The Pittsburgh Steelers were never in a good position two weeks ago in their loss to the Cleveland Browns, and they ultimately ended up losing 21-7. Things could have gone differently in the past two games, as well. They trailed 7-3 against the Cincinnati Bengals at the half, and 10-0 midway through the second against the Browns yesterday.
Obviously it fell upon the offense to get things jumpstarted, but the defense tamping down and shutting things out as the game wore on was key in both of those victories. It’s something that has become a part of the unit’s identity, understanding that it’s expected of them week in and week out to play lights-out football in crunch time.