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15 hours ago
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Coming off two straight losses in which both sides of the ball have struggled, the arrow is not pointing up for the Pittsburgh Steelers right now as they prepare for a Week 17 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
The offense has struggled mightily without wide receiver George Pickens, and the defense hasn't been any better, as the injury-plagued secondary has been exposed when Pittsburgh's pass-rush isn't getting pressure.
During the latest episode of his "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast, the Steelers legend said the pass defense makes him "incredibly nervous" after what we've seen the last two games. Big Ben rightly notes how injuries have played a role in the unit's struggles.
"Our passing defense makes me incredibly nervous. Maybe not nervous — scared," he said. "If we can't get pressure on the quarterback, I don't know that we can cover on the back end. A lot of that's due to injuries, but it just makes me so nervous in the passing game."
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In Week 15, the Steelers surrendered 290 passing yards and two touchdowns to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Then, in Week 16, Baltimore Ravens signal-caller Lamar Jackson threw for three touchdowns, although he had just 207 passing yards in total.
Nevertheless, things have not been up to snuff on the back end lately, something that can be attributed to injuries. Safety and key slot defender DeShon Elliott has missed the last two games, cornerback Donte Jackson exited Week 15 early and didn't play versus the Ravens, and Joey Porter Jr. exited Saturday's game early.
Thankfully, the Steelers look set to get Elliott and Jackson back, but Porter Jr. may not be able to suit up against the Chiefs on Wednesday, which would leave a major void on the boundary for Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger's concern is certainly valid, especially when you look at some of the passing attacks the Steelers might have to get through in the playoffs, one of which they'll be facing this week.
But Pittsburgh's defense will be fine if the unit can enter the playoffs fully healthy. Assuming Porter Jr.'s injury isn't a multi-week problem and the Steelers don't lose anyone else between now and the playoffs, Pittsburgh is on track to be 100% healthy in the secondary when it matters most.
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