Pittsburgh Could Challenge Defensive Record

[darklight1216]

[quote]
The Steelers have a legit shot to challenge Baltimore's record (165 points all year;10.31 points per game). Defensively, they're firing on all cylinders right now, and they've surrendered just 11.0 ppg., against three pretty good teams (Atlanta, Tennessee and Tampa).

The remaining schedule is filled with a long list of offensive lightweights, too. First and foremost, there are six divisional games, starting Sunday, against Baltimore (which currently scores 14.7 ppg.), Cincinnati (19.7 ppg.) and Cleveland (15.0 ppg.). Not one of those teams fields an offense that scares anybody, let alone frightens a great defense.

Then there are still games against the Dolphins (17.3 ppg.), Raiders (17.3), Bills (15.7) and Panthers (10.7, dead last in the NFL). That's 10 of 13 remaining games against offenses that will struggle to move the ball and score against the Steelers.[/quote]
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/kerry_byrne/10/01/gotw4/index.html?eref=sihp#ixzz118EYHLnF

Naturally, two of three remaining games against decent offenses (NE,NYJ,NO) are in Heinz Field.

So what do you guys think: will the Ravens defensive record remain at the top by the end of the season or will the new decade bring in a new record?

[hawkprey]

The Steelers only have such low ppg because of all the turnovers they get. Seriously, how many interceptions in the endzone have they had? If they want to continue their streak of 11 ppg, they need to end up with something like a 60+ turnover ratio.

By the way, most of our points given up are off of the O turning the ball over in opposition FG range. If Joe stops throwing so many ints per game (which is almost guaranteed) we have a legitimate chance of beating the Steelers at their own game.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1285957735' post='493486']
[b]The Steelers only have such low ppg because of all the turnovers they get. Seriously, how many interceptions in the endzone have they had? If they want to continue their streak of 11 ppg, they need to end up with something like a 60+ turnover ratio.
[/b]
By the way, most of our points given up are off of the O turning the ball over in opposition FG range. If Joe stops throwing so many ints per game (which is almost guaranteed) we have a legitimate chance of beating the Steelers at their own game.
[/quote]



Okay Dude, whatever.

[berad]

The Broncos were going to do it, too, last year. Right?

Teams always threaten it. But it's tough to match that statistic. We'll see how the season plays out. If they get it, they've earned it.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1285957952' post='493487']


Okay Dude, whatever.
[/quote]

Not making excuses, just sayin' the stats in the long run even out. If you think you're gonna end up with +32 turnovers and the Ravens end up with -32 you're foolin yourself.

[Perfekt]

if it happens they deserve it but the season is still young.

[berad]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1285957735' post='493486']
The Steelers only have such low ppg because of all the turnovers they get. Seriously, how many interceptions in the endzone have they had? If they want to continue their streak of 11 ppg, they need to end up with something like a 60+ turnover ratio.

By the way, most of our points given up are off of the O turning the ball over in opposition FG range. If Joe stops throwing so many ints per game (which is almost guaranteed) we have a legitimate chance of beating the Steelers at their own game.
[/quote]

His one bad game this season doesn't make a pattern.

And turnovers are not given, they're earned. Great defenses force them.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1285958614' post='493499']
The Broncos were going to do it, too, last year. Right?

Teams always threaten it. But it's tough to match that statistic. We'll see how the season plays out. If they get it, they've earned it.
[/quote]
Yeah, the Broncos allowed 16 points in their first three games (two of which were against Cleveland and Oakland). But even before they crashed, everyone knew they were going to face San Diego twice, Indy, Philly, Baltimore (back when they could score alot), the Cowboys, the Patriots and even Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have a much more favorable schedule, as the article points out.

Still, as you said, we'll have to wait and see.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1285958711' post='493503']
[b]His one bad game this season doesn't make a pattern.[/b]

And turnovers are not given, they're earned. Great defenses force them.
[/quote]


I was supporting that idea.

The point is 3 games is not an accurate account of an entire season. The Bears only gave up 40 yards/game on the ground so far. I guess they're going to shatter the old record? No, because stats become more realistic with a larger sample size. For the Steelers, their unrealistic stat right now is PPG and turnovers. For us, it's passing D.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Perfekt' timestamp='1285958708' post='493502']
if it happens they deserve it but the season is still young.
[/quote]

And that's all there is to it.

We still have to play the Patriots, Jets and Saints. Not sure what the Jets will look like with Santonio Holmes (RIP) or even what challenge the Phins will present. If we get it, great. If not, I'm more looking forward to a playoff/SB run.

[berad]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1285959112' post='493511']
I was supporting that idea.

The point is 3 games is not an accurate account of an entire season. The Bears only gave up 40 yards/game on the ground so far. I guess they're going to shatter the old record? No, because stats become more realistic with a larger sample size. For the Steelers, their unrealistic stat right now is PPG and turnovers. For us, it's passing D.
[/quote]

You said "if he stops", when did he start? He's only had one multi-pick game. And none last week. Anywho, I agree, it's not a big deal.

And I completely agree on the young season part! Yes, this early in the year, teams are still becoming who they are. Some start fast, some start slow, etc. But turnovers, even this early, are a good sign - against a couple decent opponents, too. Though not a playoff team among them.. Baltimore has beaten a playoff team on the road. Just sayin'

[AsianRice]

It's all about making to playoff. Sometimes, home game is not always the advantage because choke times are usually occured. Any team making to playoff still have a shot at SB run.

Remember, the steeler lost to the Raider last year when everyone were expected them to blowout the Raider. Therefore, I say it may be an easy schedule but when everyone are hitting the field, it's a different game pace.

This year is still dice rolling between the Ravens, the Steelers, and the Bengals.

The Bengals struggled offensively this year. Something wrong with C. Palmer. Ocho isn't happy about that.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='AsianRice' timestamp='1285960755' post='493538']
It's all about making to playoff. Sometimes, home game is not always the advantage because choke times are usually occured. Any team making to playoff still have a shot at SB run.

[b]Remember, the steeler lost to the Raider last year when everyone were expected them to blowout the Raider. Therefore, I say it may be an easy schedule but when everyone are hitting the field, it's a different game pace.[/b]

This year is still dice rolling between the Ravens, the Steelers, and the Bengals.

The Bengals struggled offensively this year. Something wrong with C. Palmer. Ocho isn't happy about that.
[/quote]

We're a different defense this year. A much more solid unit. I wouldn't bank on that game or last year too much.

[PuRock]

Won't happen. Once they have Ben back, they'll have some of those token shoot out games they always have every year. Right now both sides of the ball are playing possession and field position ball.

The shift in offensive dynamic will disable them from pulling this record.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1285960150' post='493528']
You said "if he stops", when did he start? He's only had one multi-pick game. And none last week. Anywho, I agree, it's not a big deal.

And I completely agree on the young season part! Yes, this early in the year, teams are still becoming who they are. Some start fast, some start slow, etc. But turnovers, even this early, are a good sign - against a couple decent opponents, too. Though not a playoff team among them.. Baltimore has beaten a playoff team on the road. Just sayin'
[/quote]


I thought I'd mention now that in 2006, the Broncos gave up an average of 6.29 points in their first 7 games. They ended up that year 21st in the NFL with 21.7 PPG.

Just to clarify, when I said "if he stops", I meant when the average of int/game goes down. Not that I think he has a problem.

[AsianRice]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1285960876' post='493541']
We're a different defense this year. A much more solid unit. I wouldn't bank on that game or las t year too much.
[/quote]
I got a feeling that you defense were so good in the past three games because they feel they have to carry the offense without big Ben. When Ben comes back, I don't know your defense can sustain the same intensity they brought previously.

Troy was hurt last year when you were close to snatch last wild card spot, I think (unsure). I think your team and Colts may be the only two team depend so much on 1 person.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='AsianRice' timestamp='1285961545' post='493551']
I got a feeling that you defense were so good in the past three games because they feel they have to carry the offense without big Ben. When Ben comes back, I don't know your defense can sustain the same intensity they brought previously.

Troy was hurt last year when you were close to snatch last wild card spot, I think (unsure). I think your team and Colts may be the only two team depend so much on 1 person.
[/quote]

Well, that's your opinion and you're certainly entitled to it. I disagree though.

True that our defense has stepped up, but they're not looking for a defensive record and you guys can keep that thing if it means us getting Lombardi #7. I would say we're more a team than dependent on one person. Our offense took up the challenge last year when our defense suffered.

BTW - That one person you speak of (Manning and Polamalu) are both already legends. They do things no one else can. Depending on their abilities is a good thing. We suffered because our back ups weren't up to par.

[XxSizzleXx]

I don't see it happening, that Ravens D didn't even allow 1000 yards on the ground throughout the entire year. Considering they went up against a guy like Eddie George twice a year says something. The first 3 games have also been against teams that are average at best IMO. Those records will be hard to break considering how the NFL leans towards the Offense more and more every year.

I wouldn't call Polamalu a legend, yet. He has only been playing at this high of a level for about 3 or 4 years. He should become one though.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' timestamp='1285967864' post='493676']
I don't see it happening, that Ravens D didn't even allow 1000 yards on the ground throughout the entire year. Considering they went up against a guy like Eddie George twice a year says something. The first 3 games have also been against teams that are average at best IMO. [b]Those records will be hard to break considering how the NFL leans towards the Offense more and more every year.[/b]

I wouldn't call Polamalu a legend, yet. He has only been playing at this high of a level for about 3 or 4 years. He should become one though.
[/quote]

That's an excellent point.

Also, I call Polamalu a legend not only based on his play, but the fact that when ever I hear a coach talk about playing the Steelers, he talks about how difficult it is to account for Troy. He's a legend without a doubt.

[Jabara]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1285960876' post='493541']
We're a different defense this year. A much more solid unit. I wouldn't bank on that game or last year too much.
[/quote]
Isn't it something crazy like 10 out of the 11 starters on the Steelers defense have played together for the last 3 years?

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1285968859' post='493684']
Isn't it something crazy like 10 out of the 11 starters on the Steelers defense have played together for the last 3 years?
[/quote]

Sounds about right.

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1285968859' post='493684']
Isn't it something crazy like 10 out of the 11 starters on the Steelers defense have played together for the last 3 years?
[/quote]


If that is true, good for them. The longer you can have a defense play together the better. It lets them know they can rely on one another and they all learn to trust each other so it lets them go out and do what they do best and play football.

FACT - 2000 Ravens defense had 3 shutouts.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' timestamp='1285969181' post='493689']
If that is true, good for them. The longer you can have a defense play together the better. It lets them know they can rely on one another and they all learn to trust each other so it lets them go out and do what they do best and play football.

FACT - 2000 Ravens defense had 3 shutouts.
[/quote]

Was reading the Steelers digest (that I got for some reason out of the blue) and Ryan Clark was saying how much he respected and looked up to Troy Polamalu. I've heard him say that on multiple occasions. Most of the other guys (including Troy) say they look up to Aaron Smith.

Hmmmm. It just hit me, that must have been one uneasy locker room when they both went down.

[George70]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1285958614' post='493499']
The Broncos were going to do it, too, last year. Right?

Teams always threaten it. But it's tough to match that statistic. We'll see how the season plays out. If they get it, they've earned it.
[/quote]

I agree, Berad, we shall have to wait and see how this season turns out, and should it happen, then I am willing to accept that. Otherwise, we shall hold our turn in history for quite a while yet.

[JohnJohnson]

Not gonna happen.

[Jamal]

From what I've seen from this defense so far, it really wouldn't surprise me......

[Gtown Purple]

13 more games to go, to keep up a streak like that would be a tough act.

[JO_75]

Steelers Defense: Allowing 11 PPG

Ravens Defense: Allowing 13.6 PPG

So I guess the Ravens defense is ignored and not even accounted for when the Ravens defense has only allowed 2.6 more points than the Steelers, no mention on how the Ravens could break their own record.... I feel like we just got stiff armed! Hey writer, 2.6 points is the only thing that separates Pittsburgh and Baltimore, that record was set by the Ravens and if it does get broke, I want it to be the Ravens Defense breaking their own record, if the Steelers do it it will make me sick to my stomach seeing a division rival break it!

[PuRock]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1285991725' post='493923']
Steelers Defense: Allowing 11 PPG

Ravens Defense: Allowing 13.6 PPG

So I guess the Ravens defense is ignored and not even accounted for when the Ravens defense has only allowed 2.6 more points than the Steelers, no mention on how the Ravens could break their own record.... I feel like we just got stiff armed! Hey writer, 2.6 points is the only thing that separates Pittsburgh and Baltimore, that record was set by the Ravens and if it does get broke, I want it to be the Ravens Defense breaking their own record, if the Steelers do it it will make me sick to my stomach seeing a division rival break it!
[/quote]

What about KC at 12.7? No love for them?

[JO_75]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1285993035' post='493948']
What about KC at 12.7? No love for them?
[/quote]

well when I started the post I was going to go through the whole league but it was late and I didn't want to go through all the math especially this late, so I just decided to keep it simple at Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Good point about KC, maybe this guy wouldn't have wrote it if he had done his research and realized other teams that could challenge for the record before pretending the Steelers are the only team who could, complete bias for the Steelers! If he done re-search to go through the other teams maybe I could take it for legit, but for him to leave out other teams and only talk about the Steelers means he was being biased for the Steelers.