Steelers rookie DBs expect Tom Brady to pick on them
While the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ three “Bs” on offense swallow all the tv attention, it’s been the defense that has been the catalyst for the current nine-game win streak.
Over the past nine games Pittsburgh has allowed 16.6 points per game, 287.4 yards per game and 31 sacks. In those nine week’s Keith Butler’s defense ranks first in the NFL in sacks per game, second in yards per play allowed, second in passing yards per game, third in total yards per game and third in points per game.
Thank the youngsters for the turnaround.
Bud Dupree‘s return in Week 11 helped spark a fierce pass rush after Pittsburgh curtailed the rotation. The play of two rookies in the secondary, first-round pick Artie Burns and second-round pick Sean Davis, have solidified a back end that was often subject to breakdowns in coverage and picked apart by good quarterbacks.
Burns’ play escalated as the season wore on, finally earning a starting gig in Week 9. His insertion full-time on the outside allowed William Gay to shift to the nickel role. The reshuffling led to a more cohesive corner group…