Steelers rookie LB credits D-line for allowing him 'to float to the ball'

The Steelers defense has been getting after opposing offenses to start the 2024 season.

Through three games, Pittsburgh is allowing the fewest total yards per game (229.7) and points per game (8.7) in the league while also bringing down opposing quarterbacks nine times.

A big reason for the Steelers dominance is their defensive front, which includes stars like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig.

Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson says they are making the jobs of everyone else much easier.

"I was talking to Cam the other day and I told him that I've never played behind a defensive line like this," Wilson said . "Those guys are not only taking up the whole offensive line but they're making plays while they're doing that. It's an amazing feeling, and when you're able to float to the ball and not have any O-linemen touch you, it says a lot about your D-line."

Having that type of dominant play in front of Wilson, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is invaluable as he finds his footing in the NFL.

It will prove to be just that once again this week when Pittsburgh goes on the road to take on the Indianapolis Colts (1-2), who are led by dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has already rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown this season.

"A big athlete at quarterback. Definitely gonna have to defend that, Wilson added . "Most of the time, you don't really have to account for the quarterback in the run game, but this week we do."

Wilson could play a key role in containing Richardson as a quarterback spy. The Steelers would be smart to take advantage of Wilson's 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed .

Richardson isn't the only one Pittsburgh will have to keep an eye on, though, as running back Jonathan Taylor has proven to be a real threat, too, with 261 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the year.

"That's our identity. We don't want people running the ball on us. That's something we take a lot of pride in," Wilson finished . "He's an elite back, so just tackling him, gang tackling and getting him to the ground is a big key for us."

Stopping the Colts ground game will prove to be challenging, but the Steelers believe they have the upper hand thanks to their difference makers up front.

Following Pittsburgh's third straight win of the season on Sunday, Heyward had an interesting comparison for their defensive line.

"We're a pack of hyenas," Heyward said . "You dangle a little bit of meat and everybody just wants a piece. Guys are just hungry to get the sack first."

Seems like a fair assessment so far.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.