Jordan DeFigio, @fidgenewton
SteelerNation.com
There was a lot of speculation going into Sunday's matchup that this might be the week the Cleveland Browns would finally exorcise their demons and win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But like so many of the previous matchups, the Steelers executed a lopsided beat-down against their division "rival," winning 38-7.
Sorry, Cleveland. The demons are sticking around until at least January 3rd.
Though there were many bright spots (Minkah Fitzpatrick's pick-six on the Browns' first drive claiming momentum for the rest of the game being one), the Steelers' defense suffered a major loss seeing Devin Bush leave the game with a season-ending ACL tear.
It was just one of those moments. The kind where, despite all efforts to convince and console, any eye watching knew the news that followed would not be good. As Bush staggered off the field being helped by team personnel, unable to put weight on his injured leg, flashbacks began to flood minds and questions began to fly. The last time the Steelers lost a critical piece of their defense was Ryan Shazier to a terrifying spinal injury in 2017. The depth on defense was thin and they were never quite able to recover.
So it's safe to wonder and even ask - how will this team respond to losing their play-caller on defense?
Cam Heyward addressed this very question in a press conference with media this week.
"When we lost Ryan, I think we were pretty young around. We were still dealing with...trying to replace a guy like that," Heyward said. "I don't know what this situation holds moving forward. I know Rob had a great half. But it's up to us to continue to get better. You know, everybody's gotta step up their game from here on out."
He's right. This is on the entire squad. Bush's absence at inside linebacker leaves a gaping hole, one that Robert Spillane hopes to fill. It isn't out of the realm of possibility for GM Kevin Colbert to try to acquire someone if in fact Spillane doesn't get the job done. But Colbert and head coach, Mike Tomlin believe he can.
I mean, just look at this.
One thing I know Robert Spillane can do. Hit. Physical LB whose excelled on special teams and impressed during training camp in 2019. Big smack on Hooper Sunday. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/3EjweTqLSM
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) October 19, 2020
It's no wonder they believe in the guys on the roster.
"It does help having a guy like Vince Williams in the background, able to tutor guys and get guys to the right spot," Heyward added.
He isn't wrong. In the years since Ryan Shazier's injury, guys like Williams and Bud Dupree have elevated their play to the next level. And with the emergence of guys like Tyson Alualu and return of Stephon Tuitt to help solidify that front seven, they see no reason why they can't continue their league-wide dominance.
Speaking of Bud Dupree.
Sack city. Population. @Bud_Dupree @steelers | @NFL pic.twitter.com/0Y804RySDy
— Alex Sidney Mowrey (@TheMrAlex) October 19, 2020
"He's become a complete player," Heyward said. "I can tell you, the last couple years I've just seen Bud grow exponentially just because of his hard work and his discipline."
That he has. He became a staple of the defense last season and has become even more dominant this season. Through the first 5 games, Dupree has already logged 15 total tackles (9 solo tackles and 6 assists), 5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He and TJ Watt have become an unstoppable tandem and we shouldn't expect that to change with the loss of Bush.
They'll be challenged right away in Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Heyward's analysis: "When I look at them, I can say they have a stout running game, a hard-hitting running game that finishes plays."
He is of course referring to 6'3" 238 mammoth Derrick Henry, who pummeled the Texans' defense last week with 212 yards and 2 touchdowns. The front seven will have their work cut out for them.
Derrick Henry is no stranger to 90+ yard runs 🔥 @KingHenry_2 @Titans pic.twitter.com/sWUo3V2Oaz
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 18, 2020
Just...yikes. Even I'M terrified of the guy.
"Then they have a passing game, between (Ryan) Tannehill and AJ Brown and Jonnu Smith, those guys do a really good job of just going down field," Heyward added, "then you have that with the stifling defense as well. We got our work cut out for us this week."
Their work sure is cut out for them. But if any team can stop the Titans' run game, it's the Steelers defense.
Without Bush.
Spillane, Williams, hybrid Marcus Allen - whoever ends up setting foot on the field will have to give it all they've got.
Next man up. All season long.
Let's see what this team is made of.
#SteelerNation
