. If the defense continues to perform at this level, Pittsburgh could be well on its way to reclaiming its status as one of the NFL's most feared teams.