The Pittsburgh Steelers looked like they were sure to have one of the best defenses in the league back in week one. The seven weeks that have followed told a different story. You all know what the difference was: the absence of T.J. Watt, who suffered a pectoral injury late in the season opener.
As great as he is—and he’s truly arguably the best defender in all of football—no one player should account for the difference in a unit that we have seen from week one to the past seven. The talent could be better, but ultimately, says defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, that falls at his feet.