Terrell Edmunds enjoys career day with 2 interceptions for Steelers in win over Jaguars

When he stepped on the field Sunday, Terrell Edmunds had played 38 games since his last interception.

It also was the only one Edmunds had in 41 career games in three seasons at strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Edmunds not only ended that streak in a 27-3 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had two of the Steelers’ four interceptions of rookie Jake Luton. Minkah Fitzpatrick had the other two.

Edmunds’ interceptions came in the span of 12 passes.

“Really, I’m just trying to help the team out the best way I can,” Edmunds said. “The first one was an overthrown ball. Tips and overthrows, as a DB, that’s what you’re asking for. The second one was just playing my zone. I made a nice drop and just tried to help the team the best way I could.”

Edmunds’ first interception came with 29 seconds left in the first half and just two plays after Benny Snell’s 1-yard touchdown run provided a 17-3 lead. The Steelers couldn’t take advantage of the turnover, as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception in the end zone on the final play of the half.

Edmunds’ second pick, however, with 8:43 left in the game, set up Roethlisberger’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Eric Ebron that established the final score.

Entering the game, Edmunds also had the same number of career interceptions as his brother, Trey, a running back whose only career pick came on special teams.

Because of his status as a first-round draft pick, Edmunds has received criticism for not being more of a playmaker. Perhaps his play against the Jaguars is an example of the growth he has shown in his third season as a starter.

“I think his best ability is his availability when you really look at his career,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “As a young guy, he has gained a quality experience because of it. He has taken that experience and has continually made himself a better player, really in all areas and in pass recognition. I can’t say enough about his run-game fits in the way he is playing in that element of the game here in 2020. But largely, his game has always been on the upswing because he is a young guy and is diligent and a young guy who is available.”