The Pittsburgh Steelers’ blitz plan is working. Not a moment too soon. If Pittsburgh is to beat the Houston Texans Monday night, the Steelers’ offense will need to contain the Texans’ excellent rush. But Pittsburgh’s defense must get home, too. This includes the core linemen and EDGE rushers, of course, especially with T.J. Watt’s return.
Manufactured pressure is still an element of this defense. Of any defense. When you blitz, you’re banking on the rush getting home. Obviously. Pittsburgh hasn’t always succeeded in doing so this season. But it’s working at the right time.
Below is a chart of the Steelers’ weekly pressure rate off blitzes.