PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, left, runs away from San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick after he intercepted a pass by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in the first half of the NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. The Steelers won 11-10.(AP)
How many Steelers defensive players should go to the Pro Bowl this year?
Given the potential historical significance of this season for the Steelers' top-ranked defense, there should be a minimum of five players -- including four with Pro Bowls already on their resumes: defensive end Aaron Smith, outside linebacker James Harrison, inside linebacker and defensive captain James Farrior and strong safety Troy Polamalu.
The first-time Pro Bowl member should be cornerback Ike Taylor, who doesn't have an interception, which seems to be the unofficial prerequisite for a cornerback to make the Pro Bowl. However, Taylor's ability to defend half of the field while taking on the opponent's top receiver has produced numerous "coverage" sacks. In 10 games this season, Taylor has allowed only one touchdown reception.
In fact, Harrison's second-quarter sack resulting in a safety in the Steelers' 11-10 win over San Diego was the result of Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson being unable to get open against Taylor, which forced quarterback Philip Rivers to hold the ball too long.
"There are 10 other guys on the field," Harrison told reporters after the game. "I just happened to be the guy that got to the quarterback."
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley (56) and James Harrison (92) tackle San Diego Chargers offensive tackle Marcus McNeill after he recovered a fumble by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in the end zone in the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. A safety was called.
The Steelers are trying to become the first team since the 1991 Eagles to lead the NFL in total defense, passing defense and run defense. Not only do the Steelers lead the league in all three categories, they're also tied for first with 36 sacks and are second in points allowed per game (15.0).
Since 1991, a total of 11 teams have led the NFL in at least two of those defensive categories in a season. That includes the Steelers in 2001 and 2004. Both times, the Steelers lost to New England in the AFC Championship Game.
The defensive numbers the Steelers are producing have been staggering when you consider they're playing what is considered the NFL's most difficult schedule.
Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers), Brandon Jacobs (Giants), Clinton Portis (Redskins), Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars), Joseph Addai (Colts) and Brian Westbrook (Eagles) averaged only 33.1 yards per game and 2.09 yards per carry with a total of one touchdown against the Steelers this season.
Quarterbacks Peyton Manning (Colts), Eli Manning (Giants), Rivers, Donovan McNabb (Eagles), David Garrard (Jacksonville) and Jason Campbell (Redskins) averaged 205.7 passing yards per game while completing 57.2 percent. They combined for a total of six touchdowns and five interceptions against the Steelers.
"Our goal is to stop the run," Harrison said. "We try to make you one-dimensional."
Ten games down, six to go, for the league's top defense to continue making its case as one of the best in NFL history.
John Harris is a sports writer for the Tribune-Review. He can be reached at jharris@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
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