Steelers Undefeated Thanks to Dominant Front Seven
Through three games of the 2020 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves without a blemish on their record, earning a 3-0 start for the first time since 2010.
The fast start in a season that holds expectations to return to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus can be attributed to a variety of factors. A return from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has undoubtedly brought an injection of life in a Steelers offense that could best be described as dormant during his absence last season. A top ten rushing offense led by running back James Conner (two 100 yard rushing performances through three games) helps bring balance to an offensive that possesses a plethora of pass-catchers.
However, true to historical fashion, Pittsburgh has relied on strong defensive play to grind out victories thus far, including last Sunday's 28-21 victory over the Houston Texans. Following an uncharacteristic 21 point first half, Pittsburgh's defense anchored down and pitched a second-half shutout against one of the more talented quarterbacks in the league in Deshaun Watson.
"The defense didn't blink," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said following the game. "We gave up some possessions early. They didn't allow it to spoil the day. We made minor technical adjustments to rush and coverage, I think that was the difference."
The Steelers have yet to allow an offense to score 30 points since week one of the 2019 season. Through three games of the 2020 season, the Steelers rank fifth in the NFL for points allowed per game (19.3), while ranking second in the league in total yards allowed (290 per game).
Although the Steelers have a star-studded defensive backfield, their equally notorious front seven have been the motor that's driven Pittsburgh's 3-0 start thus far.
The success starts with stopping the run, a recipe the Steelers have followed true to form. Despite losing nose tackle Javon Hargrave in the offseason, players such as Tyson Alualu have stepped up tremendously to fill the void. Thanks to a strong interior that also features the likes of Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, Pittsburgh's run defense currently ranks first in the NFL in yards per game (54) and average yards per carry (2.7). The Steelers are also one of seven teams in the league to not allow a rush of over 20 yards this season.
When it comes to players who impact both the run and passing game, look no further than the body of work outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. Both Watt and Dupree have anchored their respective sides of the defense in run support, with Dupree especially excelling in that area (film review of his week one performance here).
Where Watt and Dupree (will eventually) make their money is the pass-rush department. The duo has combined for six total sacks through three games played, assisting in propelling Pittsburgh to lead the league in sacks with 15 thus far.
That all goes without speaking on the solidified play in the interior of Pittsburgh's linebacking corps, as Devin Bush and Vince Williams have also excelled in both facets of the game. Bush is second on the team in tackles (18) while tying for a team-high three passes defended as well. Williams, on the other hand, leads the Steelers with a whopping eight tackles for loss.
The Steelers have allowed a mere 86.9 passer rating thus far.
Since the acquisition of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick last season, Pittsburgh's defense has hit levels last seen during their runs to the Super Bowl in the 2008 and 2010 seasons. Some will call this defense great, and while the Steelers prefer to solidify that with a Lombardi Trophy, the numbers and talent scattered across the depth chart would agree with said statement.
At the end of the day, only results matter. Through three weeks of football, however, the Steelers' defense has lived up to the billing as one of the best in the league thanks to a dominant front seven.
Donnie Druin is a Staff Writer with AllSteelers. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin, and AllSteelers @si_steelers.
