The success of the Pittsburgh Steelers falls almost completely on the inspired play of the Steelers defense. A much maligned group in recent seasons, the defense has now put itself among the elite in the NFL. This unit got some recognition on Tuesday might when three members were named to the Pro Bowl.
But despite LB T.J. Watt, DT Cam Heyward and S Minkah Fitzpatrick making the cut, there were still others who got snubbed. I suppose if you really wanted to make a case, either Steelers cornerback could have been on the team. Joe Haden and Steven Nelson has both been great.
However, the real snub on this team is linebacker Bud Dupree. Partner in crime to Watt, they form the best tandem of pass rusher in the league. The NFL named Von Miller and Matt Judon to be teammates to Watt.
Judon has 47 tackles, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Dupree tops Judon in all three categories. I can see leaving Judon on the team but Miller made it largely on reputation rather than production. Miller only has 40 tackles and seven sacks on the season. I suppose having teammates that play the same position wasn’t what the league wanted but Dupree certainly deserved in over Miller.
