close

Steelers make point of creating turnovers

4 min read
article image -

LATROBE – Defenses are typically measured by the total number of points or yards allowed.

But there is one statistic that might be more important than either of those – turnovers forced.

The top 10 teams forcing turnovers in 2014 finished the season with a combined record of 94-64-1. The bottom 10? They went a combined 59-101.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the exceptions. The Steelers went 11-5 last season despite ranking in the bottom 10 in forced turnovers with 21.

That’s where Cortez Allen might make a difference – or so the Steelers hope.

Over the past three seasons, the Steelers faced more than 1,600 pass attempts. Yet during that span, they have just 31 interceptions.

Allen accounted for six of those interceptions, the most of any one player, including two last season. And despite being benched in 2014, he’s a big part of what the Steelers feel can be a much better defense this season.

“You can’t tote last year’s baggage,” said head coach Mike Tomlin of Allen, who returned to practice at Saint Vincent College Saturday after having been given the previous two days off because of swelling in his knee.

“We’re 0-0 as a team and personally.”

It’s a reason why the team traded a conditional fifth-round draft pick next year Saturday night for cornerback Brandon Boykin, who had six interceptions in 2013.

Allen struggled in 2014 after getting a five-year, $26-million contract the day before the regular season opened. He had issues with penalties, drawing nine flags in his seven starts before he was benched. He eventually ended the season on injured reserve because of a thumb injury suffered in practice.

The Steelers still like Allen’s ability to make plays. And most of his issues came when he had his back turned to the quarterback last season.

First-year defensive coordinator Keith Butler’s emphasis on defensive backs playing in zone coverage should put Allen and the Steelers’ other cornerbacks in position to create more turnovers.

“That’s one thing that coach Butler has been stressing to us, keeping our eyes on the quarterback, being able to break on the long arm motion of the quarterback, that’s one thing he’s really stressed to us in training camp and OTAs,” said cornerback B.W. Webb. “If we do that, we should definitely get our hands on a lot of balls.”

It’s not something new. Former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau always stressed turnovers as well. But for whatever reason, they haven’t happened. The Steelers’ defense has not accounted for more than 11 interceptions in a season since 2010.

Butler hopes changes in defensive philosophy, including playing more of a Cover-2 style with both safeties deep and more zone coverage, will help.

“It’s going to be a big part of what we do, but it won’t be the only thing we do,” Butler told Steelers Nation Radio of the cover-2 style Tomlin employed as an assistant coach at both Tampa Bay and Minnesota.

“We’re going to do some of the things we did last year. Some things will be a bit different. The Cover-2 part of it will be there, too, to help us out. But we’re going to do a lot of different things.”

The Steelers spent three draft picks on players in their secondary this year, taking cornerbacks Senquez Golson and Doran Grant in rounds two and four, and safety Gerod Holliman in the seventh round.

But it might be the play of Allen that is most critical.

“There are going to be ups and downs,” Allen admitted. “You take that and you learn from it and keep going.”

Allen has performed well thus far at training camp. He’s had with several interceptions and multiple break-ups.

“I think he continues to really show that he’s got the ability there that we can really use,” said Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake. “I’m looking for that to carry over into the season.”

A number of veterans were given the day off Saturday, including linebacker James Harrison, defensive linemen Cam Heyward and Steve McLendon, safety Mike Mitchell, tight end Matt Spaeth, guard Ramon Foster and running back DeAngelo Williams. … Wide receivers Markus Wheaton (sore knee) and Martavis Bryant (elbow) were also given the day off. … Safety Ross Ventrone (ankle) remains out. … Linebacker Ryan Shazier left early with a lower back injury, while running back Ross Scheuerman was taken off on a cart with an Achilles’ tendon injury. Neither is considered serious. … The Steelers will practice at 2:55 p.m. today. It is open to the public.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today