Raiders Opponent Scouting: Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

The Las Vegas Raiders open their home season schedule on Sunday Night Football as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers picked up their first victory of the season against the Cleveland Browns on Monday night, turning in an impressive defensive performance. The Steelers scored two defensive touchdowns in the game, which doubled their number of offensive touchdowns in the game.

The Steelers have been one of the best and most competitive teams in the NFL for as long as Mike Tomlin has been their head coach -- and even before then -- often because of their excellent defense.

The Steelers’ defense has been stellar again this season, despite a rough performance against the San Francisco 49ers. Against the Browns, Linebacker Alex Highsmith returned an interception for a touchdown and linebnacker T.J. Watt returned a fumble for a touchdown. The Steelers sacked Deshaun Watson six times in the game.

Tomlin comes from a defensive background, and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has been successful at previous stops in the past. The Steelers were 14th in the NFL in sacks last season with 40, and would have been much higher if not for Watt missing seven games because of injury.

Speaking of Watt, the former Defensive Player of the Year leads an elite defensive line. Highsmith is one of the most underrated edge rushers in the NFL who recorded 14.5 sacks last season.

On the interior, Cameron Heyward is injured, but Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, and rookie Keeanu Benton have been producing.

The linebacker corps is solid, featuring players like Cole Holcomb, who joined the Steelers during free agency, and veteran Kwon Alexander. Holcomb has recorded 13 tackles this season, and Alexander has made 17.

The Steelers’ secondary features veterans Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace, who have both struggled in coverage this year. Minkah Fitzpatrick, one of the best safeties in the NFL, sustained a chest injury on Monday night and did not return to the game, but received good news about his long-term health.

The Raiders will face one of the best defenses in the NFL in the Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday night, and with their recent offensive struggles, deal with another tough test having to slow down so many talented players in a scheme that has been elite for a long time.

The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.

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