However, the Steelers are slowly improving on that side of the ball. They allowed 297 yards of offense last Sunday in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals and 314 the previous week in losing to the Los Angeles Chargers. The only time the Steelers gave up fewer yards this season was on Oct. 12 when the Cleveland Browns managed just 248.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin believes all-purpose defensive back Jalen Ramey has keyed the Steelers' recent performances, as the four-time All-Pro cornerback has willingly moved to free safety, strengthening the secondary.

Ramsey and strong safety Kyle Dugger, acquired from the New England Patriots in a trade last month, have combined to make a solid duo. Austin says Ramsey playing free safety allows the Steelers to simplify things.

"It's just we're able to streamline some things in terms of guys being in position," Austin said Thursday during his weekly media availability. "In this grouping, (Ramsey) 's at nickel; in this grouping, he's at safety; in this grouping, he's at corner. We have less of that. And although he's really good at all those positions, it helps everybody else with him being in one position, and they're able to concentrate on their position and do that."

Ramsey hasn't had a spectacular season from a statistical standpoint in his first year with the Steelers after being acquired from the Miami Dolphins in an offseason trade. The 31-year-old has one interception, six passes defensed, and his first two career sacks, which came in the win over the Browns.

However, the Steelers' two games against the Bengals give a glimpse of Ramsey's influence at strong safety. In a 33-31 loss on Oct. 16, the Steelers allowed a season-high 470 yards. Last Sunday, the Bengals gained 177 fewer yards and scored 21 fewer points in a 34-12 loss.

"We're getting a little bit more continuity in that back end, and guys are getting used to working with people in the same positions, and the communication and all the things that go into that are really steady," Austin said. "You're not hearing it from a different guy. You might be saying the same things, but sometimes when you hear it from a certain guy, it rings. I think it's been a good part and parcel for us, keeping him in one spot."