The Pittsburgh Steelers forced five turnovers in Sunday's 21-14 win over the New England Patriots , four of those turnovers came on fumbles.
Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward revealed to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Steelers were aware of the Patriots' poor ball security.
"We knew there were a lot of career fumbles on the other side," Heyward said, via Florio.
Florio asked Heyward specifically about running back Rhamondre Stevenson , who fumbled twice. Heyward laughed and said, 'Oh, we were aware every time he was in the game."
Heyward was not picking on just Stevenson, however.
"Generally, this is a group that turns over the ball," he said.
Heyward had a banner day against the Pats, recording six tackles (3 solos), one sack, one pass defensed, one quarterback hit and one forced fumble. Heyward's pass deflection resulted in a Brandon Echols' interception in the end zone right before halftime. Heyward's force fumble on Stevenson also prevented a touchdown, as Payton Wilson came up with the loose ball in the end zone.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said it's a part of their defensive culture to ball search.
"No question. We spend a lot of time on our ball search culture," Tomlin said when asked if the Steelers worked on punching the ball out during practice this week. "But it's just words. It's an agenda. The efforts of the guys make it real. Not only on Sunday but during the course of the week. It just felt like we were heading toward a good game in that area just by the way we worked this week in that area."
Patriots running back Antonio Gibson , who lost fumbled after taking a hit from Jabrill Peppers , said the Steelers were punching at the ball from the first play.
"For sure. They was punching at the ball from the first play. You can't get relaxed right there, even when you're trying to break a tackle or lower your shoulder. That's what happened. Helmet to football. That's a tough one to hold on to. All my fault. Just gotta do better right there."
Getting the start over Payton Wilson, Holcomb stripped Stevenson on the opening drive. Steelers cornerback Darius Slay recovered the loose ball. The Steelers capitalized off the turnover with a 1-yard Kenneth Gainwell touchdown run to give the Steelers an early 7-0 lead.
"Just came in and took a shot on the ball," Holcomb said on his forced fumble . "It's always to get those early. Like Mike Tomlin always says, they come in bunches."
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Foxborough, Mass.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Specifically Targeted Fumble-Prone Patriots RB
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