Defense has been a real hit for Steelers
PITTSBURGH – When the NFL began its crackdown on concussion-causing hits in 2010, the Steelers were one of the teams that were hit the hardest – no pun intended.
Linebacker James Harrison was fined numerous times and eventually suspended for one game, and free safety Ryan Clark also received letters from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that included notice of fines.
As the players adjusted, the Steelers’ defense lost some of its bite. No longer were opponents cautious going across the middle against Pittsburgh’s defense.
That is starting to change.
Though the Steelers (5-4) are 27th in the league in total defense, they’re on pace for 30 forced turnovers, something that hasn’t been seen since that 2010 season, when Pittsburgh was among the league leaders with 35 – 21 interceptions and 14 recovered fumbles.
Pittsburgh has eight interceptions and seven fumble recoveries this season. It doesn’t seem like that many until you consider the team hasn’t had more than 11 interceptions or 10 fumble recoveries in a season since 2010.
A big reason for that increase in turnovers has been more physical play in the secondary. That was on display in Sunday’s 38-35 win over Oakland at Heinz Field.
Though the Steelers allowed a season-high in points, they had an interception and forced five fumbles, recovering three.
That could be a big part of this Sunday’s home game against Cleveland (2-7). Only two teams – Detroit and Indianapolis – have more turnovers than the 17 the Browns have committed.
Free safety Mike Mitchell has been a big part of the physical play. Mitchell, signed last year to a $25-million free agent contract to replace Clark, has intercepted two passes and forced two fumbles. He also recovered one fumble and delivered a number of big blows.
“I’m not going to not be physical. If you come across the middle, I’m going to try to hit you and deal with the consequences,” said Mitchell, who struggled to create turnovers in 2014, when he played with two torn groin muscles.
“I am trying to play smarter and direct my shots.”
That has been the key for the Steelers. Though they are delivering big