Check the stats: Steelers defense among the NFL's best

Good story on Steelers D:

Quote :

Cam Heyward said it’s a matter of trust. Joe Haden said it’s a matter of talent. And Mike Tomlin said it’s a matter of necessity.

Or perhaps, like everyone else in this Duck-mad town, it’s merely a matter of being inspired by their new quarterback.

The Steelers defense is making a slow climb to join the other elite units in the league after doing to Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns what it has been doing to a lot of opposing offenses in the NFL. But in the past 10 games, no defense in the league — not the New England Patriots*, not the San Francisco 49ers — has performed in such dynamic fashion as the Steelers.

Since Week 3, the Steelers rank first in the league in takeaways (28), first in quarterback hits (78), first in passes defended (65), first in forced fumbles (13), first in fumble recoveries (13), second in interceptions (15), second in sacks (38) and tied for third in defensive TDs (three).

They have held six of their past nine opponents to 17 or fewer points and have allowed an average of 14 points in their last four games.

With so many injuries on offense and playing without four Pro Bowl players, it has been their means of survival as they cling to the second and final wild-card spot in the AFC with six victories in their past seven games. They did it again in their 20-13 victory on Sunday at Heinz Field, shutting down the Browns with five sacks and two significant takeaways after spotting them a 10-0 lead.

“They had to,” Tomlin said. “They were aware that it was going to come down to those moments for us this week and they had to deliver it. So, they went about preparing with that in mind and they were able to do it.”

Falling behind 10-0 with a quarterback making only his second NFL start is not always the best recipe for success. But once Devlin Hodges gained his (web) footing with a 31-yard completion to James Washington, everything began to turn offensively and, especially, defensively.

“We just kept fighting,” said Heyward, who had a half-sack, a tackle for loss, quarterback hit and fumble recovery. “We all understand it’s not going to be perfect. You got to dig yourself out from the hole when you get down 10-0. You got to settle down and just trust the defense.”

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense and seventh in pass defense and are one of just two teams to not allow a 100-yard rusher (the New Orleans Saints are the other) through 12 games. The Browns had 91 yards rushing in the first half on Sunday but ran only six more times for 15 yards in the second half once they got behind.

Part of the reason for the Browns success in the first half — they averaged 5.1 yards per carry — is because the Steelers started dropping their linebackers in coverage when Mayfield completed his first two passes for 19 and 21 yards and threw seven times for 56 yards on the opening 12-play scoring drive.

Once the Steelers got ahead, that all changed. Mayfield was sacked four times in the second half and completed just eight of his final 20 passes. After his hot start, he connected on just one of his next 10 attempts. After Cleveland’s first three drives, the Steelers held the Browns to three points, nine first downs, 129 total yards and 3.6 yards per play.

“We started getting opportunities,” said outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who forced a fumble on one of his sacks that led to a Chris Boswell field goal. “Early on, everyone was getting chipped. Once they started dialing up some 1-on-1s, it was fun.”

Shutting down quarterbacks has been nothing new. The Steelers have allowed only one 200-yard passer in the past six games (Jared Goff, 243) and just two in the past nine. They have 15 interceptions, second only to the New England Patriots*, which is already more than they’ve had in six of the past eight seasons overall.

“This is one of the best secondaries I have ever been a part of because we have communication, we have guys that are very football smart and are very capable of making plays,” said Haden, whose interception against his former team sealed the victory with 1:06 remaining.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/12/02/steelers-defense-browns-joe-haden-interception-duck-hodges/stories/201912020116

@LambertWardSteel wrote:

Good story on Steelers D:

Quote :

Cam Heyward said it’s a matter of trust. Joe Haden said it’s a matter of talent. And Mike Tomlin said it’s a matter of necessity.

Or perhaps, like everyone else in this Duck-mad town, it’s merely a matter of being inspired by their new quarterback.

The Steelers defense is making a slow climb to join the other elite units in the league after doing to Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns what it has been doing to a lot of opposing offenses in the NFL. But in the past 10 games, no defense in the league — not the New England Patriots**, not the San Francisco 49ers — has performed in such dynamic fashion as the Steelers.

Since Week 3, the Steelers rank first in the league in takeaways (28), first in quarterback hits (78), first in passes defended (65), first in forced fumbles (13), first in fumble recoveries (13), second in interceptions (15), second in sacks (38) and tied for third in defensive TDs (three).

They have held six of their past nine opponents to 17 or fewer points and have allowed an average of 14 points in their last four games.

With so many injuries on offense and playing without four Pro Bowl players, it has been their means of survival as they cling to the second and final wild-card spot in the AFC with six victories in their past seven games. They did it again in their 20-13 victory on Sunday at Heinz Field, shutting down the Browns with five sacks and two significant takeaways after spotting them a 10-0 lead.

“They had to,” Tomlin said. “They were aware that it was going to come down to those moments for us this week and they had to deliver it. So, they went about preparing with that in mind and they were able to do it.”

Falling behind 10-0 with a quarterback making only his second NFL start is not always the best recipe for success. But once Devlin Hodges gained his (web) footing with a 31-yard completion to James Washington, everything began to turn offensively and, especially, defensively.

“We just kept fighting,” said Heyward, who had a half-sack, a tackle for loss, quarterback hit and fumble recovery. “We all understand it’s not going to be perfect. You got to dig yourself out from the hole when you get down 10-0. You got to settle down and just trust the defense.”

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense and seventh in pass defense and are one of just two teams to not allow a 100-yard rusher (the New Orleans Saints are the other) through 12 games. The Browns had 91 yards rushing in the first half on Sunday but ran only six more times for 15 yards in the second half once they got behind.

Part of the reason for the Browns success in the first half — they averaged 5.1 yards per carry — is because the Steelers started dropping their linebackers in coverage when Mayfield completed his first two passes for 19 and 21 yards and threw seven times for 56 yards on the opening 12-play scoring drive.

Once the Steelers got ahead, that all changed. Mayfield was sacked four times in the second half and completed just eight of his final 20 passes. After his hot start, he connected on just one of his next 10 attempts. After Cleveland’s first three drives, the Steelers held the Browns to three points, nine first downs, 129 total yards and 3.6 yards per play.

“We started getting opportunities,” said outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who forced a fumble on one of his sacks that led to a Chris Boswell field goal. “Early on, everyone was getting chipped. Once they started dialing up some 1-on-1s, it was fun.”

Shutting down quarterbacks has been nothing new. The Steelers have allowed only one 200-yard passer in the past six games (Jared Goff, 243) and just two in the past nine. They have 15 interceptions, second only to the New England Patriots**, which is already more than they’ve had in six of the past eight seasons overall.

“This is one of the best secondaries I have ever been a part of because we have communication, we have guys that are very football smart and are very capable of making plays,” said Haden, whose interception against his former team sealed the victory with 1:06 remaining.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/12/02/steelers-defense-browns-joe-haden-interception-duck-hodges/stories/201912020116

Ha, and someone took me to task for calling the Steelers a Top 5 defense.

nine vegetable wrote:

@LambertWardSteel wrote:

Good story on Steelers D:

Quote :

Cam Heyward said it’s a matter of trust. Joe Haden said it’s a matter of talent. And Mike Tomlin said it’s a matter of necessity.

Or perhaps, like everyone else in this Duck-mad town, it’s merely a matter of being inspired by their new quarterback.

The Steelers defense is making a slow climb to join the other elite units in the league after doing to Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns what it has been doing to a lot of opposing offenses in the NFL. But in the past 10 games, no defense in the league — not the New England Patriots***, not the San Francisco 49ers — has performed in such dynamic fashion as the Steelers.

Since Week 3, the Steelers rank first in the league in takeaways (28), first in quarterback hits (78), first in passes defended (65), first in forced fumbles (13), first in fumble recoveries (13), second in interceptions (15), second in sacks (38) and tied for third in defensive TDs (three).

They have held six of their past nine opponents to 17 or fewer points and have allowed an average of 14 points in their last four games.

With so many injuries on offense and playing without four Pro Bowl players, it has been their means of survival as they cling to the second and final wild-card spot in the AFC with six victories in their past seven games. They did it again in their 20-13 victory on Sunday at Heinz Field, shutting down the Browns with five sacks and two significant takeaways after spotting them a 10-0 lead.

“They had to,” Tomlin said. “They were aware that it was going to come down to those moments for us this week and they had to deliver it. So, they went about preparing with that in mind and they were able to do it.”

Falling behind 10-0 with a quarterback making only his second NFL start is not always the best recipe for success. But once Devlin Hodges gained his (web) footing with a 31-yard completion to James Washington, everything began to turn offensively and, especially, defensively.

“We just kept fighting,” said Heyward, who had a half-sack, a tackle for loss, quarterback hit and fumble recovery. “We all understand it’s not going to be perfect. You got to dig yourself out from the hole when you get down 10-0. You got to settle down and just trust the defense.”

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense and seventh in pass defense and are one of just two teams to not allow a 100-yard rusher (the New Orleans Saints are the other) through 12 games. The Browns had 91 yards rushing in the first half on Sunday but ran only six more times for 15 yards in the second half once they got behind.

Part of the reason for the Browns success in the first half — they averaged 5.1 yards per carry — is because the Steelers started dropping their linebackers in coverage when Mayfield completed his first two passes for 19 and 21 yards and threw seven times for 56 yards on the opening 12-play scoring drive.

Once the Steelers got ahead, that all changed. Mayfield was sacked four times in the second half and completed just eight of his final 20 passes. After his hot start, he connected on just one of his next 10 attempts. After Cleveland’s first three drives, the Steelers held the Browns to three points, nine first downs, 129 total yards and 3.6 yards per play.

“We started getting opportunities,” said outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who forced a fumble on one of his sacks that led to a Chris Boswell field goal. “Early on, everyone was getting chipped. Once they started dialing up some 1-on-1s, it was fun.”

Shutting down quarterbacks has been nothing new. The Steelers have allowed only one 200-yard passer in the past six games (Jared Goff, 243) and just two in the past nine. They have 15 interceptions, second only to the New England Patriots***, which is already more than they’ve had in six of the past eight seasons overall.

“This is one of the best secondaries I have ever been a part of because we have communication, we have guys that are very football smart and are very capable of making plays,” said Haden, whose interception against his former team sealed the victory with 1:06 remaining.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/12/02/steelers-defense-browns-joe-haden-interception-duck-hodges/stories/201912020116

Ha, and someone took me to task for calling the Steelers a Top 5 defense.

key words

Quote :

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense

they werent a top 5 defense then...top 10 but not top 5 ...

@Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

nine vegetable wrote:

@LambertWardSteel wrote:

Good story on Steelers D:

Quote :

Cam Heyward said it’s a matter of trust. Joe Haden said it’s a matter of talent. And Mike Tomlin said it’s a matter of necessity.

Or perhaps, like everyone else in this Duck-mad town, it’s merely a matter of being inspired by their new quarterback.

The Steelers defense is making a slow climb to join the other elite units in the league after doing to Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns what it has been doing to a lot of opposing offenses in the NFL. But in the past 10 games, no defense in the league — not the New England Patriots****, not the San Francisco 49ers — has performed in such dynamic fashion as the Steelers.

Since Week 3, the Steelers rank first in the league in takeaways (28), first in quarterback hits (78), first in passes defended (65), first in forced fumbles (13), first in fumble recoveries (13), second in interceptions (15), second in sacks (38) and tied for third in defensive TDs (three).

They have held six of their past nine opponents to 17 or fewer points and have allowed an average of 14 points in their last four games.

With so many injuries on offense and playing without four Pro Bowl players, it has been their means of survival as they cling to the second and final wild-card spot in the AFC with six victories in their past seven games. They did it again in their 20-13 victory on Sunday at Heinz Field, shutting down the Browns with five sacks and two significant takeaways after spotting them a 10-0 lead.

“They had to,” Tomlin said. “They were aware that it was going to come down to those moments for us this week and they had to deliver it. So, they went about preparing with that in mind and they were able to do it.”

Falling behind 10-0 with a quarterback making only his second NFL start is not always the best recipe for success. But once Devlin Hodges gained his (web) footing with a 31-yard completion to James Washington, everything began to turn offensively and, especially, defensively.

“We just kept fighting,” said Heyward, who had a half-sack, a tackle for loss, quarterback hit and fumble recovery. “We all understand it’s not going to be perfect. You got to dig yourself out from the hole when you get down 10-0. You got to settle down and just trust the defense.”

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense and seventh in pass defense and are one of just two teams to not allow a 100-yard rusher (the New Orleans Saints are the other) through 12 games. The Browns had 91 yards rushing in the first half on Sunday but ran only six more times for 15 yards in the second half once they got behind.

Part of the reason for the Browns success in the first half — they averaged 5.1 yards per carry — is because the Steelers started dropping their linebackers in coverage when Mayfield completed his first two passes for 19 and 21 yards and threw seven times for 56 yards on the opening 12-play scoring drive.

Once the Steelers got ahead, that all changed. Mayfield was sacked four times in the second half and completed just eight of his final 20 passes. After his hot start, he connected on just one of his next 10 attempts. After Cleveland’s first three drives, the Steelers held the Browns to three points, nine first downs, 129 total yards and 3.6 yards per play.

“We started getting opportunities,” said outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who forced a fumble on one of his sacks that led to a Chris Boswell field goal. “Early on, everyone was getting chipped. Once they started dialing up some 1-on-1s, it was fun.”

Shutting down quarterbacks has been nothing new. The Steelers have allowed only one 200-yard passer in the past six games (Jared Goff, 243) and just two in the past nine. They have 15 interceptions, second only to the New England Patriots****, which is already more than they’ve had in six of the past eight seasons overall.

“This is one of the best secondaries I have ever been a part of because we have communication, we have guys that are very football smart and are very capable of making plays,” said Haden, whose interception against his former team sealed the victory with 1:06 remaining.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/12/02/steelers-defense-browns-joe-haden-interception-duck-hodges/stories/201912020116

Ha, and someone took me to task for calling the Steelers a Top 5 defense.

key words

Quote :

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense

they werent a top 5 defense then...top 10 but not top 5 ...

Had we had Minkah's services from Week 1 I bet we'd be ranked even higher.

I definitely think we've got a Super Bowl caliber defense though. Nice to see a secondary that doesn't get burnt to a crisp week in and week out, and multiple pass rushers who make life difficult for opposing QBs.

@IowaSteeler927 wrote:

Had we had Minkah's services from Week 1 I bet we'd be ranked even higher.

I definitely think we've got a Super Bowl caliber defense though. Nice to see a secondary that doesn't get burnt to a crisp week in and week out, and multiple pass rushers who make life difficult for opposing QBs.

Which brings up something that I've been thinking about. If Ben wouldn't have gotten injured, would we have pulled the trigger on the Minkah trade?

I'm not sure that we would have. I would like to think that they would've done it any way, since it was an opportunity to get our defense some great talent at a cap friendly price. However, I also think that it may have been done more to strengthen the defense up so that the score in games would be kept low enough that Mason would have a chance at getting a few wins.

It's scary to think how good this team could've been this season with a healthy Ben and this defense.

@Lokki wrote:

@IowaSteeler927 wrote:

Had we had Minkah's services from Week 1 I bet we'd be ranked even higher.

I definitely think we've got a Super Bowl caliber defense though. Nice to see a secondary that doesn't get burnt to a crisp week in and week out, and multiple pass rushers who make life difficult for opposing QBs.

Which brings up something that I've been thinking about.  If Ben wouldn't have gotten injured, would we have pulled the trigger on the Minkah trade?  

I'm not sure that we would have.  I would like to think that they would've done it any way, since it was an opportunity to get our defense some great talent at a cap friendly price.  However, I also think that it may have been done more to strengthen the defense up so that the score in games would be kept low enough that Mason would have a chance at getting a few wins.  

It's scary to think how good this team could've been this season with a healthy Ben and this defense.  

Honestly I think the Minkah signing happened because Sean Davis got injured, and Sean Davis wasn't performing well enough prior to being injured. Colbert/Tomlin were also very interested in Minkah coming out of college. The Dolphins were having a fire sale, so it was the perfect opportunity to draft a dynamic young player that they wanted to begin with.

@IowaSteeler927 wrote:

@Lokki wrote:

@IowaSteeler927 wrote:

Had we had Minkah's services from Week 1 I bet we'd be ranked even higher.

I definitely think we've got a Super Bowl caliber defense though. Nice to see a secondary that doesn't get burnt to a crisp week in and week out, and multiple pass rushers who make life difficult for opposing QBs.

Which brings up something that I've been thinking about.  If Ben wouldn't have gotten injured, would we have pulled the trigger on the Minkah trade?  

I'm not sure that we would have.  I would like to think that they would've done it any way, since it was an opportunity to get our defense some great talent at a cap friendly price.  However, I also think that it may have been done more to strengthen the defense up so that the score in games would be kept low enough that Mason would have a chance at getting a few wins.  

It's scary to think how good this team could've been this season with a healthy Ben and this defense.  

Honestly I think the Minkah signing happened because Sean Davis got injured, and Sean Davis wasn't performing well enough prior to being injured. Colbert/Tomlin were also very interested in Minkah coming out of college. The Dolphins were having a fire sale, so it was the perfect opportunity to draft a dynamic young player that they wanted to begin with.

I also think the Minkah trade would have happened anyway. It was the chance to fill our 2020 need at #1 a year early and have him almost up to speed to boot.

@IowaSteeler927 wrote:

@Lokki wrote:

@IowaSteeler927 wrote:

Had we had Minkah's services from Week 1 I bet we'd be ranked even higher.

I definitely think we've got a Super Bowl caliber defense though. Nice to see a secondary that doesn't get burnt to a crisp week in and week out, and multiple pass rushers who make life difficult for opposing QBs.

Which brings up something that I've been thinking about.  If Ben wouldn't have gotten injured, would we have pulled the trigger on the Minkah trade?  

I'm not sure that we would have.  I would like to think that they would've done it any way, since it was an opportunity to get our defense some great talent at a cap friendly price.  However, I also think that it may have been done more to strengthen the defense up so that the score in games would be kept low enough that Mason would have a chance at getting a few wins.  

It's scary to think how good this team could've been this season with a healthy Ben and this defense.  

Honestly I think the Minkah signing happened because Sean Davis got injured, and Sean Davis wasn't performing well enough prior to being injured. Colbert/Tomlin were also very interested in Minkah coming out of college. The Dolphins were having a fire sale, so it was the perfect opportunity to draft a dynamic young player that they wanted to begin with.

That's true. I forgot about Davis getting injured. Minkah is definitely a huge upgrade from him though.

So where does Sean Davis fit in, or does he?

@jak341 wrote:

So where does Sean Davis fit in, or does he?

He'll be a UFA next year so I'm pretty sure he'll be gone.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/pittsburgh-steelers/

@Master_Of_Puppets wrote:

nine vegetable wrote:

@LambertWardSteel wrote:

Good story on Steelers D:

Quote :

Cam Heyward said it’s a matter of trust. Joe Haden said it’s a matter of talent. And Mike Tomlin said it’s a matter of necessity.

Or perhaps, like everyone else in this Duck-mad town, it’s merely a matter of being inspired by their new quarterback.

The Steelers defense is making a slow climb to join the other elite units in the league after doing to Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns what it has been doing to a lot of opposing offenses in the NFL. But in the past 10 games, no defense in the league — not the New England Patriots****, not the San Francisco 49ers — has performed in such dynamic fashion as the Steelers.

Since Week 3, the Steelers rank first in the league in takeaways (28), first in quarterback hits (78), first in passes defended (65), first in forced fumbles (13), first in fumble recoveries (13), second in interceptions (15), second in sacks (38) and tied for third in defensive TDs (three).

They have held six of their past nine opponents to 17 or fewer points and have allowed an average of 14 points in their last four games.

With so many injuries on offense and playing without four Pro Bowl players, it has been their means of survival as they cling to the second and final wild-card spot in the AFC with six victories in their past seven games. They did it again in their 20-13 victory on Sunday at Heinz Field, shutting down the Browns with five sacks and two significant takeaways after spotting them a 10-0 lead.

“They had to,” Tomlin said. “They were aware that it was going to come down to those moments for us this week and they had to deliver it. So, they went about preparing with that in mind and they were able to do it.”

Falling behind 10-0 with a quarterback making only his second NFL start is not always the best recipe for success. But once Devlin Hodges gained his (web) footing with a 31-yard completion to James Washington, everything began to turn offensively and, especially, defensively.

“We just kept fighting,” said Heyward, who had a half-sack, a tackle for loss, quarterback hit and fumble recovery. “We all understand it’s not going to be perfect. You got to dig yourself out from the hole when you get down 10-0. You got to settle down and just trust the defense.”

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense and seventh in pass defense and are one of just two teams to not allow a 100-yard rusher (the New Orleans Saints are the other) through 12 games. The Browns had 91 yards rushing in the first half on Sunday but ran only six more times for 15 yards in the second half once they got behind.

Part of the reason for the Browns success in the first half — they averaged 5.1 yards per carry — is because the Steelers started dropping their linebackers in coverage when Mayfield completed his first two passes for 19 and 21 yards and threw seven times for 56 yards on the opening 12-play scoring drive.

Once the Steelers got ahead, that all changed. Mayfield was sacked four times in the second half and completed just eight of his final 20 passes. After his hot start, he connected on just one of his next 10 attempts. After Cleveland’s first three drives, the Steelers held the Browns to three points, nine first downs, 129 total yards and 3.6 yards per play.

“We started getting opportunities,” said outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who forced a fumble on one of his sacks that led to a Chris Boswell field goal. “Early on, everyone was getting chipped. Once they started dialing up some 1-on-1s, it was fun.”

Shutting down quarterbacks has been nothing new. The Steelers have allowed only one 200-yard passer in the past six games (Jared Goff, 243) and just two in the past nine. They have 15 interceptions, second only to the New England Patriots****, which is already more than they’ve had in six of the past eight seasons overall.

“This is one of the best secondaries I have ever been a part of because we have communication, we have guys that are very football smart and are very capable of making plays,” said Haden, whose interception against his former team sealed the victory with 1:06 remaining.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/12/02/steelers-defense-browns-joe-haden-interception-duck-hodges/stories/201912020116

Ha, and someone took me to task for calling the Steelers a Top 5 defense.

key words

Quote :

The Steelers have moved up to No. 5 in total defense

they werent a top 5 defense then...top 10 but not top 5 ...

I was still right.

@solardave wrote:

@jak341 wrote:

So where does Sean Davis fit in, or does he?

He'll be a UFA next year so I'm pretty sure he'll be gone.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/pittsburgh-steelers/

Yeah I think he'll be on a different team unless he wants to stay in Pittsburgh as a backup. He could likely get a chance at starting on a team that really needs a safety and is looking for an experienced free agent on the cheap.

The Minkah trade probably happened because Ben got hurt. The Steelers probably offered their first before Ben's injury, but multiple teams wanted him and likely offered their first. But because of the injury the Dolphins probably thought the Steelers would end with the worst record of those teams so they accepted the Steelers' offer and not that of another team. Big mistake

@Stella Nation wrote:

The Minkah trade probably happened because Ben got hurt. The Steelers probably offered their first before Ben's injury, but multiple teams wanted him and likely offered their first. But because of the injury the Dolphins probably thought the Steelers would end with the worst record of those teams so they accepted the Steelers' offer and not that of another team. Big mistake

I didn't think about it that way but it makes sense. He has helped improve this defense without a doubt. Him and Bush. Plus Dupree playing way better than expected.

Dupree is actually getting to play more to his strengths (edge pass rushing) instead of having to drop into coverage as much. If you have noticed since Minkha' 2nd game teams are attacking us less and less over the middle of the field. They used to do it with impunity but Bush/Barron and Minkha have begun to make them pay for it of late and its not so soft anymore.

The glaring weakness of Shazier's injury has been filled pretty well. The FO deserves props for getting it done all things considered.

Just think what this team might have been able to do if Ben didn't get injured, Brown didn't lose his fucking mind, and Bell would have taken the deal the Steelers offered him instead of being a dumbass...

@SteelerFreak58 wrote:

Dupree is actually getting to play more to his strengths (edge pass rushing) instead of having to drop into coverage as much. If you have noticed since Minkha' 2nd game teams are attacking us less and less over the middle of the field. They used to do it with impunity  but Bush/Barron and Minkha have begun to make them pay for it of late and its not so soft anymore.

The glaring weakness of Shazier's injury has been filled  pretty well. The FO deserves props for getting it done all things considered.

Just think what this team might have been able to do if Ben didn't get injured, Brown didn't lose his fucking mind, and Bell would have taken the deal the Steelers offered him instead of being a dumbass...

Honestly I wouldn't want either one. Not Bell. Not Brown. We're young at WR but we're better off and we're getting better. I really think JW will be special. If he continues to go upward and be consistent it will push Ju Ju.

@solardave wrote:

@SteelerFreak58 wrote:

Dupree is actually getting to play more to his strengths (edge pass rushing) instead of having to drop into coverage as much. If you have noticed since Minkha' 2nd game teams are attacking us less and less over the middle of the field. They used to do it with impunity  but Bush/Barron and Minkha have begun to make them pay for it of late and its not so soft anymore.

The glaring weakness of Shazier's injury has been filled  pretty well. The FO deserves props for getting it done all things considered.

Just think what this team might have been able to do if Ben didn't get injured, Brown didn't lose his fucking mind, and Bell would have taken the deal the Steelers offered him instead of being a dumbass...

Honestly I wouldn't want either one. Not Bell. Not Brown. We're young at WR but we're better off and we're getting better. I really think JW will be special. If he continues to go upward and be consistent it will push Ju Ju.

I agree with Solardave (I end up saying that a lot), and I'll go one further...

I don't think we'd be as good a team if we still had AB and Bell. I believe those guys dragged the team down with their terrible attitudes. Now, its seems the team is cohesive and together - and playing hard for each other.

nine vegetable wrote:

@solardave wrote:

@SteelerFreak58 wrote:

Dupree is actually getting to play more to his strengths (edge pass rushing) instead of having to drop into coverage as much. If you have noticed since Minkha' 2nd game teams are attacking us less and less over the middle of the field. They used to do it with impunity  but Bush/Barron and Minkha have begun to make them pay for it of late and its not so soft anymore.

The glaring weakness of Shazier's injury has been filled  pretty well. The FO deserves props for getting it done all things considered.

Just think what this team might have been able to do if Ben didn't get injured, Brown didn't lose his fucking mind, and Bell would have taken the deal the Steelers offered him instead of being a dumbass...

Honestly I wouldn't want either one. Not Bell. Not Brown. We're young at WR but we're better off and we're getting better. I really think JW will be special. If he continues to go upward and be consistent it will push Ju Ju.

I agree with Solardave (I end up saying that a lot), and I'll go one further...

I don't think we'd be as good a team if we still had AB and Bell.  I believe those guys dragged the team down with their terrible attitudes.  Now, its seems the team is cohesive and together - and playing hard for each other.

I concur. The team didn't get upset when those guys left, they seemed to me to be sick of the dudes that were putting themselves ahead of the team. The fact that the o-lineman openly spoke out against Bell during his holdout, and players took Ben's side during the whole Ben v Brown saga speaks volumes.