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Frustrated Steelers defense looks to rebound during bye

By DAN SCIFO

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH– The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is a frustrated and embarrassed group after back-to-back losses against Miami and New England.

One day after defensive end Cameron Heyward said he felt like his defensive teammates quit during Sunday’s home loss against New England, defensive coordinator Keith Butler disagreed.

Regardless, the Steelers hope to solve their problems stopping the run and rushing the passer, all while taking a break to recover from injury during the team’s upcoming bye week.

“We have to play harder, we have to play more physical,” Butler said on Tuesday. “I think we’re capable of playing harder and more physical, but I don’t think we quit by any means.

“It’s frustrating and we’re all frustrated at this point in time,” Butler said.

Heyward missed the first two games of his career with a hamstring injury during the Steelers’ most recent losses against Miami and New England. He wasn’t happy with his defensive teammates after the Steelers kicked a field goal that cut the Patriots’ lead to 20-16. New England needed just three minutes to answer with a six-play, 75-yard drive, as a 37-yard strike to an open Rob Gronkowski set up LeGarrette Blount’s second touchdown.

“It was like we just quit,” Heyward said. “I don’t mean to say that lightly, but I feel like we had so many opportunities out there. I felt like after that, it was almost like the wind got pushed out of us.”

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