It all makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? An undrafted rookie quarterback from Samford beating back-to-back No. 1 overall picks.
Well, that’s what it has come down to for Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The Steelers fourth-string quarterback has managed to beat both Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray in back-to-back weeks.
And he has yet to lose as a starter in the NFL.
Now he may face his most difficult test to date in the Buffalo Bills defense next week.
In this week’s “Feats of Strength” after a 23-17 Steelers win in Arizona, we start with the Duck. But the accomplishments go well beyond him.
Quack attack
Hodges had his unfortunate moments during the win in Arizona.
He fumbled once. That second-and-goal throw late in the game to stop the clock was awful. And he only totaled 152 yards through the air against a bad Arizona pass defense.
But, largely, how can you complain?
Hodges went 16-of-19 and didn’t get intercepted. He’s managing the game and is starting to make throws into tight windows and take some chances when they need to be taken.
Not only is the Duck “not killing” them. He’s keeping them alive.
Team turnover
In one year, the Steelers have gone from “Team Turmoil” to “Team Turnover.”
The Cardinals came in allowing the third fewest turnovers in the league with nine. But the Steelers got three Sunday.
Two came from Joe Haden.
Sealing the deal once again!!@joehaden23 + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/7rcQaBKVvv
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 9, 2019
He now has three interceptions in the last two weeks. The Steelers’ 33 takeaways are the best in football. They also forced a Murray fumble, but the Steelers didn’t recover.
Murray hasn’t lost a fumble all year.
Diontae's day
Diontae Johnson had a bad game last week. He only had one catch on five targets against the Browns and was part of a miscommunication on an interception.
He was fabulous against the Cardinals, though.
His 85-yard punt return touchdown was the biggest play of the game.
85 yards TO THE HOUSE!!@Juiceup__3 + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/ceVz05jvxr
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 8, 2019
He also had a clutch 18-yard reverse and six catches for 60 yards, including a touchdown.
With JuJu Smith-Schuster still on the shelf thanks to a knee injury, Johnson’s emergence is crucial to any future they may have.
Pass rush
The Steelers pass rush was fierce again.
That was to be expected. The Cardinals are poor at pass protection. Murray came in with 41 sacks, the most of any quarterback in football.
But the pressure was relentless Sunday. The Steelers totaled five sacks.
Make it 10.5 sacks on the season for Bud Dupree. He got 2 today now. Here's both.pic.twitter.com/aEIqScdHPf
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 8, 2019
The Steelers now lead the NFL in sacks with 48. Also, when Murray broke the pocket and tried to run, he was contained to just two yards for the afternoon.
Red zone defense
The Steelers red zone defense came up large twice.
T.J. Watt had an end zone interception.
TURN DOWN FOR WATT!!@_TJWatt + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/h8hWHfo7Bk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 8, 2019
And the “D” forced a field goal after Benny Snell’s fumble.
Over the last three weeks, the Steelers have only allowed an average of 14.7 points, the fifth best in football.
Unfortunately, the Bills have only allowed an average of 12.7, second behind the Baltimore Ravens.
If you want points next Sunday night, look elsewhere!
