Steelers’ 3-4 defense a concern
DETROIT – The Seattle Seahawks have gone against several 3-4 defenses this season, but none that compares with what they’ll encounter against Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh’s aggressive scheme features blitzes coming from various locations, designed to confuse quarterbacks and disrupt pass-protection schemes.
“The whole offense is going to be a little bit different because of that,” Seattle MVP running back Shaun Alexander said. “The whole game is about angles and the 3-4 has changed the angles that you see in a normal 4-3 or in an eight-man front because it’s just different.”
The closest thing Seattle has seen to the so-called “Blitzburgh” defense this season was Dallas, which clamped down on Seattle for roughly 58 minutes.
In that game, Seattle’s first 12 possessions resulted in two interceptions, one field goal and nine punts. The Hawks’ 13th possession was an 81-yard touchdown drive that tied the score.
After the Cowboys’ Drew Bledsoe threw an interception, Seattle capitalized with a Josh Brown field goal for a 13-10 victory.
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had a season-low 58.0 passer rating, but he didn’t have the services of injured receivers Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram. Alexander was limited to 61 yards on 21 attempts.
Houston and San Francisco also run variations of the 3-4, which are outnumbered by the 4-3 alignment preferred by most NFL teams. Both teams lacked the personnel of Dallas or Pittsburgh, and they combined for just six wins.
Seattle rushed for a team-record 320 yards in a 42-10 win over the hapless Texans. The Seahawks gained 373 yards and 438 yards in two victories over the 49ers.
Pittsburgh ranks No. 4 in the NFL in total defense (284 yards), third against the rush (86) and 16th against the pass (198). In the playoffs, Pittsburgh is averaging four sacks per game and its defense has controlled the potent offenses of Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver.
“They are one of the best defenses in the league, if not the best,” Hasselbeck said. “What they did to the Broncos and Colts with those teams’ quarterbacks having really great years. … They’re playing really well.”
Pittsburgh employs the zone blitz, where a lineman drops into pass coverage while a linebacker/safety/cornerback rushes the passer. Seattle must keep tabs on safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker Joey Porter, a pair of playmakers whether they blitz or not. Porter has three postseason sacks and a forced fumble. Polamalu has one interception and shares the team lead with 19 tackles, two for loss.
“The problem it causes is that you don’t know where the pressure is coming from,” Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton said. “The linebackers can be dropping or coming. Troy is up in the box all the time. You have to figure out who is coming and who is in coverage. I even drop back and cover sometimes.”
Seattle has allowed just 27 sacks this season and coach Mike Holmgren has called his offensive front the best he’s ever coached. Pittsburgh’s style forces linemen, running backs and quarterback to make quick decisions and adjustments.
“It’s more (about) them knowing what the offense is trying to do,” left tackle Walter Jones said. “It’s like a chess match. It’s about execution and staying with your plays.”