The Pittsburgh Steelers defense forced five turnovers, including four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. They forced two fumbles, and recorded seven sacks, holding the defending conference champions to just six points in the first half at home in their season opener.
While the game ended up far closer than that—and indeed, they very nearly lost on multiple occasions, arguably saved by an injury to the Cincinnati Bengals’ long snapper—it never would have even been close if not for the titanic display the defense often put together throughout a 94-snap afternoon for the unit.
“I’m proud of the way that we played”, said Minkah Fitzpatrick, author of the aforementioned pick six, via the team’s social media.