PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t spending a lot of time feeling sorry for themselves as the season reaches its midway point.
The defending AFC North champions are just 4-4 heading into Sunday’s game against Oakland (4-3). Injuries have taken a major toll on the offense, with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missing a month with a sprained left knee and running back Le’Veon Bell done for the year after tearing a ligament in his right knee.
The Steelers planned to rely on a high-powered offense but will now have to lean on a rapidly maturing defense. Pittsburgh is fifth in points allowed and sacks, proof new coordinator Keith Butler’s aggressive approach is paying dividends.
Defensive end Cam Heyward says the defense welcomes the pressure on its back.
___