Aug 21, 2017 5 min read

PITTSBURGH – The Steelers were missing four defensive starters in Sunday night’s 17-13 preseason victory over the Atlanta Falcons, but they aren’t taking any solace in that when it comes to that unit’s performance.

Atlanta’s first-team offense – minus star running back Devonta Freeman and wide receiver Julio Jones – made things look easy against the Steelers in the first half.

Starting quarterback Matt Ryan directed a 10-play, 91-yard touchdown drive on Atlanta’s opening possession before giving way to third-stringer Matt Simms for the majority of the half. Backup Matt Schaub made a quick appearance, attempting just one pass before Simms entered the game.

It didn’t seem to matter who the Falcons had out there. They carved up Pittsburgh’s defense for 17 first downs and 259 yards at the half, 221 of which came through the air.

All those yards only produced 13 points, but there weren’t many smiles in the locker room following the game from the first-team defense.

“We let them get to the red zone,” said defensive end Cameron Heyward. “I thought we had them in some tough situations early on but we didn’t capitalize on it. They are a good offense. If we want to get where we want to, we cannot have (that) tape out there. I think it’s a good learning lesson for a lot of guys, including myself. I have to play better.”

The Steelers will get a chance Saturday, when they play Indianapolis in their third preseason game, typically the one in which the starters play the longest.

But the defense has had a lot of replacement players throughout training camp and this preseason as a number of starters have missed time.

The Steelers played the Falcons without linebackers Bud Dupree, Ryan Shazier and James Harrison, who remains listed as a starter despite assistant coach Joey Porter’s statement that the team wants first-round draft pick T.J. Watt starting across from Dupree. Strong safety Mike Mitchell also did not play.

Starting nose tackle Javon Hargrave left the game in the first quarter with a concussion, an issue that has to be somewhat troubling for the team. Hargrave also had two concussions last season as a rookie, giving him three in less than a year.

That left the Steelers with only five defensive starters early in the game.

None of the injuries keeping players out is considered serious, but with just a few weeks remaining before the start of the regular season, time is running out to get everyone back and working on timing.

“I’m not going to rely on that,” said Heyward. “Whoever is out there has to be willing to step up their game. There were plenty of times last year where I was hurt and someone else had to step up. You have to deal with the cards you’re dealt and just be ready for the moment.”

It wasn’t all bad for the defense.

After completing 11 passes in just over a quarter and a half in the first half, Simms came down to earth in the final two quarters, completing just five passes. He also was intercepted twice, both by reserve safety Jordan Dangerfield.

Dangerfield, who has been on and off the team’s roster the previous two seasons, is making a strong push to be there for opening day.

“(I’m) just getting more experience,” he said. “The little bit of experience I had last year, I am just rolling it over for this year. And I’m not taking it for granted, just making the most of the opportunity.”

So, too, did third-year outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo, who started in place of Dupree and played deep into the second half. He had a pair of sacks, one in each half, and a pass defensed.

“When your number is called, you get the opportunity to play, the standard is the standard, like coach (Mike Tomlin) is always saying,” Chickillo said. “You’ve got to do your job.”

Unfortunately for the Steelers, the play of some other defenders might have left more questions than answers.

Backup safety Robert Golden, inside linebackers Tyler Matakevich and Vince Williams and cornerback Ross Cockrell had rough days in the passing game. All are expected to be key members of this team.

But the Steelers also did little to no game planning before facing the Falcons, the NFL’s highest-scoring team last year.

That was of little consolation to Tomlin.

“It’s a combination of rush and coverage,” said Tomlin. “It always is. There were too many escape lanes, not enough pressure and not tight enough coverage. Those two concepts live and die together.”

Odds and end zones

Running back LeVeon Bell, who continues to be a no show at the team’s facility, Tweeted Sunday night, “I ain’t going anywhere unless they get rid of me,” in response to a post from a Steelers fan. Bell remains unsigned by the Steelers but has a franchise tag offer of $12.12 million awaiting him when he finally reports. … In addition to Hargrave’s concussion, inside linebacker Steven Johnson suffered a hamstring injury and cornerback Greg Ducre suffered a sprained ankle.