PITTSBURGH -- Stocked with top picks. Gradual improvements at every position. Cohesion in the secondary.
The script says this is the proverbial jump year for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense.
Dousing that outlook over a preseason performance is hardly necessary. But with many starters playing most of the first half, the Steelers didn't exactly make a grand statement of defensive improvement during Sunday's 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Three different Falcons quarterbacks combined for 224 first-half passing yards. Yes, four defensive starters were out, but the Steelers looked a step slow to the passing lanes.