The difference between outside linebacker James Harrison getting one sack in September and registering seven of them in October? Not much.
That is what the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year said earlier this week.
“I might be getting there just a step faster, playing better. Defense may be holding a step longer,” said Harrison, who is on pace to break the Steelers' single-season sack record (16) that he set in 2008. “To be honest with you we played better defense this past month than when we did at the beginning of the season. Beginning of the season it was a step late. This recent month we were actually getting there.”
The defense’s inability to get off the field in the fourth quarter of back-to-back losses to the Bears and Bengals in September raised questions about whether age had encroached on a unit that is stocked with veterans.
Or whether opposing teams had solved defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and his famed zone blitzes.
The loss of strong safety Troy Polamalu for four games because of a sprained knee changed the complexion of the defense. And they no doubt tied the masterful hands of LeBeau to a degree.
But even a defense that dominated the opposition in 2008 -- the Steelers were first in the NFL in scoring, passing and total defense -- and returned all but two starters this season needed a little time to come together.
That is why inside linebacker James Farrior said he didn’t worry when the defense allowed prolonged touchdown drives at the end games in September when the Steelers needed a stop.
“I’ve always thought we could get pressure if we executed right,” Farrior said. “I think it’s just a matter of getting out timing down. It’s a lot like quarterback with receivers, getting that timing down. You can only get better with reps. I definitely think we’re a better team now than we were a couple of weeks ago.”
November 6th, 2009 - 2:55 pm
I was among those that thought age was creeping up on our James farrior, especially when he allowed Leonard to make that first down in the Bengal's game. However they seem to be coming around and it could be due to the relaxed camp they had. However, I'd rather start the season slow than end it that way. So, thanks for proving me wrong fellows and go give Denver the business this Monday Night on national TV.
November 7th, 2009 - 1:52 pm
I never thought it was age. I just thought it was or still is the inability to change things that aren't working. Stubbornness? I don't know. The defense has played better the last few games but there is much needed improvement. Denver is a HUGE challenge and the Bengals come to Pittsburgh right after. The next 2 or 3 games will go far in determining where this Steeler's team ends up. If the team steps up the pass rush and gets some turnovers, then I can exhale a bit. I am not afraid of the offenses ability to move the ball. I am leery of the defense making a stop in a big moment. I don't want to mention special teams either because we all should know the coverage has been terrible. I understand that no team is perfect, but some adjustments have to be made for this team to make a run. Lets see in the next 2 weeks if they have been.
November 8th, 2009 - 9:18 am
I think this team came into the beginning of the season out of top physical playing shape. I think Tomlin is going to far the other way as far as conditioning during training camp. His first season as coach he over did it. This sewason I think he under did it. I told my friends after the second game that the players looked to be out of shape and that after a few weeks they would start to play like last season. Now Tomlin gives most of the team the entire bye week off. I don't know how good a move that was especially heading for thin air in Denver. I think he needs to be more selective in his approach. In my opinion, he needs to play the starters a bit more in pre- season games also. farrior was right, they were a step slow.
November 9th, 2009 - 5:39 am
We need to remember these words next summer when people talk about how they only need two games of preseason. I mean that's one of those things that those games are supposed to be for, no?
November 9th, 2009 - 9:30 am
It's amazing to me to listen to the folks that know more about football than the folks that have milliones invested in these men. Can you believe that the Steelers don't know how to move a team toward a climax instead allowing the team to run out of gas. People need to remember that there are not a lot of teams that finish a season better than the Steelers.