Mark Twain once said there are lies, damn lies, and statistics.

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin would like to say the same. Currently, the Steelers are 28th in total defense (yards allowed). And yet, the team is 2-1 after holding the New England Patriots to 14 points last week.

Two injured players – ILB Cole Holcomb and first-round DT Derrick Harmon – returned to face the Pats. Two more starters could return this week to face the explosive Minnesota Vikings. Defensive backs Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott – valued starters last season – have shown up on the practice field this week.

"Two guys that have been with us," said Austin. "Familiarity with being here and being with me and in this system allows to you do some things."

Austin went into coachly detail about those th

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