The Pittsburgh Steelers currently trail the New England Patriots 10-3 at halftime of their Week 2 matchup. No one expected the offense to be the strength of the team heading into the season, but the start to Sunday's game was rather embarrassing for Matt Canada's group. As what will be the case for a majority of the year, the poor offensive performance meant the defense had to step up again in the first half. Without star pass rusher, T.J. Watt, the defense held their own and have kept the team in the game thus far. That doesn't mean they look the same without Watt, however.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) participates during 2022 training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The strong start for the defense began after Mitch Trubisky threw an interception on the Patriots' 39-yard line. New England was only able to run three plays and Minkah Fitzpatrick came up with an interception to bring the momentum back in Pittsburgh's direction. When the organization put Watt on IR, it was understood that it would be a next man up approach and a bunch of guys were going to have to step up. That's what happened for the majority of the first half, but Watt's ability to get to the quarterback was missed.
The sacks and splash plays that Watt provides weren't really there. While it's impossible to replace Watt and what he brings to the field each game day, the lack of pass rush was certainly concerning. Newcomer, Malik Reed had a nice pressure on a third down and DeMarvin Leal did a great job breaking up a screen pass late in the second quarter on what usually would be Watt's side. Other than that, however, the defense only had two QB hits and allowed 183 yards of total offense.
It was surprising to see New England pretty much abandon the run after a strong start on the ground, but Mac Jones had all the time in the world to throw the football and aside from his interception, he flat out beat the Steelers defense, especially at the end of the second quarter. He found Nelson Agholor for a 44-yard touchdown pass for the first touchdown with :22 left in the first half.
Steelers defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin | Credit: Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
After seven sacks last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, the defense had none in the first half against the Patriots. No one is complaining about only allowing 10 points, but with an offense that has trouble moving the football, it could be a long month or so with Watt on the sidelines. There is a certain amount of attention he receives leading up to games for opposing offenses that New England and other upcoming opponents won't have to focus on before or during the game. It makes preparing much easier.
The Steelers successes in 2022 will more often than not occur because of the defense. Giving up just 10 points is a great first half, but the pass rush needs to come from somewhere. Without it, a whole element of the playmaking talent that the Steelers possess aside from Watt is eliminated.
Do you think the defense is adjusting without Watt on the field? Let us know in the comments below!
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