Bringing the pressure: The Steelers pass rush put plenty of pressure on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye on Sunday, coming up with five sacks.
It’s something they have been aiming for all season and to have it come to fruition was something that got them going early.
“It was big,” said linebacker Payton Wilson. “Obviously, that’s kind of the identity we live behind here. Win early, get them to a pass down situation and let them pin their ears back and hopefully get some splash for us.
“Whether that’s a sack, whether that’s pressure and so we get a pick, it was big-time.
“It was really cool to get back to the identity here. Win on first down, get some sacks, make some splash plays. That’s kind of the identity around here. It was really good. Obviously, some things to clean up still, but it’s trending in the right direction.”
The defense also played stronger against the run, with ‘smashing the run’ the theme they have taken to heart week in and week out.
“That’s what we’ve been preaching,” said Wilson. “Everybody just do their job, be in their gap, play their assignment. Everybody was definitely more locked in on it.
“We’ve given up a lot of rush yards in the past two games, but just continuing to be assignment sound, focusing on it throughout the week. And when we get there, just executing it, not talking about it all week and kind of just letting it dwindle away, just continuing to execute.”
The key this week will be putting it all together on a schedule that will differ from what they have become accustomed to with a game in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
While it could disrupt a player’s schedule, Wilson said the preparation they take throughout the year should help battle that.
“I think Coach Mike Tomlin, when we’re in training camp, does a good job of switching venue, or switching routine, because he knows that stuff like this presents itself,” said Wilson. “So, I don’t think it changes too much.
“Obviously, the long flight. But when we get there, we’ve got to practice. We got to treat it the same way, like where we’re back at home and prepare and go out there and get a W.”
Wilson said he looks forward to the opportunity, which will be a huge change for him.
“I’ve never been out of the country,” said Wilson. “So, this will be my first time. It’s a dream come true. It’s surreal to be able to travel across the country, go to battle with these guys that you love here, that you fight with every day. It’s going to be pretty cool.”