Steelers Defense Taking Steps in the Right Direction with Win over Jaguars

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 17-9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday was what we used to call an “on the bus” win. It means you go into another team’s stadium and squeak out a close win, so it's best just to get on the bus and get home.

However, one area where the Steelers should be proud of themselves is on defense. Let’s take a closer look at the Steelers’ defensive effort in Sunday’s win.

First, let’s take a look at the raw numbers that the Steelers defense allowed in the win.

Stats courtesy of NFL.com.

• First Downs Allowed: 12
• Opp. Third-Down Efficiency: 3-12
• Total Yards: 243
• Pass Yards: 187
• Rushing Yards: 56
• Yards per Rush: 3.7
• Turnovers: 2
• Red Zone: 0-2 

On one hand, you expected the Steelers defense to play well against a struggling Jaguars offense. However, with talented rookie quarterback Blake Bortles under center, anything was possible. 

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Oh, and not to mention the Steelers are continuing to adapt to life with multiple new starters on defense. Cornerback William Gay has acclimated himself fully into a starting role in place of Ike Taylor. However, bigger than that, cornerback Brice McCain is steadily improving in his role as a nickel/dime corner in sub-packages.

In fact, McCain had what was probably the biggest play of the entire game when he intercepted a Bortles pass and took it back to the house for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"

Brice McCain a PIC 6....Bortles big time rookie Mistake...HUGE turning point

— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) October 5, 2014"

"

Here is the @McCain21 pick 6. #steelers #utes http://t.co/wUZusSSAiB

— Grant Piller (@BLKNYELO) October 5, 2014"

Pittsburgh was actually able to pick off Bortles twice on Sunday. This is a feat they had not accomplished since Week 8 of the 2013 season against the Oakland Raiders. How did they do it? In part, it was the case of a veteran defense that made things tough on a rookie quarterback.

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

On the interception by cornerback Cortez Allen, the Steelers front created pressure. This meant the ball was well underthrown, and there was no way rookie wide receiver Allen Robinson was going to get back and get the football.

McCain’s interception was a case of being familiar with the play. As Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter pointed out, McCain knew what was coming and how to beat it.

"

Brice McCain said he recognized play he intercepted from his days with Houston and playing against Jaguars #Steelers

— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) October 5, 2014"

But beyond those two huge plays, the Steelers had a plan, and they stuck to it. Pittsburgh was able to limit opportunities on the ground, and it forced the Jaguars to move the football in the air with their young quarterback. How good was Pittsburgh against the run in the first half? Ask former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch.

"

Im liking where the #Steelers Run Defense is at the half. Anytime the QB is the leading rusher with 14 yds, Good things tend to happen.

— Charlie Batch (@CharlieBatch16) October 5, 2014"

Going back and reviewing this game, Pittsburgh really played sound fundamental defense for the entirety of the game, minus two plays. They didn’t rack up a ton of sacks, but they created consistent pressure on the quarterback.

I’ll once again use the term “tackle the route” to describe the Steelers secondary. Yes, they bent in the passing game, and no, they didn’t rush Bortles like I would have liked.

Rob Foldy/Getty Images

Nevertheless, they kept the plays in front of them, save for two 20-yard gains—one a carry by running back Storm Johnson and another a reception by running back Toby Gerhart. On both plays, there were multiple Steelers players with the opportunity to make the play quickly who were hampered by poor tackling.

Both were areas where if regular starting linebackers Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones were in the game, it could have gone differently. One thing is for sure, the Steelers are utilizing interchangeable parts at multiple positions, and on Sunday it really worked.

In the final analysis, this was a tremendous performance by the Pittsburgh defense. On a day when the offense inexplicably struggled against a woeful defense, the defensive unit stepped up big on the road. It wasn’t about scheme or about exotic looks. It was about playing fast, playing downhill and finishing when the opportunity presented itself.