Bud Depree, Linebacker
The Steelers shined on offense during Monday night’s contest, but they also had some standout performances on defense. Pittsburgh finished with three interceptions against Tampa Bay, including linebacker Ben Dupree’s 10-yard pick-6 in the second quarter.
Dupree also had one of Pittsburgh’s three sacks on the night, recording three tackles (two solo) overall. But it was his interception return for a TD that stood out, as it put the Steelers up 23-7 with 2:50 left in the opening half.
Other interceptions for the Steelers came from safety Terrell Edmunds and cornerback Mike Hilton. Hilton also recovered a fumble for Pittsburgh, which put forth its best defensive performance of the season.
Obviously, this year’s iteration of the Steelers’ defense doesn’t compare to the legendary “Steel Curtain” Pittsburgh boasted in the 1970s. But if the Steelers put forth more performances like the one they did on Monday night, they will at least end up having a respectable defensive unit.
