Steelers Pass D is #1 in NFL (aka, alternate universe paradox?)

[Steel Maniac]

Haden is a stud. Whoever thinks he hasn’t made a big difference hasn’t watched the games.

Hilton has proven to be good too.

And Dupree & Watt are relentless.

[Steelerphile]

Haden is a stud. Whoever thinks he hasn’t made a big difference hasn’t watched the games.

Hilton has proven to be good too.

And Dupree & Watt are relentless.

I think there are some people who don't seem to quite get what I am saying and there may be some others who do, but I will try to reformulate my statement once more and if you disagree then so be it.

The Steeler pass defense is rated No. 1. Some people seem to saying or implying that Joe Haden, himself, singularly, is responsible for 100% or some high percentage like 80-90% of that achievement. I disagree. I think Joe Haden has been a good acquisition and that he is a part of that. But I don't think he is 100% responsible. I wouldn't say I think he is 50% responsible. I think that other players on the team and the pressure the line and linebackers have been getting is a large percentage of that.

I am not quite sure I think of Haden as a "stud' player. I think the last game against Cincinnati was one of his better games. I am glad he is on the team but I am equalizing the credit, just not giving him all or most of it.

[Oviedo]

Haden is a stud. Whoever thinks he hasn’t made a big difference hasn’t watched the games.

Hilton has proven to be good too.

And Dupree & Watt are relentless.

I think the Dupree/Watt combo can be something special but I have been somewhat disappointed with Dupree so far. He seems to easily get steered wide too often. maybe it is a technique adjustment but expected more given he is going against Right Tackles who aren't usually as good as the guys on the left.

[feltdizz]

How can anyone think one player is responsible for the pass defense improving?

At most, people are suggesting Haden is a big part of why the pass defense improved in the secondary and I can’t think of one reason why a person would disagree with that.

[feltdizz]

I think the Dupree/Watt combo can be something special but I have been somewhat disappointed with Dupree so far. He seems to easily get steered wide too often. maybe it is a technique adjustment but expected more given he is going against Right Tackles who aren't usually as good as the guys on the left.

I agree.

Dupree showed up yesterday but where was this the first 5 games?

Hopefully he is getting into his groove for this playoff run.

[Captain Lemming]

I think there are some people who don't seem to quite get what I am saying and there may be some others who do, but I will try to reformulate my statement once more and if you disagree then so be it.

The Steeler pass defense is rated No. 1. Some people seem to saying or implying that Joe Haden, himself, singularly, is responsible for 100% or some high percentage like 80-90% of that achievement. I disagree. I think Joe Haden has been a good acquisition and that he is a part of that. But I don't think he is 100% responsible. I wouldn't say I think he is 50% responsible. I think that other players on the team and the pressure the line and linebackers have been getting is a large percentage of that.

I am not quite sure I think of Haden as a "stud' player. I think the last game against Cincinnati was one of his better games. I am glad he is on the team but I am equalizing the credit, just not giving him all or most of it.

Actually, nobody has said anything close to what you just wrote.
You on the other hand have clearly said Cockrell might have done the same thing and credited EVERYBODY BUT Haden for the improvement, including speculating that people who are injured might have similar effect. Now you are stepping back after all the proof of how wrong you were.

Haden has had ENTIRE GAMES where he did not allow a reception. Cockrell has never been close to as good as Haden and he has been a huge factor in our improvement.

[Ernie]

I think there are some people who don't seem to quite get what I am saying and there may be some others who do, but I will try to reformulate my statement once more and if you disagree then so be it.

The Steeler pass defense is rated No. 1. Some people seem to saying or implying that Joe Haden, himself, singularly, is responsible for 100% or some high percentage like 80-90% of that achievement. I disagree. I think Joe Haden has been a good acquisition and that he is a part of that. But I don't think he is 100% responsible. I wouldn't say I think he is 50% responsible. I think that other players on the team and the pressure the line and linebackers have been getting is a large percentage of that.

I am not quite sure I think of Haden as a "stud' player. I think the last game against Cincinnati was one of his better games. I am glad he is on the team but I am equalizing the credit, just not giving him all or most of it.

It has been a collective effort. Haden's leadership has been huge. You don't see guys running around lost in the secondary "Pre-snap" this year. If his play continues throughout his contract, he will be the best Defensive FA signing since Farrier.

[Oviedo]

It has been a collective effort. Haden's leadership has been huge. You don't see guys running around lost in the secondary "Pre-snap" this year. If his play continues throughout his contract, he will be the best Defensive FA signing since Farrier.

This!!!! Front seven is getting pressure on the QB and the back four are making QBs make good throws by staying close to WRs and if in zone they are limiting YAC

What is making me smile is we have not seen a 100% healthy Tuitt for awhile; Dupree hasn't been as good as he can be; Watt is going to get better. The needle is pointing up as long as we stay healthy

I will add that I think someone overlooked is Alalau. I think he has done a great job whenever he is on the field. Great add by the front office along with Haden

[Shawn]

...and we did this despite not taking a DB in the 2nd round this past draft. When you look at where we are, the angst and recriminations of not taking a DB with that pick look kinda foolish. One might think the guys running the team actually know what they are doing.

Umm...it can't possibly be lost on you. The fact is going into the draft we had no idea about Hilton, or Haden. We were very fortunate. Are you trying to tell me the Steelers had this all planned out before the draft? Or are you trying to tell us that the Steelers have a history of signing elite FA DBs.

[Ernie]

This!!!! Front seven is getting pressure on the QB and the back four are making QBs make good throws by staying close to WRs and if in zone they are limiting YAC

What is making me smile is we have not seen a 100% healthy Tuitt for awhile; Dupree hasn't been as good as he can be; Watt is going to get better. The needle is pointing up as long as we stay healthy

I will add that I think someone overlooked is Alalau. I think he has done a great job whenever he is on the field. Great add by the front office along with Haden

Agree with all of this. Excellent observations. Alalau is living up to his 1st round billing...
and perhaps one of the best parts of it all is... we've got the Classic muscle car 'JH' just waiting to burn rubber down the stretch!

[Ernie]

I think the Dupree/Watt combo can be something special but I have been somewhat disappointed with Dupree so far. He seems to easily get steered wide too often. maybe it is a technique adjustment but expected more given he is going against Right Tackles who aren't usually as good as the guys on the left.

Dupree showed us enough of a flash in that one series... I am hopeful he comes to life down the stretch!

[feltdizz]

Umm...it can't possibly be lost on you. The fact is going into the draft we had no idea about Hilton, or Haden. We were very fortunate. Are you trying to tell me the Steelers had this all planned out before the draft? Or are you trying to tell us that the Steelers have a history of signing elite FA DBs.

I think it shows the FO was actively trying to find ways to upgrade our secondary. Folks wanted us to move up and give up something to draft a DB in the second but we held true and went BPA and we are reaping the benefits.

I could see if we totally ignored the secondary but we have made moves every year to try and improve it.

This doesn't mean we have NE figured out but it shows that our FO wasn't actively looking for ways to improve. Even if we had no idea about Hilton we knew enough to give him a chance.

Also, how are we sure we didn't know about Haden? From what I hear Haden and AB are good friends so who knows if he didn't whisper in AB's ear that their FO was looking to shed some weight. We signed him so quick we might have actually known all along that he was going to be released.

[Shawn]

I think it shows the FO was actively trying to find ways to upgrade our secondary. Folks wanted us to move up and give up something to draft a DB in the second but we held true and went BPA and we are reaping the benefits.

I could see if we totally ignored the secondary but we have made moves every year to try and improve it.

This doesn't mean we have NE figured out but it shows that our FO wasn't actively looking for ways to improve. Even if we had no idea about Hilton we knew enough to give him a chance.

Also, how are we sure we didn't know about Haden? From what I hear Haden and AB are good friends so who knows if he didn't whisper in AB's ear that their FO was looking to shed some weight. We signed him so quick we might have actually known all along that he was going to be released.

I think it shows fans that they went against their history. The signing of Haden was an atypical for the Steelers who are more known to fill gaps with other teams cast offs. So, yes based on the information fans had before the draft, I get the concern and was one of the concerned. With the closing window it appears the Steelers agreed but chose to go a different route. And the AB/Haden connection is speculative at best. I don't think anyone would be crying for a second round DB if we knew about Haden and Hilton.

[Slapstick]

I think it shows fans that they went against their history. The signing of Haden was an atypical for the Steelers who are more known to fill gaps with other teams cast offs. So, yes based on the information fans had before the draft, I get the concern and was one of the concerned. With the closing window it appears the Steelers agreed but chose to go a different route. And the AB/Haden connection is speculative at best. I don't think anyone would be crying for a second round DB if we knew about Haden and Hilton.

Um, Joe Haden WAS another team’s castoff...

They had cap space and opportunity...Haden wanted to actually play in a postseason game...and, he wouldn't even count against the comp pick formula because he was cut...

But, given our net gains vs losses, we may not qualify for any comp pick...though, the value of Timmons FA contract with the Dolphins exceeds the value of the contracts of Tyson Alualu, Coty Sensabaugh, and Justin Hunter put together...

[Captain Lemming]

I think it shows the FO was actively trying to find ways to upgrade our secondary. Folks wanted us to move up and give up something to draft a DB in the second but we held true and went BPA and we are reaping the benefits.

I could see if we totally ignored the secondary but we have made moves every year to try and improve it.

This doesn't mean we have NE figured out but it shows that our FO wasn't actively looking for ways to improve. Even if we had no idea about Hilton we knew enough to give him a chance.

Also, how are we sure we didn't know about Haden? From what I hear Haden and AB are good friends so who knows if he didn't whisper in AB's ear that their FO was looking to shed some weight. We signed him so quick we might have actually known all along that he was going to be released.

Browns tried to TRADE him. We showed no interest, and we are fortunate they had to cut him. He could be on another roster.
There is a difference between a master plan and the.kid falling.in our lap without having to pay his old deal.