Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Will Win the AFC North and a 1st Round Bye
By Elias Trejo
Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) intercepts a pass in the end-zone intended for/ Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 25-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Defense is Back
The Steelers defense has been playing well as the season has progressed. They held the Patriots in week one to their lowest point total of the season and have not allowed more than 23 points to be scored against them since that game. This all comes during a time when the Steelers offense has struggled to stay on the field and score points themselves. They’ve also played some of the NFL’s top offenses over the last two weeks and have held them in check as they’ve beat both the Chargers and Cardinals.
Once the offense gets back together the defense should see a lot more opportunities to make plays. The Steelers offense with Big Ben is good enough to keep up with any team in the league. This defense should be able to take advantage of early game leads, but they also showed the ability to make plays when needed. Mike Mitchell sealed the game for Pittsburgh when he intercepted Carson Palmer in the end zone late in the game. The Cardinals, who up to this point were averaging 38 points per game, were held to 13 in Pittsburgh.
This defense has seen some pretty good offenses and has done well. Now you give them an offense capable of scoring 30 or more on any given night and this team is dangerous.
Next: Offensive Weapons