Who needs an offense? That is the question many fans are asking themselves, after they witnessed the Steelers’ defense dominate the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. 19-11 was the final score, in favor of the Steelers. The victory improves the team’s record to 2-0, as they now stand alone atop the AFC North.
At kickoff, the temperature on the field was 87 degrees, it was the hottest game ever played at the Titans’ LP Field. While the temperature was hot, the Steelers’ defense proved to be on fire. The defensive unit forced a total of seven turnovers, and recorded four sacks. Troy Polamalu looked better than ever. The strong safety was all over the field, making tackles and wreaking havoc in the secondary. Polamalu had a key interception in the first quarter, which seemed to set the tone for the defense. The play of the day occurred late in the 4th quarter, when Polamalu timed the snap and leapt over the entire Titans’ offensive line to sack Kerry Collins, a truly amazing play. Another player who made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball was James Harrison. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year had a career day. Harrison had three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The linebacker led an unrelenting pass rush that harassed and bullied quarterbacks Vince young and Kerry Collins all day.
Chris Johnson is arguably, the best running back currently, in the NFL. Coming in to last Sunday’s game, Johnson had rushed for over 100 yards in the previous twelve games. The Steelers put an end to that streak. On sixteen carries, the back rushed for a measly 34 yards. The defense smothered Johnson and swarmed him on nearly every handoff. What was most impressive about this feat was that not only did the Steelers’ defense shut down one of the league most dynamic runners in the league, but they did it without one of their best run-stoppers in Casey Hampton. Hampton was inactive due to injury, taking his place was Chris Hoke. It is safe to say that Hoke filled in nicely.
Through the first two weeks of the season, the Steelers are undefeated. The defense is playing on a level that has not been seen for some time. The defense is carrying this team at a time when it is desperately needed. The passing game for the Steelers is struggling mightily, and with Dennis Dixon going down with an MCL tear, things just got a whole lot tougher for this team.
By M.C. Smith
All I have to say is thank god it's the beginning of the season and our defense is fresh and 99% healthy (Hampton) or we would be in alot of trouble due to the lack of offense.
ReplyDeleteI tell you, when ben gets back and he shakes the cobwebs off his arm, I can see our offense puting 30+ points per game while the defense shuts out opposing offenses!!!
Sweet write up, Michael!