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Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense Getting Hot Just In Time For the Playoffs

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) and Jason Worilds (93) during the second half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been quite the team as the NFL season has gotten into the postseason. Going 4-0 in December, the AFC North champs have been dominating week in and week out. Ben Roethlisberger and the offense have been a headache for opponents, producing a strong passing attack while Le’Veon Bell and the offensive line handle the dirty work on the ground. The offense has been praised for their play-making ability and their “Big three” in Big Ben, Bell and Antonio Brown. However, this past weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals, Bell took a nasty shot to the right knee from safety Reggie Nelson. The play left Bell with a hyperextended knee, which makes him questionable in this Saturday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers have had to make changes to their depth chart by signing Ben Tate this week, which gives their young backfield a bit of breathing room while Bell recovers. Despite Bell being sidelined and figuring out the roles Tate, Josh Harris and Dri Archer will play, fans must pause and remember that defense wins championships.

The Steelers’ defense has been a contributor in the team’s victories, registering sacks, big stops and turnovers. Anchoring the relentless defense is eighth-year linebacker out of Florida State, Lawrence Timmons, who is leading the team in tackles with 132. Timmons is accompanied by outside linebacker James Harrison, strong safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback William Gay. Despite the big-name starters this unit has not always been reliable this year, usually ranking at the bottom in defensive statistics. Earlier this season games were based off of the offense’s performance, usually hoping that the defense can just hold off opponents from scoring. However, Pittsburgh has come along and gone from “don’t blow this game” to “let’s go out there and win.”

Making key plays in Week 7 against the Houston Texans and then in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers’ defense started to show greatness throughout the season. Since then the unit has given Big Ben and the offense opportunities to put up big points and out-execute opposing defenses. The Steelers do not need Hall of Fame games from their seasoned defense. Turnovers, big third-down stops and sacks will give the Steelers a chance to make it deep into the playoffs this year.

Trajuan Briggs is a Blogger at www.RantSports.com. Connect with him on Twitter or Google +.

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