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Young guns Solid play of defense impresses newcomer von Oelhoffen
LATROBE, Pa. (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense may have grabbed the headlines with 38 points against Dallas, including 31 in the second quarter, but new defensive coordinator Tim Lewis is quietly encouraged by his players' performance. Pittsburgh beat Dallas 38-10, partly because of the Cowboys' five turnovers, on Sunday night. "They played with a lot of emotion and enthusiasm, which we've asked them to do, and they played good fundamental football," Lewis said about the defense. "They did a good job. The players have been given us a good effort since we've been in camp, and the coaches have been working hard, too." Since free agency began, NFL teams have had difficultly building depth, and the Steelers are no exception. The defense had to cope with the defections of players such as Chad Brown, Rod Woodson and Carnell Lake. This year's defense is believed to be the deepest the team has had in years.
Second-line players such as cornerbacks Deshea Townsend and Lance Brown, linebackers Clark Haggans and John Fiala and lineman Al Lucas helped the dominate the second quarter at Dallas, defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen said. "I was real proud of the young guys," von Oelhoffen said. "A lot of times, they can be frustrating, but these young guys that they brought in were hustling and using their hands. They did a real good job. I was surprised and impressed, so it's looking pretty good." Lewis doesn't think the Dallas game would be the peak performance for the Steelers defense this season. "It's not necessarily ever easy, but it's a good start," Lewis said. "Our package is basically in, but we'll start doing a little more game-planning as we go along into the regular season." Steelers linebacker Levon Kirkland said the players are working together better this year. "We seem to have that good chemistry that you need to be successful, and I think that's important," Kirkland said. "I think a lot of times, it doesn't necessarily win you a game, but the players in there, if they have the right type of chemistry, they can win the games."
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