Photo Gallery: Steelers-Bills Game Highlights
Up for the challenge:
Rookie inside linebacker Vince Williams has quickly settled into his starting role in the Steelers' defense, and also understands the pride that comes along with it. After the Steelers lost to the New England Patriots last week, 55-31, he heard all of the comments, including the negative ones aimed at defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
"I felt like we were challenged," said Williams. "There was a lot talk about the Patriots game, there were people questioning Coach LeBeau. We just wanted to go out there and put those questions to rest.
"It's the love and pride we have for this game and organization. We want to play solid and great football any time we get the opportunity to."
The defense definitely rose to the challenge, holding the Buffalo Bills to only a field goal for over 59 minutes of football until they scored a touchdown with just three seconds left on the clock in the 23-10 Steelers win.
"We just wanted to stay focused," said Williams. "We had a singular focus to go out there and play great football and that's what we did."
Halting the ground game: Last week Steve McLendon referred to the Bills game as "redemption week," an opportunity to bounce back from a disappointing performance against the New England Patriots a week earlier.
On Sunday the Steelers did just that, shutting down a powerful Bills running game and holding Fred Jackson to 55 yards on 12 carries and C.J. Spiller to only 23 yards on eight carries.
"We tackled well," said defensive end Cam Heyward. "It wasn't like they were getting any yards after the catch. We played with a lot of effort out there. I thought we executed a lot better out there. Everybody was pretty sound all the way around and it made it possible for the defense to come up with a win."
Heyward had another strong game, with six tackles including one for a loss and a sack of Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel.
"I am just getting more comfortable," said Heyward. "Experience always helps. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be ready for every game I step onto the field. Whether it's energy or making plays, I have to be a part of it. We just have to do it as a collective team to get these wins.
"I always try to lead with my play. I am just going to go out there and work my butt off like I know those other 10 guys will."
