The Steelers' defense has been notorious for not getting interceptions in recent seasons, as well as not having general ball skills in the secondary. In 2018, the team as a whole recorded only six interceptions, only 69 passes defended. Through five games in 2019, they have eight interceptions, 21 passes defended.
What's been the difference?
Let's take a closer look:
The Steelers' six interceptions through five games ranks fourth in the NFL, while their 21 passes defended rank 14th. The number of passes broken up hasn't grown by any significant increment, but how their secondary is making plays on the ball is different.
They're challenging well thrown passes, even when beaten on routes. Steven Nelson was known for his toughness and effort during his career with the Chiefs, and he continues to display it here. Through five games, he has been targeted 22 times, second-most on the team, but he's allowed only nine catches and seven first downs. He's also recorded two passes defended, including one that saved a touchdown pass to Willie Snead last weekend against the Ravens.
Watch how he trails Snead over his shoulder, finding a way to split Snead's hands with his reach to knock the ball away:
Ball skills can be taught, but having the instincts to challenge passes from a wide variety of angles is a talent that makes all the difference on defense. Minkah Fitzpatrick flashed that ability with his deflection while covering Mark Andrews that allowed Kameron Kelly to catch a tipped ball and record the team's first interception of the game:
Kelly's interception was reminiscent of several situations where the Steelers had easy opportunities to nab interceptions last season, but failed to deliver. It's a combination of necessary factors: Fitzpatrick challenges Mark Andrews over the middle and Kelly reacts to the ball.
But the Steelers' secondary is also in the business of fooling quarterbacks and lurking for interceptions, rather than waiting for tipped passes to come to them. Mike Hilton has made plays despite limited action this season and baited Lamar Jackson into an interception Sunday.
Watch how he plays the underneath out route but remains aware enough to step off his man and make a play on the open receiver behind him. That's not just self-awareness, that's schematic readiness to capitalize on mistakes:
The Steelers haven't had enough of that kind of savvy in their secondary. And even when they did, teams were happy to avoid those risky throws by targeting Artie Burns or Coty Sensabaugh for easy yards.
But with Nelson and Joe Haden playing well outside the numbers and Fitzpatrick delivering over the middle, it presents a dilemma most quarterbacks will try to avoid.
Just like when Jackson tried to take advantage of rookie Devin Bush with a high target to tight end Nick Boyle. Jackson makes a good throw over Bush's head, but Boyle is unable to bring in the catch as soon as it hits hands.
As soon as Boyle misses his chance, Bush is all over it and secures the interception:
This is a different group of defenders from years before, even with multiple returning faces. There is no glaring weak spot in the secondary to target. The most targeted defender right now is Mark Barron, and with his injury the Steelers could see Vince Williams develop a better relationship with Bush to be a premier pair at inside linebacker on their own.
This could be a special unit to go after the football all season.
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