NFL NEWS

Steelers’ defense gaining territory on the ground

The Sports Xchange

November 18, 2015 at 1:18 pm.

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-9. Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-9. Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH — By limiting the Cleveland Browns to 15 yards rushing last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers improved to fifth in the league in rushing defense. Through 10 games they are allowing 93 yards per game.

It’s been an up and down season for the Steelers in terms of stopping the run. They’ve done great against some of the top rushing teams in the league and struggled in other games, including games against Kansas City and Oakland, when they allowed 138 and 139 yards, respectively, on the ground.

“Too many games over 100 yards,” defensive end Cam Heyward said. “I think we’re trending in the right direction, but it has to be more consistent. We can’t have one week off and one week on. We have to do it for longer periods of time.

“I’d like to see the 15 yards a game throughout the year, but that’s not going to happen too often. If we can get more of those performances, we’ll be all right.”

Before falling on harder times in recent years, the Steelers led the league in rushing defense on an almost annual basis. In 2010, they were first in the league when opponents rushed for only 62 yards per game.

“I remember there were times teams would quit running the running plays because they knew they weren’t getting anything,” Heyward said. “That’s what we’re trying to get back to. We just have to get more consistent.”

–In order to have a bend but don’t break defense that is effective, the defensive unit must have an ability to come up with big plays in the red zone. The Steelers have done that this season.

While the Steelers are ranked 22nd in yards allowed (371.4 per game), they are fifth in points allowed (19.1 per game). Much of that has to do with improved red-zone defense and some timely turnovers.

The Steelers are 10th in the NFL in red zone defense after finishing 19th last season. Opponents are converting red zone possessions into touchdowns on 51.5 percent of their opportunities.

The Steelers allowed 342 yards to the Browns but only surrendered one touchdown. Safety Mike Mitchell intercepted a pass by Johnny Manziel at the two-yard line to end one scoring threat, one of several interceptions near their goal line or in the end zone this season.

“It’s very important because if you keep an offense out of the end zone you tend to win the game,” cornerback Antwon Blake said. “We practice those scenarios a lot.

“When we get down in the red zone there’s nothing foreign to us. I don’t want to say we prefer it, but we don’t shy away from it. It’s comfortable for us down there. We focus on making plays.”

–Lawrence Timmons joined the fourth Steeler linebacker to record 30 sacks and intercept 10 passes in their careers. Timmons joined Joey Porter, Greg Lloyd and Mike Merriweather.

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