Pittsburgh Steelers: Is the Passing Defense Still a Concern?

Pittsburgh Steelers: Is the Passing Defense Still a Concern?
By Nick Signorelli (Featured Columnist) on October 17, 2011 173


At the conclusion of the 2010 Super Bowl, every member of Steelers Nation insisted that the Steelers were doomed unless they somehow addressed their secondary.

During the 2011 NFL Draft, the Steelers used two of their selections on corners, third round pick Curtis Brown out of Texas and fourth round pick Cortez Allen out of the Citadel.

Neither of these players were believed to be immediate solutions to the Steelers secondary needs, and neither of them have been.

The one big move that Pittsburgh did make was re-signing Ike Taylor to a four year contract extension. Taylor is not only the best cover corner for the Steelers, he is a great example of how a late round pick can come to a team, bide his time and become a leader on the defense.

Which is perfect for the young group of corners the Steelers have on their roster.

Though Steelers Nation was collectively biting their nails as to how the Steelers secondary was going to be in 2011, I think that surprised could be viewed as an understatement for how the Steelers secondary has performed so far.

After six games, the Steelers pass defense is ranked first in the NFL, allowing only 158 yards per game. Yes, the San Diego Chargers have given up fewer yards total (898 to 946), but they have already had their bye week, and per game average, the Steelers are allowing 22 yards less.

Ike Taylor has done an above average job covering the opposite team's best receiver. Though he still can't catch a ball to save his life, he keeps the opposition from having their best weapon.

(Read More:) http://bleacherreport.com/articles/897982-pittsburgh-steelers-is-the-passing-defense-still-a-concern

The Article wrote:

The one big move that Pittsburgh did make was re-signing Ike Taylor to a four year contract extension. Taylor is not only the best cover corner for the Steelers, he is a great example of how a late round pick can come to a team, bide his time and become a leader on the defense.

Carnell Lake?

BGSU A Dub wrote:

The Article wrote:

The one big move that Pittsburgh did make was re-signing Ike Taylor to a four year contract extension. Taylor is not only the best cover corner for the Steelers, he is a great example of how a late round pick can come to a team, bide his time and become a leader on the defense.

Carnell Lake?

I agree with you, Dubs. I think the addition of Lake has been huge for this secondary. He seems to have them playing at a much higher level than Horton ever did (with the notable exception of BMac).