Steelers’ Elite Defense Makes Them Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders

The Pittsburgh Steelers tightened their hold over the AFC North with a dominant 27-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 14.

After their recent win, the Steelers are two games ahead of the Baltimore Ravens, with a 10-3 record. In a game where the offense struggled, with Russell Wilson only passing for 158 yards and the run game averaging 3.4 yards per carry, the defense stepped up big. Pittsburgh’s defense intercepted Jameis Winston twice in the game while recording three sacks and seven tackles for a loss.

The Steelers’ defense makes the team a legitimate Super Bowl Contender, especially with the return of linebacker Alex Highsmith, according to Bleacher Report’s NFL Staff.

“Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense got off to a slow start. However, Pittsburgh’s defense set the tone early and gave Wilson and Co. time to find a rhythm. The Steelers defense welcomed back pass-rusher Alex Highsmith on its first series. Pittsburgh’s defense continued to make plays throughout the game.”

“Highsmith’s individual numbers (3 tackles, 1 sack) weren’t eye-popping, and it’s not as if Pittsburgh’s defense was awful without him. Of course, all three of the Steelers’ losses did come in games in which he was inactive. However, Highsmith takes the defense from great to elite when he’s available. And when the Steelers defense plays like it did Sunday, the team must be considered a legitimate Super Bowl threat in the AFC.”

Pittsburgh’s elite defense allows the fifth-fewest points per game (18.3) and seventh-fewest yards per game (310.2). It is promising to see the Steelers’ defense shine after the offense’s slow start. Pittsburgh is one of the hottest teams in the league and has the potential to make a deep playoff run this season.

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