After a pedestrian showing in Jacksonville, the Steelers' defensive line -- at least the ones who stand to get significant playing time this season -- turned in a much more encouraging performance.
The highlight of the night came when Derrick Harmon bull rushed his way to the quarterback, posterizing Ben Scott in the process, and took down Kyle Trask for his first (unofficial) sack:
"Just playing on my long arms," Harmon said after the game. "I got long arms, so just playing with that consistency; so doing the best of my ability at the end of the day."
The defensive line wasn't necessarily bad in Jacksonville, but also didn't make plays such as these. There was a concerted effort to put together a better collective performance.
"Just trying to get better every week," Harmon said. "Something Cam [Heyward] said, 'Don't make the same mistakes.' Just get better. Make new mistakes and things like that.
The group also collectively held the Buccaneers to 14 yards on their first 10 rushing attempts. That includes keeping Bucky Irving to 12 yards on eight carries. Irving rushed for 1,122 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season.
Much of the Steelers' draft work went into adding players such as Harmon and Yahya Black to solidify the interior of the defensive line. Not only will a stronger interior create more space for the likes of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to get after the quarterback, but getting much better against the run was among the chief reasons for this entire endeavor.
Keeanu Benton is still a big part of this equation, and he got on the stat sheet tonight with a couple of tackles and a pass defensed at the line of scrimmage. That's something Benton's learned to do well, as he had six passes defensed last season.
There's still plenty of room for growth. But, it's important to note that the likes of Watt, Highsmith and Cam Heyward haven't played a snap of the preseason. When those guys are on the field, it'll only make things easier for Harmon and Benton.
"Still a lot of work as far as me individually and the team," Harmon said. "Just ready to get back to work."
THE ASYLUM
Halicke: Harmon, defensive line bounce back
After a pedestrian showing in Jacksonville, the Steelers' defensive line -- at least the ones who stand to get significant playing time this season -- turned in a much more encouraging performance.
The highlight of the night came when Derrick Harmon bull rushed his way to the quarterback, posterizing Ben Scott in the process, and took down Kyle Trask for his first (unofficial) sack:
"Just playing on my long arms," Harmon said after the game. "I got long arms, so just playing with that consistency; so doing the best of my ability at the end of the day."
The defensive line wasn't necessarily bad in Jacksonville, but also didn't make plays such as these. There was a concerted effort to put together a better collective performance.
"Just trying to get better every week," Harmon said. "Something Cam [Heyward] said, 'Don't make the same mistakes.' Just get better. Make new mistakes and things like that.
The group also collectively held the Buccaneers to 14 yards on their first 10 rushing attempts. That includes keeping Bucky Irving to 12 yards on eight carries. Irving rushed for 1,122 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season.
Much of the Steelers' draft work went into adding players such as Harmon and Yahya Black to solidify the interior of the defensive line. Not only will a stronger interior create more space for the likes of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to get after the quarterback, but getting much better against the run was among the chief reasons for this entire endeavor.
Keeanu Benton is still a big part of this equation, and he got on the stat sheet tonight with a couple of tackles and a pass defensed at the line of scrimmage. That's something Benton's learned to do well, as he had six passes defensed last season.
There's still plenty of room for growth. But, it's important to note that the likes of Watt, Highsmith and Cam Heyward haven't played a snap of the preseason. When those guys are on the field, it'll only make things easier for Harmon and Benton.
"Still a lot of work as far as me individually and the team," Harmon said. "Just ready to get back to work."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!