On the Steelers: '11 defense makes no sense at all

[Galax Steeler]

Some of the great mysteries and dichotomies of the Steelers' 2011 season can be found in the play of their defense.

That defense has produced only 33 sacks and 14 turnovers. To compare, they had 48 sacks and 35 turnovers last season. Their four miserable fumble recoveries will set a new franchise low by far unless they gather more than double that today.

Yet this defense ranks No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed and No. 2 in points allowed, but despite those rankings produced only one Pro Bowl player -- the perennial appearance of Troy Polamalu.

None of it adds up, even to some who play in that defense.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12001/1200579-66.stm#ixzz1iDHhik46

[stillers4me]

Some of the great mysteries and dichotomies of the Steelers' 2011 season can be found in the play of their defense.
That defense has produced only 33 sacks and 14 turnovers. To compare, they had 48 sacks and 35 turnovers last season. Their four miserable fumble recoveries will set a new franchise low by far unless they gather more than double that today.

Yet this defense ranks No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed and No. 2 in points allowed, but despite those rankings produced only one Pro Bowl player -- the perennial appearance of Troy Polamalu.

None of it adds up, even to some who play in that defense............


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12001/1200579-66.stm#ixzz1iDoKi2FY

[Austin87]

Good read.

[steelreserve]

We've been beat up and haven't been getting a lot of breaks, is how I see it.

Interesting commentary on Cotchery at the end there, although unfortunately probably correct. He was a hell of a pickup and I wish we could keep him around, but he probably has his eyes on bigger and better things.

[Chidi29]

All about situation football. Get off the field on 3rd down, and the "bend but don't break" mentality that so often holds teams to three instead of seven.