Anyone Wanna Discuss the Defense?

[flippy]

Everyone seems frustrated with the OLine (and rightfully so) but how about the DLine? We gave up 5.2 yards per rushing attempt and didn't generate much of a push or pass rush. We also made Rex Grossman look like Tom Brady.

As bad as the OLine played, the DLine may have been just as bad if not worse last night. That seems more concerning to me. At least we have Ben who has the ability to overcome just about any of our offensive problems. If we can't get pressure, stop the run, and force some turnovers, we're gonna be in for a long season. We did get 4 TOs which was nice.

[Steelhere10]

William Gay... Enough said

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I didn't see the game yet but was going to ask how the DL played. How were Heyward and Hood? How about the week one star Woods?

[Jooser]

I though McClendon rushed himself right out of the way a couple of times and left the middle wide open for the QB to scramble.

[Oviedo]

Neither the offense or defense looked good last night. Jones had moments but also struggled at times. Same with Worilds, however I think he is the Game 1 starter.

The problem on defense was the same as we have seen all to often recently---not enough pressure on the QB and not enough take aways or "splash plays" at the right time.

Cousins was clearly following the script that causes us so many problems--quick short passes mixed in with the run.

[Flasteel]

Everyone seems frustrated with the OLine (and rightfully so) but how about the DLine? We gave up 5.2 yards per rushing attempt and didn't generate much of a push or pass rush. We also made Rex Grossman look like Tom Brady.

As bad as the OLine played, the DLine may have been just as bad if not worse last night. That seems more concerning to me. At least we have Ben who has the ability to overcome just about any of our offensive problems. If we can't get pressure, stop the run, and force some turnovers, we're gonna be in for a long season. We did get 4 TOs which was nice.

I'm not going to worry too much about anything in the preseason, but to me, the line and our run defense are no concern at all. We've been pretty good up front against the run with this same cast of characters and I thought we weren't all that bad last night. I didn't look at the rushing stats, but I'm willing to bet that if you take out the yards by Pat White in their read-option game (against our 2's and 3's) and that long TD run, then that 5.2 YPC would go well south of 4.0. Regardless, it hasn't been an issue for us in a long time, so I'm not going to start worrying now.

My concern with the defense is the ability to generate pressure and (consequently) force some turnovers. Jarvis Jones is starting to look like he's going to impact this defense in both of those areas, as does Shamarko Thomas (he's like a heat-seeking missle). Woodley got a sack and some pressure last night in limited action, so that's a good sign that the worm may be turning (back) there. If Cortez Allen is the guy we all think he is and Troy can remain healthy, then I believe we'll see a return to being a true number 1 defense.

Now when it comes to something that has been a problem, then I guess the preseason can get me a little worried. The obvious example is our (truly) offensive line. Whether it's been injuries, penalties, or piss-poor play, these guys have been a sore spot on the team for the past 4 or 5 years. They sucked so bad last night that I think we all have an uneasy feeling in our stomachs right now. It doesn't matter how good our defense is or our skill players are...if our OL continues to struggle, we will not go very far. I just hope it doesn't wind-up costing any lost playing time for Ben.

[steelsnis]

I was quite happy with the defense last night. If you're looking at stats from a preseason game, then you're looking at the wrong things.

I wanted to see if Troy P. looked like Troy P. He did.

I wanted to see if Jarvis would improve on last week. He did.

I wanted to see if Woodley looked quick and in shape. He did.

I wanted to see if Shamarko flashed after not showing much last week. He did.

I know it feels good to complain after a loss but I'm pretty excited about the defense this year.

[fezziwig]

I was happy with Troy but I'm always worried that he'll be out with an injury once again. If anyone is waiting for Gay to turn into a player that makes a positive impact to the team then you have a long wait. Was that Clark that got burned for the td ? Ike too I believe was out of position or couldn't keep up with the young receivers. Jarvis did nice and Woodley looked like he is going to be an improvement this year. No one else really stood out to me or made me beleive they were an improvement or could be an improvement. Hood and Heyward must be bust because by now, number one picks should be playing better than these two have.

[steelsnis]

I'm fine with Hayward. Lebeau loves Kiesel, and Hayward's behind him. I do hope that there's a good rotation this year with the D-Line.

[Chadman]

Not too worried about the Defense. The Steelers took a few necessary steps in redefining the Defense in the offseason & moving away from a run-stopping, safe defense to move towards a more explosive, big play defense. Gone are Hampton & Lewis. In are McLendon, Cortez & to a degree Jarvis Jones. Chadman expects the Steelers will have more trouble stopping the run (Hampton is/was much better than McLendon for that) but should get an upgrade in pass rush through McLendon & spot duty work for Jones.

Lewis, for all the love shown him in here, was an Ike Taylor clone in waiting- solid, but not 'big plays'. The NFL today needs big plays- sacks & turnovers- otherwise these strong passing teams will just keep taking chances on you. So Allen, who has shown some ability to take the ball away, and Shamarko, who looks like he can not only cover but also lay out a hit to create turnovers, might give the opposing QB's some pause when deciding to go pass-happy.

In the end, Chadman expects our D to play different this year- probably giving a more exciting look, but not being as 'safe' as in the past few years.

[flippy]

Not too worried about the Defense. The Steelers took a few necessary steps in redefining the Defense in the offseason & moving away from a run-stopping, safe defense to move towards a more explosive, big play defense. Gone are Hampton & Lewis. In are McLendon, Cortez & to a degree Jarvis Jones. Chadman expects the Steelers will have more trouble stopping the run (Hampton is/was much better than McLendon for that) but should get an upgrade in pass rush through McLendon & spot duty work for Jones.

Lewis, for all the love shown him in here, was an Ike Taylor clone in waiting- solid, but not 'big plays'. The NFL today needs big plays- sacks & turnovers- otherwise these strong passing teams will just keep taking chances on you. So Allen, who has shown some ability to take the ball away, and Shamarko, who looks like he can not only cover but also lay out a hit to create turnovers, might give the opposing QB's some pause when deciding to go pass-happy.

In the end, Chadman expects our D to play different this year- probably giving a more exciting look, but not being as 'safe' as in the past few years.

I really like the secondary, especially when Cortez is back. When I was at camp, Thomas and Golden were both playing so well, I started to wonder if we could put them both in the nickle with one of them covering the slot and the other playing FS. They both look significantly better in coverage than Gay and Clark. Thomas has looked really good in the slot and Golden has gotten at lot of reps at FS with the 1st team D. I would consider swapping them because Thomas has a Troy like burst and I think he'd be able to make more plays as a safety and Golden has done fine covering the slot. Whatever they do, I think those 5 would be the best set of players on passing downs.

I also am in love with Jarvis. He's a ball hunter. He's gonna create a lot of turnovers. He has a different mentality than every other player always thinking about the strip. Woodley's as trim as he's ever been. And I expect with Troy back, Timmy will get to play more in the box where he's an even bigger difference maker. Foote is solid and I still have super high hopes for Spence if he can return. And I also like Worilds and Robinson if we could get them in the mix as situational pass rushers.

But the Dline still concerns me. I know we're changing things up a bit to allow these guys to attack more and try to generate pressure. And that's gonna make us less effective against the run. And that's ok if we can get pressure. I just don't see any pressure during these first 2 preseason games. During our last couple of SuperBowl runs, I thought the DLine was the strength of the the Steelers D. Having the best 3-4 DLine in the game made everyone else's job easier and made the team better. Now it's starting to feel like that unit might be the weak link. I'm just a little concerned that this unit can't be the weak link if the 3-4 is gonna work. Keisel's still Keisel, but I worry about McClendon and Hood.

In time, maybe it becomes a senseless concern. But for now I'm cautiously optimistic til I see more.

[steelsnis]

Another thing I liked last night was Timmons' pursuit of Kirk Cousins. Cousins had just picked up a first down pulling it down and running with it. This time, he was a little too casual in getting to the sidelines. It reminded me of that scene in Jaws where the two old guys got pulled off of the fishing dock at night. One was back on the dock yelling at the other guy who was swimming towards the dock with the shark in pursuit. "Don't look behind you!!!" Timmons looked like that shark tracking him down.

[NorthCoast]

].............The problem on defense was the same as we have seen all to often recently---not enough pressure on the QB and not enough take aways or "splash plays" at the right time.

Cousins was clearly following the script that causes us so many problems--quick short passes mixed in with the run[/COLOR].

Hold on a minute, that kind of offense doesnt work in the modern NFL according to posters on this board........ downfield passing is the only way to run an offense.

[DukieBoy]

I am also not worried about the defense. I think this will be a top 5 defense in the league. There is alot of talent on that side of the ball. And experience.

[Oviedo]

Another thing I liked last night was Timmons' pursuit of Kirk Cousins. Cousins had just picked up a first down pulling it down and running with it. This time, he was a little too casual in getting to the sidelines. It reminded me of that scene in Jaws where the two old guys got pulled off of the fishing dock at night. One was back on the dock yelling at the other guy who was swimming towards the dock with the shark in pursuit. "Don't look behind you!!!" Timmons looked like that shark tracking him down.

Timmons is by far our best defensive player. IMO let him blitz more and he will get more results than Woodley.