The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their defense. With one of the best players in the NFL right now in TJ Watt, Joey Porter Jr. a rising star, and Minkah Fitzpatrick still being one of the top safeties in the league, there is no shortage of talent. However, one player on the New York Jets is not too worried about this stout defense.
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Breece Hall running from the Steelers' defense in 2022.
Breece Hall appeared on the Pivot Podcast and was asked what defenses around the league does he respect or does he just respect them all. He starts by saying he definitely does not respect them all, but once the Steelers were brought up, he had a little something to say about them.
"I got them my rookie year, so I ain't worried about them."
The Steelers' defense has seen major changes since the last time Hall has played Pittsburgh. They've added incredible talent like Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, Patrick Queen, Donte Jackson, DeShon Elliott, Elandon Roberts, and Payton Wilson. The 2022 Steelers saw a linebacker duo of Myles Jack and Devin Bush. They were also missing an important piece that game, their reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year in Watt. Watt tore his pectoral muscle in their Week 1 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals and when Watt is off the field, the Steelers historically struggle with a 1-10 record when he does not suit up.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
The Steelers defense gets a sack against the Cleveland Browns.
It did not stop there. Later in the podcast, Hall doubles down that he is not worried about the Steelers. The Jets are coming back to Pittsburgh in a Week 7 matchup in October and Hall's comments will definitely have the defense more motivated to prove that he should be worried anytime he has to play the Steelers.
"Steelers, I ain't worried about the Steelers."
Hall's only action against the Steelers came in his rookie season in a Week 4 matchup visiting Pittsburgh. Hall finished his day with 17 carries for 66 yards and one touchdown. He also added 2 receptions for just 12 yards in the game. Unfortunately for the Steelers, that one touchdown was the game winner where the Jets escaped with a 24-20 victory and it did not help that Pittsburgh's offense threw multiple interceptions in that game.
The Jets had a disappointing season last year after Aaron Rodgers went down with an Achilles injury in their very first drive of the season against the Buffalo Bills. They are hoping to bounce back and believe that they have a good enough team to compete for a Super Bowl. Hall did not have the sophomore season he had hoped for. He rushed for 994 yards and 5 touchdowns, but did add 76 receptions for 591 yards with 4 touchdowns. Hall only had seven games with at least 50 yards rushing last season as well.
Adam Hunger / AP Photo
New York Jets running back Breece Hall carries the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022
The Steelers Defense Is Ready For Hall
The Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010, while the Steelers have had eight appearances in that time span. Omar Khan has made sure the defense is ready to take on any challenge, including Hall. The Steelers really focused on defending the run in the offseason signing Queen and Elliott. Hall could be in a rude awakening later on in the season when he comes back to Pittsburgh and faces this retooled defense. The Week 7 matchup has become more personal and will be a must watch for many to see if Hall can really back up what he said.
Will Hall have a rude wake up call against this improved Steelers defense, or will he back up what he said on the Pivot Podcast? Let us know in the comments below.
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