HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. -- The Steelers are 3-0 for the first time since 2010 — a season I remember well and one that culminated in our last Super Bowl appearance.
Now that I’m watching from the couch and not having to worry about supplying bulletin-board material, I can be a bit more brash in my assessments. This quick start is only the beginning of the good things to come.
A few observations:
• The dominance of this Pittsburgh defense is putting the rest of the NFL on notice. It blanketed the Texans in the second half of a 28-21 victory at Heinz Field on Sunday. The Texans managed just two first downs after intermission. Deshaun Watson, one of the game’s most dynamic quarterbacks, completed just 5 of 9 passes for 62 yards in that span.
Through three weeks, the Steelers rank fifth in scoring defense and second in total yards allowed. They have yielded a miserly 54 yards per game on the ground. For the more analytically inclined, the unit is third overall in Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) at -29.6, per Football Outsiders, and is tops against the run at -61.2.
Translation: A COVID-19 outbreak might be a welcome alternative to a date with this defense.
• Stephon Tuitt is back in the lineup this season and playing at a high level. He’s been sort of a dark horse because of his past injuries. But if you mention his name around the locker room and around the AFC North, you will hear nothing but respect for his work. Against the Texans, Tuitt had three quarterback pressures in the second half alone.
• Cam Heyward has been a beneficiary of Tuitt’s resurgence. He’s continuing to flush quarterbacks and allowing T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree to eat from the edges. Heyward naturally draws help from the interior of the offensive line, but now there’s an equal partner with Tuitt. The Steelers’ defensive line ranks first in adjusted line yards (2.07) and stuff percentage (31), per Football Outsiders.
• Against the pass, the Steelers are getting pressure from the outside and inside. It’s no wonder they lead the league with 15 sacks.
• With so much emphasis on getting to the quarterbacks, it’s going to the leave the Steelers vulnerable to the occasional big play. We saw that again Sunday in the first half. It’s a function of the risk-reward gamble. But I like the calm and steady approach of the secondary, particularly Joe Haden and Steve Nelson. I’m very happy to see Haden resurrect his career in Pittsburgh. He’s not an original son of the organization, but it feels like it. He’s gritty and selfless. Some point to his age (31) and are quick to criticize a play here or there, but Haden is a total pro.
Have you seen how poorly the Browns secondary is performing?
Think Cleveland fans would like to have No. 23 back?
They just gave him away before the start of the 2016 season. Thank you very much, Sashi Brown.
As for Nelson, he’s a young guy who’s steadily growing and making plays as this season unfurls.
• On the other side of the ball, the Ben Roethlisberger comeback tour is picking up momentum. He’s not yet hitting on the deep throws, but give it time. He ranks 12th in passer rating at 101.3 and is tied for seventh with six touchdown tosses.
As a fan watching the games now, I do question why does it takes the offense so long to get going in a game. But if you know Roethlisberger, adversity is his best friend. The act of proving critics wrong is a big part of his makeup. He’s beaten his own personal demons, not to mention the ones he faces on game days. By season’s end, the Ben of 2020 will be one of the best versions of Ben we have seen. He’s throwing darts to JuJu Smith-Schuster, Eric Ebron and Diontae Johnson.
Speaking of comebacks, let’s talk a bit about James Conner.
Where are all those critics now from Week 1?
I think Benny Snell’s performance against the Giants lit a fire under Conner. He’s responded with back-to-back 100-yard games.
It’s a huge year for Conner, and it’s good seeing him step it up. I’m not sure what kind of injuries he’s playing through, but he’s showing the determination of a lion looking for that first meal of the day. Seeing Conner succeed makes us all feel good. He embodies Pittsburgh. He’s an easy player to root for, and I can tell you that I blocked my ass off for him. It was inspiring to sit down and listen to his cancer survival stories. Sometimes, I think we all take that journey for granted. But he’s out to prove everyone wrong, even the grim reaper.
I’m just issuing a fair warning to the rest of the league, this team is serious and won’t need all the national hype. Roethlisberger has everyone right where he wants them and our defense is roaring.
Keep popping your popcorn, Steelers Nation.