Blitzburgh Bop

[Photo source: NPC]

I have to admit, I’m obsessed and madly in love with the Steelers’ defense.

The success of this complex and unpredictable 3-4 zone blitz, designed by the masterful Dick LeBeau, starts with the nosetackle. If there was a photo in the dictionary of an immovable object, it would be of Casey Hampton - 6’ 1” and 325lbs of uncompromising man-meat. He has the critical responsibility of filling both the A-gaps: taking on not two but sometimes three linemen at a time.

With Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel also doing an excellent job on the line at both ends, the Steelers’ high-octane defense is put into gear as the four linebackers are free to mix up coverage and go after the opposing quarterback. The tandem of James Harrison, the Defensive Player of the Year, and Lamar Woodley on the outside has been more than disruptive - they’re dominating games with their 27.5 combined league-leading sacks. Inside, Larry Foote has been a do-it-all tackler and James Farrior, the unsung leader of this D, is having another Pro Bowl year.

Past playoff failures against teams that can spread the ball, e.g., Tom Brady and the Patriots, exposed the Steelers’ ineptitude in defending 4- and 5-receiver sets. What makes this defense better than previous incarnations is the relentless penetration of the linebackers. Opposing quarterbacks often have little to no time to react, which gives the much-improved secondary relief in coverage and let’s them play aggresive on passing routes.

They are allowing a league-low 156.9 yards per game through the air. Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden are solid and Ike Taylor is becoming one of the premier shut-down corners in the league. Free safety Ryan Clark is often left out of the discussion, but he is doing a stellar job at anchoring the defense - the Steelers give up the least amount of big plays over twenty yards. No disrespect to Bob Sanders, but Troy Polamalu has been the best strong safety in the league this year: he defends the run and pass to perfection. This play is just ridiculous.

The Steelers came close to becoming the first team to lead the NFL in rushing defense, passing defense, total defense and scoring defense. If the Giants decided not to sit out Brandon Jacobs (he’s a beast, by the way) for the last game of the season, the Steelers would have set the record by beating the Vikings in allowing the least rushing yards.

When Sunday comes around, it will be a joy to watch this defense back in action. Ruthless, stingy, hard-hitting, smart - call it whatever you want; it’s simply a thing of beauty.

Now let’s see if the offense holds up their end of the bargain.