Why does everyone refer to Steelers' D as "great?"

[whisper]

Whenever any talking heads speak about the Steelers, they always throw in, "and with that great defense...."

Excuse me? What great defense? From 2005-2008? It's 2022. I believe we were 21st as a scoring D last year. 16th would be smack middle of the road, and we were 5 spots worse than average. Yes, we had some injuries, a little more than most. But when they are talking about Rogers potentially ending up here they inevitably say, "And Pittsburgh has something Green Bay never has: a Great defense." Excuse me? The Pack gave up 371 points for the year, Pgh 398.

When, oh when, will the talking heads get up-to-speed on what's really going on? GB gave up 1,855 rushing yards to Pgh's 2,483, but Rogers never played for a D like Pgh's before?

[Northern_Blitz]

Talking heads are stupid. Or at least their target audience is the casual fan.

When people think about the Steelers, they think about defense. And TJ Watt is the DPOY. So casual fans probably think our defense is better than it was.

And it sounds like whatever talking head you were listening to was trying to make the argument that we should go after Rodgers. And this sounds like a good argument to the casual fan (despite the fact that it happens not to be true re: GB defense vs. Steelers defense this year*).

Comparing their defenses is actually a reason why we shouldn't sign AR IMO.

* For reference, while we weren't better than GB last season we were better than them in both 2020 and 2019 (we were 5th in ppg both times). Seems likely that the slip last year was because we lost 2/3 starters on the DL and the ILBs couldn't deal with sorting through the trash they were faced with. Doesn't seem unreasonable to think that we would see improvement in 2022 (if generally healthy) based on past performance. But I think losing Tuitt is a big deal.

[feltdizz]

Its because you see glimpses of how dominant we can be when healthy and locked in.

The problem is our offense was trash last year so eventually the D gets tired and gives up splash plays.

The first few series vs KC in the playoffs was prime example of what this D can be IF the offense does their job and extends drives.

[Buzz]

Our D is not great, but the hiring of Flores combined with a few player moves could certainly move it in the direction of greatness

[flippy]

I think out D could have been great with a healthy D Line. We’re a couple seasons away from a pretty solid D and still have a good foundation.

[NorthCoast]

The Steelers defense is labeled great for the same reason Pouncey was a pro-bowler in his final season. Reputation. (It certainly wasn't because he occasionally launched a ball over/under/around the QB.)

[flippy]

Today is a funny day to bring this topic up. I’ve been hearing lots of reactions to Flores today and almost every taking head I’ve heard today has mentioned how bad the current Steeler D is.

I’m sure you’re hearing it in the context of Pittsburgh being a good spot for FA QBs.

it’s almost funny how all media/news is relative and usually lacks honesty without full context. No one ever seems to have a broad point of view anymore.

[feltdizz]

The Steelers defense is labeled great for the same reason Pouncey was a pro-bowler in his final season. Reputation. (It certainly wasn't because he occasionally launched a ball over/under/around the QB.)

Its labeled great because when healthy our D shows flashes of greatness. The problem is our D is only healthy the first week of the year.. lol.

Seriously tho, its called great because we have a great player on every unit.

Heyward on the DL
Watt at LB
Minkah at Safety

[NJ-STEELER]

it was near the top the 2 previous seasons.

serious question though.... did butler have more input then?

[Bawb the Revelator]

Today is a funny day to bring this topic up. I’ve been hearing lots of reactions to Flores today and almost every taking head I’ve heard today has mentioned how bad the current Steeler D is.

I’m sure you’re hearing it in the context of Pittsburgh being a good spot for FA QBs.

it’s almost funny how all media/news is relative and usually lacks honesty without full context. No one ever seems to have a broad point of view anymore.

Respected Flippy: Unless Tomlin suddenly steps aside Flores is a One to Two year Steeler hire - 2 in order to get a third round draft pick. I'm guessing that Flores will work to rehabilitate Devin Bush into the MLB they moved up to draft. Otherwise, trying to predict the speed or outcome of Flores' discrimination lawsuit is galaxies beyond my Old Fart's pay grade

[Northern_Blitz]

I think out D could have been great with a healthy D Line. We’re a couple seasons away from a pretty solid D and still have a good foundation.

I think our D was genuinely great against Buffalo. I was so hyped after that game because it felt like we might get what I wanted the season before. Dominant D and passable offense.

But we didn't get a chance to see it at full strength long enough to know if that was real or not.

But the D couldn't hold up to the standard of "don't allow more than 14 - 17 points".

[WindyCitySteel]

Its labeled great because when healthy our D shows flashes of greatness. The problem is our D is only healthy the first week of the year.. lol.

Seriously tho, its called great because we have a great player on every unit.

Heyward on the DL
Watt at LB
Minkah at Safety

That's 3 of 11 players. The CB group and ILB group are major problems, and nobody besides Heyward on the DL.

[WindyCitySteel]

I think our D was genuinely great against Buffalo.

I think in hindsight that game looks like a fluke. It was windy and Allen was missing wide open guys. If we had played them instead of KC in the playoffs we get the same result.

[crushedspirit]

D is far from great, and has been for awhile. Some still think that way due to the past, and what the teams from the glory days of the franchise was known for.

[Northern_Blitz]

Today is a funny day to bring this topic up. I’ve been hearing lots of reactions to Flores today and almost every taking head I’ve heard today has mentioned how bad the current Steeler D is.

I’m sure you’re hearing it in the context of Pittsburgh being a good spot for FA QBs.

it’s almost funny how all media/news is relative and usually lacks honesty without full context. No one ever seems to have a broad point of view anymore.

It's almost like talking heads spout whatever opinion they think makes whatever they are saying in the moment better.