The Steelers protection has been getting after opposing offenses to begin the 2024 season.
Via three video games, Pittsburgh is permitting the fewest total yards per game (229.7) and points per game (8.7) within the league whereas additionally bringing down opposing quarterbacks 9 instances.
A giant motive for the Steelers dominance is their defensive entrance, which incorporates stars like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig.
Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson says they’re making the roles of everybody else a lot simpler.
“I used to be speaking to Cam the opposite day and I instructed him that I’ve by no means performed behind a line of defense like this,” Wilson said. “These guys aren’t solely taking over the entire offensive line however they’re making performs whereas they’re doing that. It is an incredible feeling, and once you’re capable of float to the ball and never have any O-linemen contact you, it says rather a lot about your D-line.”
Having that sort of dominant play in entrance of Wilson, a third-round decide within the 2024 NFL Draft, is invaluable as he finds his footing within the NFL.
It can show to be simply that when once more this week when Pittsburgh goes on the street to tackle the Indianapolis Colts (1-2), who’re led by dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has already rushed for 117 yards and a landing this season.
“A giant athlete at quarterback. Undoubtedly gonna need to defend that, Wilson added. “More often than not, you do not actually need to account for the quarterback within the run sport, however this week we do.”
Wilson might play a key function in containing Richardson as a quarterback spy. The Steelers could be sensible to benefit from Wilson’s 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed.
Richardson is not the one one Pittsburgh should keep watch over, although, as working again Jonathan Taylor has confirmed to be an actual risk, too, with 261 dashing yards and three touchdowns on the 12 months.
“That is our identification. We do not need folks working the ball on us. That is one thing we take plenty of delight in,” Wilson finished. “He is an elite again, so simply tackling him, gang tackling and getting him to the bottom is an enormous key for us.”
Stopping the Colts floor sport will show to be difficult, however the Steelers imagine they’ve the higher hand because of their distinction makers up entrance.
Following Pittsburgh’s third straight win of the season on Sunday, Heyward had an fascinating comparability for his or her line of defense.
“We’re a pack of hyenas,” Heyward said. “You dangle just a little little bit of meat and all people simply needs a chunk. Guys are simply hungry to get the sack first.”
Looks as if a good evaluation thus far.
All quotations obtained firsthand until in any other case famous.
