One of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ priorities for this season was to increase their takeaways.
It’s extremely early — but so far, so good in that department.
For the second consecutive day at organized team activities, the Steelers first-team defense intercepted Ben Roethlisberger during the “seven shots” drill that traditionally opens the team portion of every practice.
Joe Haden is focused on creating more turnovers. pic.twitter.com/YOAarioL2F
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 22, 2019
That means that among eight 2-point conversion-style plays between the first-team offense and first-team defense so far, two were intercepted. It was cornerback Joe Haden on Tuesday and safety Terrell Edmunds on Wednesday.
Not bad considering the Steelers intercepted just eight of their opponents’ 566 passes last season.
“I think that’s one of the reasons why they brought me in,” newly signed cornerback Steven Nelson said Wednesday, “because I did have a few interceptions (four last season for Kansas City). But they have been preaching not just to me but this whole group — this whole offseason — turnovers are big.”
It’s only just past halftime. And the Cheez-It Bowl has almost as many interceptions in it (7) than the Steelers entire defense has in 15 games this season (8)
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 27, 2018
Nelson said he has been getting first-team reps at outside cornerback across from Haden.
“Yeah, man, it’s fun. It’s a great atmosphere,” Nelson said of workouts with the Steelers. “And to see turnovers early, that’s a good thing.”
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