Dominant ‘D’ bolstered by newcomers

Ben McAdoo’s first-string defense dominated on Friday, with two three-and-outs and two interceptions by Valentino Blake and Devin Taylor. The defense also held the Pittsburgh Steelers to 23% on third downs for the game.

But how did the new starters and depth players look as they acclimate and battle for roster spots? Here’s a more in-depth look after speaking with the head coach via conference call Saturday afternoon: made some plays on special teams, but he also concerned McAdoo with his ball security on the interception return and was beaten by receiver Cobi Hamilton for the touchdown immediately after Deayon’s muffed punt. “He needs to make sure he takes care of the ball better than he did (returning the interception),” McAdoo said. “He was waving that thing around a little bit, but it was nice to see him make a play on the ball. They ran a nice double-move, he was isolated there for a touchdown towards the end of the game on the double-move.” McAdoo said safety Nat Berhe slipped on the other deep completion to Hamilton against Blake.