The proof is in the stat line.
Seven sacks, 12 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, three interceptions, a forced fumble, 223 yards allowed and a near-perfect performance on third down at 1-of-11.
Oh, and a win for Pitt and its suffocating defense.
The No. 21 Panthers bottled up No. 23 Louisville’s potent running game to stay unbeaten with a 23-20 win at Heinz Field.
“They just continue to fight and find different ways to win football games,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. “And that’s what good teams do.”
Through three games, Pitt’s defense is allowing 177 yards per game and has had to operate without its best player, Jaylen Twyman, who opted out before the season began.
“It’s been really impressive,” Narduzzi added. “The defensive staff has done an unbelievable job. It starts during the week. You win on Saturday’s, but it starts with the preparation and putting the kids in position to make plays.
“We’re a pretty simple but complex defense. We give our kids a chance to just turn it loose and play football.”
Pitt’s expected playmakers did just that. Patrick Jones II led with three sacks. Rashad Weaver had a sack and combined for another. Damar Hamlin intercepted a pass and Paris Ford tied with Jones for a game-high six tackles.
Pitt’s defense not only got sterling efforts from the expected suspects, but also was bolstered by young players in its front.
Sophomore linebacker SirVocea Dennis combined for a sack, sophomore Marquis Williams hauled in a pick on an arcing deep ball and freshman defensive tackle Calijah Kancey was a menace in the backfield.
"We've set a culture where everybody holds everybody to the same standard,” said Jones II. “No matter if you’re young or old, we expect you to have your fundamentals down, your technique down. So when it’s time for your number to be called you can step in and play.”
The Panthers had three noticeable blemishes. The first was a 75-yard touchdown run from Louisville speedster back Javion Hawkins, who racked up only three total yards on his other 12 carries.
Confusion in the secondary led to a 21-yard touchdown reception by Tutu Atwell. Pitt also fell for a fake punt that resulted in a 31-yard gain, a blunder that Narduzzi made a point to take blame for after the game.
The long run and trick play accounted for 106 of the Cardinals’ 116 rushing yards. Pitt surrendered just ten yards on the other 28 Louisville rushes.
“They can run the ball on anybody,” Narduzzi said. “You saw what they did against a great Miami defense a week ago, and then you look at what they did to a Pitt defense. It’s a little different deal when you line up against a Pitt defense.”
The Cardinals ran for 209 yards against the Hurricanes last Saturday.
The Panthers were also disruptive against the pass, only allowing 107 yards to dynamic Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunningham, who was knocked out and had to be taken off the field on a backboard after Louisville’s final offensive play.
Cunningham threw multiple interceptions in a game for the first time in his career.
“We trust that they’re going to get there,” said Pitt cornerback Jason Pinnock of his team’s defensive line. “We can do things that, maybe if you didn’t trust your (defensive) line, you couldn’t do.“
The defensive showing was impressive, and needed. Pitt’s offense stumbled after halftime, scoring only three points of its own.
“I love watching our defense,” said quarterback Kenny Pickett, who passed for 220 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. “They make us better offensively going against them in practice every day and all camp.
“Top defense in the country, without a doubt.”
Time will tell on the accuracy of Pickett’s assessment. But so far, there won’t be many arguments, especially from his defensive teammates who continue to reside among the national leaders in several statistical categories.
“We want everything,” Jones II said. “We want it all. We want to be the best in every single defensive category. There’s not a category we don’t want to be number one in. We’re coming for it all.”