Page "Super Bowl IX" Paragraph 7

But the Steelers ' main strength during the season was their staunch " Steel Curtain " defense, which led the league with the fewest total yards allowed ( 3, 074 ) and the fewest passing yards allowed ( 1, 466 ).

Greene won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second time in the previous three seasons, and he and Greenwood were named to the Pro Bowl.

Both of the team's outside linebackers, Ham and Andy Russell, had been also selected to play in the Pro Bowl, while Lambert already had two interceptions for 19 yards in his rookie year.

In the defensive backfield, Blount, Wagner, and Glen Edwards made a strong impact against opposing passing plays.