Defense Improving just in time

[papillon]

We were getting presure with 3 guys... that is amazing.

Cam Heyward is a monster and Tuitt looks like he is about to follow in his footsteps

And Whitworth hasn't allowed a sack all year at LT, so the three man pressure was unbelievable.

Pappy

[phillyesq]

We were getting presure with 3 guys... that is amazing.

Cam Heyward is a monster and Tuitt looks like he is about to follow in his footsteps

The crazy thing is that Tuitt is bigger and faster than Heyward. Those two could be a great tandem at DE for years to come.

[flippy]

Gotta admit, I didn't see this improved play by our D coming. I think it has a lot to do with the play of the DLine improving. The DBs have improved as well. It's downright amazing. I think it all starts with stopping the run and forcing our opponents to go 1 dimensional. And we seem to be getting pressure organically without having to blitz.

I really can't pinpoint why everything has gone 180 in the last few weeks, but I definitely like where this team is headed.

[hawaiiansteel]

Alex Kozora @Alex_Kozora -

Sean Spence recorded his first sack since October of 2011 - a span of 38 months. #Steelers

[URL]https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora[/URL]

[OsoRojo]

I think the better play on D is due to a lot of factors, but Tuitt improving and starting has got to be a big part of it. That and the fact that Troy and Ike are NOT on the field as well. This actually isn't the first time that Troy being out resulted in improved D performance. It happened again late season quite a few years ago if I remember correctly and the D had a phenomenal run.

Having said that... has McCullers gotten a hat recently or no? I haven't seen much of him, though I admittedly wasn't really looking either.

[pittpete]

Didnt see Big Dan in there at all yesterday

[skyhawk]

Didnt see Big Dan in there at all yesterday

Yes, he played at least a couple snaps in one series.

[papillon]

Yes, he played at least a couple snaps in one series.

McClendon has picked up his game the past few weeks, probably after he saw McCullers getting more snaps, but he was pretty stout last week and last night, even though Hill had a pretty good game, that kid (Hill) is going to be a thorn in the Steelers' side for a long time.

Pappy

[Slapstick]

McClendon is, I think, fully recovered from the shoulder injury...

And, I'm glad...

[papillon]

McClendon is, I think, fully recovered from the shoulder injury...

And, I'm glad...

Yea, he was doing a pretty good impression of Casey Hampton in there the past couple weeks.

Pappy

[hawaiiansteel]

Didnt see Big Dan in there at all yesterday

he was in there for 4 defensive snaps...

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Yea, he was doing a pretty good impression of Casey Hampton in there the past couple weeks.

Pappy

When he's been healthy, McLendon has played well, and not just the past couple weeks.

[hawaiiansteel]

Alex Kozora @Alex_Kozora -

The Pittsburgh Steelers were the only team in 2014 not to have an interception by a safety. Last one came Week 14 in 2013. #Steelers

[URL]https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora[/URL]

[Oviedo]

Alex Kozora @Alex_Kozora -

The Pittsburgh Steelers were the only team in 2014 not to have an interception by a safety. Last one came Week 14 in 2013. #Steelers

[URL]https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora[/URL]

That's a depressing factoid although indicative of our secondary

[ikestops85]

Alex Kozora @Alex_Kozora -

Sean Spence recorded his first sack since October of 2011 - a span of 38 months. #Steelers

[URL]https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora[/URL]

Huh?? I didn't think Spence was drafted until 2012. Are they talking about college? That is kind of a weird stat.