Le'Veon Bell crashed the league's MVP party with his in Buffalo, becoming the first player this season to outgain an opponent by himself.
"," NFL Network analyst LaDainian Tomlinson raved on Monday's edition of NFL Total Access.
Although Bell's spectacular performance , it shouldn't overshadow a team effort.
"I don't think any team in the NFL ," Bell told Peter King of the The MMQB after Sunday's game. "Since week eight or nine, I've been saying this. Next week, we'll play even better."
As much respect as the Steelers' celebrated "" engender on offense, the other side of the ball is finally realizing the talent of the past three draft classes.
Led by disruptive defensive end Stephon Tuitt and playmaking linebacker Ryan Shazier, Pittsburgh's suddenly swarming defense is allowing just 12.5 points per game over the past month.
Second-round rookie safety Sean Davis is blitzing like a young Troy Polamalu, recording 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits in Buffalo. Last year's first-round pick, Bud Dupree, had the best game of his young career versus the Bills, notching two sacks and three tackles for loss. He has been a late-season godsend after missing the first nine games with a groin injury.
A secondary derided as the team's Achilles' heel over the past couple of years has been solidified by first-round rookie Artie Burns and emerging cover corner Ross Cockrell on the outside, allowing veteran William Gay to excel in the slot.
This roster is strong and growing stronger with DeAngelo Williams, Sammie Coates and Darrius Heyward-Bey due to add depth in the coming weeks.
Two weeks ago, a reluctant Bell refused to play along when asked if the Steelers had turned the corner.
"I think ," Bell offered by way of explanation.
Perhaps his instincts were correct. This team is rounding into peak form just in time for another run at the Lombardi Trophy.
