The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to be good this year, but I don’t think many had them at 11-0 as week 13 was approaching. They’ve done it with a balanced offensive attack. Pittsburgh runs the ball well and having a healthy Ben Roethlisberger also makes a huge difference. On the other hand, the defense has been on a roll this year. From Minkah Fitzpatrick making plays in the secondary to T.J. Watt in the front seven. Bud Dupree has also been having a solid year for the Steelers. Unfortunately, his season came to an end on Wednesday after tearing his ACL on a non-contact play.
Bud has become a key part of this Steelers defense, especially in the front seven. Off the edge, he’s extremely quick when the football is snapped. His first step is lethal and he has the speed to maneuver his way into the pocket. He doesn’t only apply pressure or get the sack, this is a guy who wants to punch the ball out meaning he’s trying his best to force a turnover. Bud is also consistent in getting after the ball-carrier. Mobile quarterbacks don’t stand much of a chance getting by him unless he’s blocked. The motor he plays with is incredible. Even when the quarterback is flushed out the pocket, he will run after him until he can get to him.
Along with T.J. Watt, they have become one of the best defensive tandems in the NFL today. This is another tough loss for the Steelers defense because when you chip and barricade T.J., you then have to worry about Bud on the other side. The Steelers have already lost Devin Bush for the year to a torn ACL. Now, the next man must step up for this defense. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
