PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are making plenty of big plays on defense this season. Trouble is, the Steelers are giving up plenty of big plays too.
Pittsburgh is in the top 10 in sacks and turnovers forced through the first nine weeks but also 22nd in yards allowed.
Defensive end Cam Heyward took the unit to task following last Sunday’s 38-35 win over Oakland, a game in which the Steelers let a 14-point fourth-quarter lead evaporate. Heyward says the Steelers need to “quit riding the roller coaster” and play with more consistency.
The defense’s margin for error figures to be smaller this weekend against Cleveland. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is unlikely to play due to a left foot injury. Roethlisberger did not practice on Wednesday. Landry Jones will get the start in Roethlisberger’s place.
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