5 things we learned: Steelers provide blueprint for defensive approach without Devin Bush

Five things we learned from Steelers 27, Titans 24:

1. Different approach

Filling Devin Bush’s spot at inside linebacker for the first game since his season-ending ACL tear turned out to be a collective effort for the Steelers.

Robert Spillane, who capably replaced Bush for 30 snaps last week against Cleveland, started and played in the base defense and contributed three tackles. When the Steelers went to long-yardage subpackages, Spillane was replaced by Ulysees Gilbert III as the lone inside linebacker among six defensive backs.

Gilbert never had taken a defensive snap in his two seasons with the Steelers until Sunday. He was a healthy scratch for four of the first five games.

The Steelers also used Bud Dupree inside for some snaps as a way to neutralize NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry, who was held to 75 yards. Vince Williams had a team-high 10 tackles and chipped in a sack, and cornerback Joe Haden wasn’t afraid to stick his nose in the pile, making seven tackles.

Because of Mike Hilton’s shoulder injury that rendered him inactive, the Steelers also got creative in the secondary on certain packages. Justin Layne took snaps at outside cornerback, with Steven Nelson moving inside. Cam Sutton served as the dime linebacker.

The defensive scheme got the job done despite the Titans nearly rallying from a 20-point second-half deficit. Henry averaged 3.8 yards per carry on 20 attempts, the defense allowed only 38.5% of all third-down attempts (5 of 13) to be converted, and the Titans were held to 292 yards.

The Steelers, though, may have to go back to the drawing board with the Ravens and multi-faceted quarterback Lamar Jackson awaiting them on Sunday. Bush was counted on serving as the “spy” for Jackson. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler may need to continue his creativity to keep the Ravens off balance.

2. Oh, Henry

Henry Mondeaux was a surprise addition to the gameday roster, getting a helmet instead of Isaiah Buggs, who had suited up for the first five games.

The Steelers didn’t waste any time getting Mondeaux acclimated for an NFL debut that featured the 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive end appearing on offense, defense and special teams.

Mondeaux lined up on the kickoff return unit to begin the game and was used regularly on coverage and return units. With Derek Watt sitting with a hamstring injury, Mondeaux lined up at fullback for one play in the second quarter, throwing a block that helped Benny Snell score on a 1-yard run. Mondeaux also took some snaps at his familiar defensive end spot.

Mondeaux, though, did more harm than good. He accounted for two of the Steelers’ eight penalties. He jumped offside on defense and was called for holding on special teams. At least there was nothing to fault on his blocking that sprung Snell for his touchdown.

3. Up front action

The offense was on the field for 74 plays, and Ben Roethlisberger said it felt like 100.

Roethlisberger’s protectors didn’t seem to mind putting in a little extra work. Roethlisberger wasn’t sacked once on 49 pass attempts, and James Conner averaged 4.1 yards per carry while getting a game-high 82 yards rushing.

The line welcomed the return of right guard David DeCastro, who missed the 38-7 win against Cleveland with an abdominal strain.

One player who didn’t get off to a great start was right tackle Chuks Okorafor, who was penalized twice for 25 yards on the opening drive. The Steelers moved 75 yards in 16 plays for a touchdown and 7-0 lead, but thanks to holding call and facemask penalty, they really covered 100 yards worth of real estate.

Okorafor’s facemask penalty wiped out a 1-yard TD run by James Conner. The Steelers overcame it, though, on Roethlisberger’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson.

Okorafor also left briefly in the second half, walking gingerly off the field. Jerald Hawkins subbed for Okorafor, who returned and finished the game.

4. Happy returns

One year after being selected second-team All-Pro as a punt returner, Johnson no longer can call the job his own. Not with the way Ray-Ray McCloud has emerged as the team’s best return threat this season.

McCloud averaged 27.7 yards on three returns, and he almost went the distance on a punt he fielded at the Steelers 26. McCloud juked his way for a 57-yard return and probably would have scored had he continued right instead of heading left after crossing into Titans territory.

McCloud’s big return set up the Steelers at the Titans 17 with 1 minute, 35 seconds left in the first half. It led to Johnson’s second touchdown catch, a 9-yard grab, that gave the Steelers a 24-7 halftime lead.

McCloud also had returns of 11 and 15 yards.

5. Lonely job

Jordan Berry was brought back after the Dustin Colquitt experiment at punter was extinguished after five games. Yet, it was hard to tell Berry was on the roster given the little work he got against the Titans.

In the first half, the Steelers scored on their opening four possessions and the fifth ended with an interception in the end zone. The third quarter began with the Steelers getting a field goal on their first crack on offense.

It wasn’t until seventh possession and 8:09 remained in the third quarter that Berry was called upon to do something other than hold for kicker Chris Boswell. And he showed the Steelers he’s intent on holding onto his job, booming his first punt 49 yards for a fair catch. His second sailed 51 yards and resulted in a net of 46 yards.

Berry never saw the field again after that.