Steelers' pass defense improving as season goes on

[stillers4me]

The Steelers won six of their final seven games to finish 12-4 and earn a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs.

A significant upgrade in pass defense keyed that second-half kick.

Ranked 25th in early November, the Steelers were dominant down the stretch and finished the regular season ranked 12th.

"The whole defense came together,'' cornerback William Gay said. "Getting turnovers and sacks was big. Guys put pressure on themselves to put pressure on the quarterback. And we put pressure on ourselves to defend the deep pass. We didn't give up long passes the last couple weeks.''

Through their first nine games, the Steelers allowed 252.2 net passing yards and held only one opponent (Tennessee) under 200 yards passing, as they went 6-3.
In losses against New England and New Orleans, the Steelers allowed 350 yards and 288 yards in the air, respectively.

Defensive captain James Farrior said the players returned to basics and focused on fundamentals..............

Read more @ http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_717022.html

[HometownGal]

Our D picked the right time to get hot and get it all together! :applaudit:

[The Duke]

Just keep it up and this team can be unstoppable

[Silverback]

I like it, and they have definitely stepped it up. So, I absolutely applaud the effort. But just taking all things into consideration, look at the QBs they faced in those last seven games:

Campbell and Gradkowski
Fitzpatrick
Flacco
Palmer
Sanchez
Clausen
McCoy

Gonna have to keep it up and even step it up, now more than ever. Manning, Brady, Rodgers, Brees, and even Vick are all still out there with their eyes on the Lombardi.

[Steeldude]

so you mean moving the DBs closer and rushing more than 3 or 4 defenders helped? say it isn't so...lol. how many if us have been praying for the steelers do this?

arians heard/felt our prayers too when he started using short slants and routes in the passing game.

sometimes armchair QBs do know best :p

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I like it, and they have definitely stepped it up. So, I absolutely applaud the effort. But just taking all things into consideration, look at the QBs they faced in those last seven games:

Campbell and Gradkowski
Fitzpatrick
Flacco
Palmer
Sanchez
Clausen
McCoy

Gonna have to keep it up and even step it up, now more than ever. Manning, Brady, Rodgers, Brees, and even Vick are all still out there with their eyes on the Lombardi.

Yeah, looks like a list of teams with poor QB's or strong run games (Jets and Ravens). Did the pass defense get any better or did they just play some bad passing teams???

[Edman]

The Steelers played a lot weaker QB's but Flacco, Palmer, and McCoy enjoyed success in the air against the Steelers in the first games, but didn't do well the second one around.

[Psycho Ward 86]

We've been passed on the 3rd most of any team in the league, yet we've been allowing the smallest pass yards per attempt. Not bad!

[Count Steeler]

Confidence and momentum will keep our D rock solid through the playoffs. As long as LeBeau stays aggressive and we stay healthy (especially if Smith comes back), I think we have a good chance at the SB.

[tube517]

Funny how last year the pass defense was weak and they got justified criticism. They had a big bump in the road with New Orleans and New England and they got justified criticism. Yet when they actually improve, it's just passed over as weak QB's. Can't please everybody.

[ALLD]

Maybe the defense finally made some adjustments instead of just playing their base and being arrogant.

Now if the hitting rules were not changed during the season, this team would be a 5-4 favorite to win just by going in and assaulting the opponent. Not the first time rules changes have been placed to stop the Steelers (Blount, Ward, Harrison) or help a weaker team (tuck/suck, low hit QB other Brady rule). The one guy has two rules because otherwise he couldn't survive in the NFL and we had three rules to slow us down. Add in the NBA style refereeing and the game is great for stats and the casual fan while the dedicated fan suffers.

Hopefully, LeBeau and Arians come up with equally dominating plans to confuse and demoralize the opposition. Make the playoffs the place where Goodell is our bitch.

[Edman]

Forget the Pats. The Ravens have developed a passing game as well. They're headed back to Pittsburgh this Saturday with a head of steam after killing the Chiefs.

Housh, Mason, Boldin, and this time they actually have Heap. Flacco doesn't actually suck this time around, actually stepping up his game and looking like a playoff caliber Quarterback for once. Put up or shut up time for the "Improved" Pass Defense.