For decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for smash mouth football. There was one thing as Steeler fans we could always rely on and that was defense. Even when their offense would struggle as it has this year, Steeler fans always knew that their defense would keep them in games. In years past, when the Steelers offense would score 20-plus points, that would secure a “W” in the win column.
Hall of famers such as Lack Lambert and “Mean” Joe Greene were staples in starting the intimidating Steel Curtain defense. Five years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense was downright nasty, as they were bull-rushing quarterbacks, blowing up back-fields and forcing turnovers. In 2008, the Steelers defense allowed only five teams to rush for 100 yards in 16 regular-season games and three postseason contests. Three years ago, The Steelers defense made history when it held offenses to an average of 62.8 rushing yards per game, a team record. The Steelers defense last year allowed just four opponents to rush for 100 yards or more.
In 2013, six starters remain on defense from the 2008 team and unfortunately for the Steelers, the age factor is starting to break through. Larry Foote is out for the season, Troy Polamalu is not the ball-hawking threat he once was, Ryan Clark is not delivering bone crushing hits, Ike Taylor has clearly lost a step and Lamar Woodley is not punishing quarterbacks. The Steelers are quite honestly no longer striking fear into opposing offenses. Each of the first four opponents accumulated 100 yards rushing or more against the Steelers which has Dick Lebeau’s squad ranked 29th in run defense.
A defense that led the NFL in four of the previous six seasons is allowing an average of 325.8 yards per game, the most since 1991 and nearly 67 yards more per game than that 2008 defense allowed. The Steelers are also the only NFL team that has yet to force a turnover. They tied for the league lead with 218 sacks from 2008-12, but this season, they have a league-low four. Not getting to the quarterback means fewer chances of knocking the ball away and creating turnovers, which is a major reason why the Steelers pass defense is also ranked 27th.
For the Steelers, this is becoming a talent issue. The veterans are no longer the players they once were. Polamalu, Clark, Foote and Taylor have had outstanding careers in the city of Pittsburgh, but these careers are coming to an end. Steve McClendon has been serviceable, but he is no Casey Hampton. Ziggy Hood and Jason Worilds — both high draft picks and in contract years — are playing their way out of Pittsburgh. It’s been a great run for the past decade, however all great runs at some point do come to an end.
