Q: What has been the biggest difference between the Steelers who were 4-5 a month ago and the team that will be 8-5 when it walks into Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday?
A: Their defense is the biggest reason, especially the back end where their top two draft picks — cornerback Artie Burns and safety Sean Davis — have become playmakers. And they're getting pressure on the quarterback, even without defensive end Cam Heyward (IR). Stephon Tuitt has raised his game another level with Heyward out, both with sacks and run stoppage. And getting inside linebacker Ryan Shazier healthy is a big, big factor.
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Q: Considering the incredible seasons Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell are having as well as the ever-important role quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has played, how hard would it be to pick a team MVP if you had to do so today, and who would be your choice?
A: I think Bell will win it because of everything they ask him to do and how many times he touches the ball. Brown has won it three or four times already, so I don't think, given the options with Ben and Bell, he'd get it again.
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Q: Was there anything more than inexperience that kept first-round pick Artie Burns from starting the first seven games of the season, and what has been the most impressive part of his development?
A: No, that was it. He missed a lot of time in training camp with an injury and that held him back. But he caught up quick and showed very good ball skills. He had some issues with tackling, but, as he said, it was all a part of getting accustomed to bigger faster stronger players in the NFL. He has three interceptions, which is more than any other defensive back on the team.
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Q: What is the most important thing the Steelers need to improve on if they are going to win the division and make a run in the postseason?
A: If they can find a more consistent receiver than Brown, something missing with the suspension of Martvais Bryant, that will make them even more dangerous. Bryant and injures to Markus Wheaton (IR), Sammie Coates (broken fingers) and Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot) have thinned the position. Consistent quarterback pressure is the biggest missing ingredient on defense.
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Q: Do you think the Week 2 game against the Bengals, which was by all accounts played cleanly and with mutual respect, put an end to ugliness that marred the 2015 season, or do you think there are some lingering ill feelings toward Vontaze Burfict that could lead to a more chippy contest this go round?
A: I don't think the Steelers will engage in that at all. They won't be looking for trouble. But, if he starts it, they wont back down, much like what happened in last year's regular season game at Paul Brown Stadium. They know they can't afford to get caught up in that nonsense.
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