Steelers vs. Jets: Coordinators Comments
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 43-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The team shined on all three phases of the game and the coordinators sat down to talk a little bit about what went right, what went wrong, and what they’re working on for the Jets.
It’s hard to pick which unit had the better turnaround considering how lopsided both games were in either direction but the defense had a significant bump in their quarterback pressures. If a team’s success is measured on how they respond to adversity then this is definitely a good sign.
Defensive coordinator Keith Butler spoke to Missi Matthews about how important it is to prepare each week with the same level of intensity regardless of who the upcoming opponent is.
Butler also noted that while the 43-14 win was a commanding one, it’s not perfect and they can always do better.
Linebacker Vince Williams had a lot of success stepping in for the injured Ryan Shazier and Butler attributes his performance to his being a “big mouth” and being able to communicate effectively with everyone on the field.
It looks like Williams will have to keep up the big mouth again this week as it’s not looking likely that Shazier will return to face the Jets.
When it comes to having to prepare for the offenses they’ll face, Butler reminds us that they have to go up against the likes of Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown in practice and training camp. In that case there’s no one that should really scare them at all, right?
Special Teams
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas (29) and inside linebacker Vince Williams (98) kneel down in preparation of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to special teams that particular unit has been rather solid so far this year aside from the blocked kick in Philly. Danny Smith is hesitant to call out any particular players on how well or not they’re performing but he was asked about the performance of Shamarko Thomas.
This is important because with the injury to safety Robert Golden the defense went with Jordan Dangerfield instead of Thomas. Thomas is in the final year of his rookie contract and has just not performed to the degree that he was expected to as far as the safety position.
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On special teams, however, that’s a different story. Smith explains why Thomas is actually leading the NFL in special teams tackles.
We’ll have to see if Thomas’ special teams contributions will be enough to get another contract. It worked for Robert Golden.
Offense
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates (14) carries the ball as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) defends during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The offense looks like the freight train has officially left the station and the only thing that can take these guys down are injuries. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley talks about the improvement to receiver Sammie Coates while he becomes more than just the deep ball threat.
I have to admit, though, I do love me a good deep ball.
You can’t help but step back and appreciate the orchestra that Todd Haley and Ben Roethlisberger have assembled with this offense. You could hear it in Ben’s own comments after the last game how much he enjoys spreading the ball out and getting guys like Jesse James and DeAngelo Williams touchdowns.
The level of trust between Roethlisberger and Haley spills over onto the field and you can see how the relationships between the quarterback and each of the players on the offense is different but important.
That level of trust is going to be super important this week as they deal with more injuries along the offensive line. Like I said before, the only thing that can stop this freight train is injuries and I can’t help but believe that as long as the “Killer B’s” are healthy there’s no stopping them.