Bills Coach Rex Ryan was joking this week about having the flu, "A little bit of the Pittsburgh flu," after watching the Steelers latest film.
"They look pretty dang good," said Ryan.
The Steelers take on the Bills on Sunday in Buffalo, and Ryan knows it's a tough test for his 6-6 team that is trying to stay in the playoff hunt.
"Overall as a team they are hot," said Ryan. "There is a reason they won three in a row. Their offense has always been a dominant group, but I like the way the defense is playing. The two inside linebackers, (Lawrence) Timmons and (Ryan) Shazier, they are so active, run, hit guys, they are doing a great job. When you hold teams to what, 14 points is the most they have given up in the last three weeks, that is a sign your defense is playing really well."
Ryan, along with former Pitt running back LeSean McCoy, also had plenty more to say about the Steelers.
Ryan on Antonio Brown:
"I love Antonio Brown. If he is not the best receiver, shoot, I don't know who is. He is also a heck of a kid."
McCoy on Le'Veon Bell:
"That is a bad man right there. Watching him, his first year, second year, I saw how good he was. He is one of the best backs in the league."
McCoy on his relationship with Mike Tomlin from his days at Pitt:
"I respect him, the kind of coach he is. One of the better coaches in the league. He is honest, straight forward. What you see if what you get. Everything positive to say about him. I would love to play for a guy like him."
Ryan on playing against the Steelers:
"Unfortunately I have a lot of nightmarish memories about Pittsburgh, but I have some good ones too. I love the competition. Mike Tomlin is one of the guys I respect as much as any coach in the league. He does a great job. It's great to see William Gay still playing. I think the world of him. He whipped a lot of players, but he whipped Father Time as well. He is still playing great. I have some fond memories and a lot of bad ones too."
McCoy on the Steelers defense:
"They have some hitters at safety. The power of that defense is the linebacker corps. Timmons, I have known him for a while, he is a heck of a player. I had one of my worst games against him. Shazier he is one of those freakish athletes. He can run sideline to sideline. All around they are a good defense. You can't forget the monster, the vet, Harrison. You have to know where he is at."
