Steelers DC Teryl Austin Gives Intriguing Reason For Simplified Defense Against Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers bounced back last Sunday with a huge win over the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts. It was a much-needed win after Pittsburgh had dropped back-to-back games. The key to this game was the Steelers' defense's resurgence, thanks to the work of Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin. Pittsburgh forced Indianapolis into a whopping six turnovers, which is the most by a Mike Tomlin-led team since the 2010 season. This led to future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense working with short fields and easier opportunities to score. So, what was the difference in the Steelers' preparation and performance this last week as opposed to the last few weeks when they ended up giving up at least 33 points and 450 total yards to the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers? 

While speaking with the Pittsburgh media on Thursday for the first time since his defense's incredible performance last Sunday, Austin told insider Mark Kaboly about the simplification of his defense and exactly why it needed to be simplified. Kaboly later posted the explanation to social media.

"Teryl Austin said that the defense was simplified last week because of necessity with some younger and inexperienced players he had to play," said Kaboly.

In the end, Austin's decision to change up the personnel and play some of his younger defenders worked out in a big way. Perhaps he is citing the efforts of rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer, who had a key interception in the second half against the Colts. Furthermore, second-year linebacker Payton Wilson recorded 14 total tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. Austin even had to count on inexperienced and unknown players to play snaps, such as rookie defensive tackle Yahya Black. Of course, recent trade acquisition Kyle Dugger came in just days after being traded and recorded four tackles. It was a strong all-around effort from Austin's group with plenty of contributions from relatively inexperienced Steelers players.

Steelers Must Have Similar Performance Against Chargers

After opening up a two-game lead on the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, Pittsburgh now has clear momentum on its side. This is especially true after their dominant performance against the Colts. The 27-20 score is not indicative of how overpowering Tomlin's team truly was. Both sides of the football are currently in a great stride. The defense just forced those aforementioned six turnovers against the top offense in football and held the Jonathan Taylor-led running game to just 55 yards. That type of complete performance on the defensive side of the ball, at a consistent rate, could guide the Steelers to the playoffs and beyond. Of course, it helps when the offense cashes in on the defense's turnovers. For the third consecutive week, Rodgers and co. quietly recorded at least 25 points. Quality defense and efficient offense have always been the perfect combination in the Steel City.

However, none of that means anything if the Steelers don't replicate their performance against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football this weekend. While Chargers Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert is a talented player, his offensive line has been decimated by injuries over the past couple of weeks. This is the type of game where Austin's defense has to get after the quarterback. There is no excuse not to. Last week, Pittsburgh recorded five sacks on Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. This unit is tied for third in the league with 27 sacks on the season. It will be time for T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward to feast up front. Furthermore, if the Bolts' top-10 rushing offense could get the same treatment that the Steelers gave Taylor last week, that would be the cherry on top. There is no doubt that all eyes will be on this defensive unit, especially with what it put on tape last week. 

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