Playing bad teams can do a lot for a defense’s confidence. Unfortunately it can also mask some problems that have been lying under the surface. This Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense will be challenged by the likes of Eli Manning, Odell Beckham, Jr. and rookie Sterling Shepard. What they are able (or unable) to do will provide them with the answers to the test we’ve been waiting to see they them take.
Since giving up 35 points to the Dallas Cowboys a few weeks back, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has surrendered a grand total 16 over their last two games. Prior to the game in Cleveland, the Steelers’ had only recorded 13 sacks. Over the last two games they’ve come up with 11. They’ve also recorded four turnovers in those two games and scored a touchdown.
But those were the Browns and the Andrew Luck-less Colts. The New York Giants will pose a much different threat.
The positive for the Steelers is that the Giants have not run the ball well all season ranking 31st in the league. The negative is that the Giants don’t care. They are 8-3 and they are getting the job done through the air by using their explosiveness. While the G-Men rank 25th in total ‘big plays’ they seem to get them when they need them most. Will the Steelers be able to stand firm?
The run defense has been stout over the last two games after Ezekiel Elliott ran roughshod through them at Heinz Field. Both Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave have stepped up their respective games and just as importantly the linebackers are making plays. The rotation on the outside seems to be reaping benefits and with Bud Dupree back that should get better as his snap count increases.
The Giants however are unlikely to test the Steelers on the ground.
Beckham (65) and Shepard (44) lead the team in receptions by large margins and while tight ends Will Tye and Larry O’Donnell aren’t in the upper echelon of NFL players at the position, they are both capable of making an impact. Both Artie Burns and Ross Cockrell are likely to get their shots at Beckham and they should each one major goal. Limit the big play.
He’s going to get his targets and likely his catches but limiting his yards after catch is what matters most.
I think we should all take a breath and realize this isn’t the second coming of the Steel Curtain in the making after the last two weeks. We have to keep perspective, but we can also raise our expectations. If this unit is going to help propel the team into the playoffs then this is the type of test they need to pass.
photo courtesy steelers.com
