YardRat
09-16-2007, 06:38 AM
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07259/817701-66.stm
The Steelers will wear throwback uniforms against the Buffalo Bills today to help kick-start their 75th anniversary celebration. But, make no mistake, they are not going back in time with the latest wrinkle in their defensive package.
Yes, the Steelers have gone back to using a four-man front in their defense, something they unveiled in last week's season-opening victory in Cleveland. But, no, it's not a return to the Steel Curtain days of Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes, L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White.
Rather, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has introduced another facet to the Steelers' dime defense, employing four linemen and only one linebacker to go with six defensive backs in third-down situations.
The concept is designed to discourage teams from spreading the field with multiple receivers and then trying to run the ball -- something the Cincinnati Bengals routinely try to do against the Steelers. The Steelers used the new formation 13 times against the Browns, and are prepared to use it again if the Bills try to use four wide receivers and run rookie Marshawn Lynch from that formation.
The Steelers will wear throwback uniforms against the Buffalo Bills today to help kick-start their 75th anniversary celebration. But, make no mistake, they are not going back in time with the latest wrinkle in their defensive package.
Yes, the Steelers have gone back to using a four-man front in their defense, something they unveiled in last week's season-opening victory in Cleveland. But, no, it's not a return to the Steel Curtain days of Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes, L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White.
Rather, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has introduced another facet to the Steelers' dime defense, employing four linemen and only one linebacker to go with six defensive backs in third-down situations.
The concept is designed to discourage teams from spreading the field with multiple receivers and then trying to run the ball -- something the Cincinnati Bengals routinely try to do against the Steelers. The Steelers used the new formation 13 times against the Browns, and are prepared to use it again if the Bills try to use four wide receivers and run rookie Marshawn Lynch from that formation.