It was just the first preseason game, but when Washington racked up 119 yards on 21 plays in two series against the majority of the first team last week, it didn't sit well with the second-best defense in the NFL last season.
"Hey, that was a wake-up call, and now it is time to start playing football," veteran nose tackle Chris Hoke said. "Trust me, nobody was happy with how they played."
The Steelers were without two of their best defenders — safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison — against the Redskins. Both players are expected to be in the lineup Thursday against the Eagles.
The Steelers gave up 452 total yards to the Redskins.
"This is a big game for us to get back on our game," Hoke said.
Even if it is only a preseason game?
"That's how I feel, and I am sure that's how everybody else feels," Hoke said.
Read more: Lackluster effort irks defense of the Steelers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_752098.html#ixzz1VLt7fan5
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Hmmmm, it seems as though the players don't think it's
just a preseason game.
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