PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers discussed it as a team they need their defense to carry them, especially early in the season. While they haven’t been horrible, they are near the bottom of the league with only three turnovers forced.
One was key in the win over the Bills, the other two weren’t capitalized on by the offense.
Defensive captain Cam Heyward said there are a couple of reasons they don’t have more-not good enough stopping the run (11th in the NFL) to force obvious passing situations and they haven’t gotten a bounce.
“We got to play better,” Heyward said. “We haven’t finished enough plays. There is still a lot out there for us.”
TJ Watt admitted after the game in Green Bay that he got out of position a few times to try and make a play. Going for turnovers might seem like the correct play, but can do more harm than good.
“It can be tempting,” Heyward said. “In our defense, it counts on everybody just doing their job. Sometimes the most stout defense is the defense that gets off on a three and out. It’s not necessarily a turnover, but it provides more chances for the offense. Keeps the defense fresh.”
Steelers can’t afford to get out of position against Denver. The offensive line coached by former Steelers assistant and Hall of Famer Mike Munchak. Heyward said they must be gap sound or Denver’s running game (11th in NFL) could have a big day.
“Munch is a great coach,” Heyward said. “Been playing against him since he was at Tennessee. He does a lot of the zone scheming. He’s got guys that like to get the second level.”
“Their double teams always work in unison to do that. I know he’s a great instructor and teacher. We are going to have our hands full as a defense.”
So much attention on the youth on the offensive side. With Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu injured, Steelers are playing with little experience on the defensive line. Rookie Isaiahh Loudermilk, Isaiah Buggs (3 career starts), Henry Mondeaux (13 career games) and Chris Wormley (19 career starts) are around Heyward.
“We are a work in progress too,” Heyward said. “The best thing we can understand is we have guys injured, but we have to go out there and play detailed football. Just because you are a young guy, just because you don’t have a lot of experience doesn’t mean you can’t play well in this league. We have to learn from our mistakes. Get back to work and get going.”
Heyward says his neck injury is something he’s playing through and he will be fine. The 32-year-old tries to lead by an example of putting your head down and getting to work.
“You take away four or five plays from each game, you could be looking at a different record,” Heyward said.
“How do you clean that up from here on out?”