[ad_1]
In their history, the Steelers have produced some of the best defenses the NFL has ever seen, but this year’s unit could surpass them all, at least statistically.
Heading into Week 13, the Steelers’ defense leads the NFL in three key categories: they have the most sacks (41), the most points to take (23) and they have also surrendered the fewest points ( 188). The reason that is notable is that since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, no defense has ever finished the season as a leader in these three categories. For the tusks, this is basically the triple crown.
To give you an idea of how difficult it is to lead the NFL in all of these three categories, just consider this: only three teams even reached December being ranked first in each of those categories, and they are considered three. best of all time: 1985 Bears, 2000 Ravens and 2017 Jaguars. The Bears and Ravens won the Super Bowl while the Jaguars defended their defense until the AFC title game before lose to Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Here’s how each of those defenses ended up in each category:
1985 Bear: This is widely regarded as the greatest defense of all time, but even the Bears haven’t led the NFL in all three categories. After the 1985 season ended, the Bears were ranked number one in takeout and they also gave up the fewest points in the NFL, but they didn’t finish the year as the leaders of the bag. Led by Richard Dent, who totaled 17 sacks high in the NFL, the Bears racked up a total of 64 sacks in 1985. However, that was only good for third place as the Giants (68) and Raiders have. both ended with plus (65).
Result: Gave the fewest points, first in take-out, second in bags.
2000 Ravens: Like the 1985 Bears, the Ravens finished the season as a leader in two of those three bars, but they couldn’t quite finish the sweep. Although the Ravens placed first in takeout while dropping the fewest points, they did not end the year with the top of the sack. In 2000, if the Ravens were struggling with one thing, it was sacking the opposing quarterback. Baltimore has registered just 35 sacks this season, which ranked 22nd in the NFL and placed them well behind the Saints, who led the league with 66.
Result: Gave the fewest points, first in take-out, 22nd in bags.
Jaguars 2017: While the Jaguars didn’t complete the sweep, they ended up finishing second in all three categories. In the sack department, the Jaguars finished with 55, which left them one behind the Steelers, who led the league with 56. The Steelers actually racked up six sacks in their regular season finale, which allowed them to steal the title sack in Jacksonville. Ironically, the Jaguars and Steeler ended up meeting in the playoffs that year and Jacksonville won a game where they sacked Ben Roethlisberger twice while giving up zero sacks. As for the points awarded, the Jaguars have yielded 268 over the season, which finished second behind the Vikings, who have yielded only 252 points. The Jaguars also had 33 takeaways over the year, which put them behind the Ravens, who had 34.
Result: Gave the second fewest points, second for takeout, second for bags.
As for the Steelers, it’s not that crazy to think they could be the first team to win the defensive triple crown. They have 23 takeaways over the year, which leads the NFL by three. To lose this lead, the Steelers will have to slow their pace or the second place team (Tampa Bay) will have to take things in hand. With the Buccaneers farewell this week, the Steelers could actually extend their lead in the turnover department if they can force a few against Washington.
At the end of the points, the Steelers have given up only 188 points over the season, which places them comfortably ahead of the Dolphins (205), Ravens (214) and Rams (215). Of the Steelers’ last five opponents, three – Cleveland, Cincinnati and Washington – rank in the bottom half of the league in points.
The Steelers also lead the NFL in the sacks, but that could be the hardest part to win. In 12 weeks the Steelers have 41 sacks, five more than anyone else, but the problem here is that they just lost Bud Dupree for the season. Dupree finished second on the team with eight sacks and he won’t be easy to replace. That being said, the Bengals gave up the second-most sacks in the NFL and Washington gave up the third, so there are definitely a few games on their remaining schedule where the Steelers should be able to improve their stats.
Basically the Steelers are about to make history and it’s not too crazy to think that the 2020 version of the Steel Curtain can succeed.
[ad_2]
Source link