USAToday: Steelers defense trying for rare NFL sweep

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By Gary Mihoces, USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/steelers/2008-12-04-defense_N.htm

Wins and losses will be the ultimate measure of the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, but they have at shot at a rare Triple Crown of defensive statistics.

Going into Sunday's game in Pittsburgh against the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers lead the NFL in total defense (238 yards allowed per game), rushing defense (71.2) and passing defense (166.8).

No NFL team has finished a season No. 1 in all three since the 1991 Philadelphia Eagles.

"They look like some of the Steelers defenses in the past, and they also look a lot like Baltimore when they killed everybody and won the Super Bowl (in the 2000 season)," says Cowboys coach Wade Phillips.

The 2008 Ravens are playing some defense, too. They're No. 2 in total defense, No. 2 against the pass and No. 3 against the run.

The Steelers (9-3), who lead the Ravens by a game in the AFC North, play Dec. 14 in Baltimore.

Last week, Pittsburgh forced five turnovers and had five sacks in beating the New England Patriots.

"The defense, well, they were their usual selves," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

Says Phillips: "They're a stifling defense, and they've played against some good offensive teams and made them look bad."

While Pittsburgh's offense ranks 24th overall (19th passing, 22nd rushing), the defense is producing numbers:

• NFL-low 170 points allowed.

• NFL-high 42 sacks.

• Nine total points allowed in the third quarter all season.

Though the '91 Eagles hit the defensive trifecta, they lost quarterback Randall Cunningham to injury, finished 10-6 and did not make the playoffs.