Opponent big plays becoming a bigger issue for Steelers defense

Defining a “big play” is up to interpretation.

But over the past eight games, the Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed 15 plays of at least 30 yards, and three touchdowns of at least 70 yards.

Are opponents getting “chunk” plays against the Steelers too often?

“It’s always too often,” defensive coordinator Keith Butler said. “When you give up big plays, it’s always too often. I don’t care if you give up one. It’s too many. We are trying to alleviate that.”

Trace @McSorley_IX to @Primetime_jet for a 70-yard @Ravens touchdown! #RavensFlock

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A 70-yard touchdown pass from third-stringer Trace McSorley to Marquise Brown and a 39-yard scramble by second-stringer Robert Griffin III on Wednesday were the latest plays of at least 30 yards the Steelers have allowed this season.

The explosive plays by opponents put a damper on the fact the Steelers lead the AFC in yardage allowed (298.9 per game).

For basis of comparison, over this span of seven games in which opponents have recorded 15 plays of 30-plus yards and three plays of 70-plus, the Steelers offense has recorded just eight and zero, respectively, of either.

#Steelers defense starting to break? A.J. Brown takes a slant to the house, 73 yards.pic.twitter.com/kNEujIIVPu

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Compounding the issue is the season-ending injury to Bud Dupree, one of the Steelers’ best pass-rushers. Pressuring opposing quarterbacks is an effective antidote in preventing big plays.

“We are going to get better,” Butler said. “We are going to continue to get better back there, but in order to get better, we are going to have to continue to keep pressure on the quarterback. Hopefully we will.”

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