Redemption or more shame for Steelers 'D'?

[stillers4me]

We're gonna find out a few things about this Steelers defense Sunday.


For one, we're gonna see if it can walk the walk — 'cause it sure can talk the talk.


Can you believe some of the quotes out of that locker room this week in advance of a visit from the San Francisco 49ers?


“It's definitely one that we should win,” linebacker Jarvis Jones told the Trib's Mark Kaboly.


“(This) is the type of offense we look forward to,” linebacker Lawrence Timmons told ESPN.com. “We're the Steelers, we're looking forward to rising to the occasion. That's what great teams do.”


We're the Steelers? Is that a boast or a confession?


Somebody might want to tell these guys that “the Steelers” haven't played consistently dominant defense since 2010 and are coming off one of the more embarrassing performances in recent franchise history............

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/joestarke...#ixzz3mHawagX5

[Count Steeler]

These guys have to realize, "we are the Steelers" is not a statement that wins you games, but it is a statement that makes each individual want to elevate their game, over and above their opponents. To hit harder, to run faster, to take the next step before the opponent does. To play sound fundamentals. To win every battle. To make sure even if your opponents happen to get more points on a given Sunday afternoon, that team will not want to face the Pittsburgh Steelers again, anytime soon.

"We are Steelers" does not mean leaving receivers wide open, all afternoon. It does not mean missed tackles. It does not mean only 2 sacks in a game. It does not mean no turnovers. It does not mean poor coaching decisions and poor playing calling and poor clock management.

I don't care if we win or lose today, but I want to see some sound fundamental football, played by 53 warriors, that are willing to leave their blood, sweat and tears on the blades of grass that is Heinz Field.

[stillers4me]

These guys have to realize, "we are the Steelers" is not a statement that wins you games, but it is a statement that makes each individual want to elevate their game, over and above their opponents. To hit harder, to run faster, to take the next step before the opponent does. To play sound fundamentals. To win every battle. To make sure even if your opponents happen to get more points on a given Sunday afternoon, that team will not want to face the Pittsburgh Steelers again, anytime soon.

"We are Steelers" does not mean leaving receivers wide open, all afternoon. It does not mean missed tackles. It does not mean only 2 sacks in a game. It does not mean no turnovers. It does not mean poor coaching decisions and poor playing calling and poor clock management.

I don't care if we win or lose today, but I want to see some sound fundamental football, played by 53 warriors, that are willing to leave their blood, sweat and tears on the blades of grass that is Heinz Field.

I believe some of these young guys come to Pittsburgh thinking the victories and the rings will come just because they are in Pittsburgh. They don't understand the work and dedication involved by past players to make that happen.

[Count Steeler]

Good step forward by the D today. Let's keep the arrow pointing upward.

[st33lersguy]

I will call this a solid day for the defense. Kaepornick only got going after the Steelers were up by 4 possessions

[Steeldude]

I hope Shazier can stay healthy.

Unfortunately, I went into watching the game after being awake for about 30 hours so I was napping throughout the game : (

How did the run defense look?

[fansince'76]

I hope Shazier can stay healthy.

Unfortunately, I went into watching the game after being awake for about 30 hours so I was napping throughout the game : (

How did the run defense look?

Pretty good to me. Our DL took control of the LOS during the 2nd quarter and kept it up for the rest of the game.

Secondary is still a hot mess, though. Thankfully, Kaepernick isn't all that good of a passer.

[Steeldude]

Pretty good to me. Our DL took control of the LOS during the 2nd quarter and kept it up for the rest of the game.

Secondary is still a hot mess, though. Thankfully, Kaepernick isn't all that good of a passer.

Thanks. I guess we are in for long games when they face a decent QB.

[Edman]

Pretty good to me. Our DL took control of the LOS during the 2nd quarter and kept it up for the rest of the game.

Secondary is still a hot mess, though. Thankfully, Kaepernick isn't all that good of a passer.

Garbage time statistics really skews how good teams actually play.

San Francisco did absolutely nothing for three quarters until the Steelers were up big and went on cruise control.

I think it's a little too soon to crown the secondary horrible (or improved) until a couple more games.

[86WARD]

The DL had a lot and I mean A LOT of push against the Niners line. There were times where the San Francisco O-Line was pushed a good yard backwards...