The Steelers are not a dominant defense by any stretch of the imagination. Keith Butler’s unit won’t remind anyone of the 2008 defense that led the NFL in total defense and scoring defense when it allowed 237 yards and 13.9 points per game. This defense is giving up 111 more yards and almost six more points per game than that famed unit.
But Butler’s defense is leading the league in a very important category that has contributed greatly to the three-game winning streak that has vaulted the Steelers back into playoff contention. They are No. 1 in the NFL in red-zone defense.