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Stymieing the Carolina Panthers didn't give the New Orleans Saints' defense some titanic accomplishment in Week 9. But at least it signified a turnaround for the defensively challenged team.

It was the second consecutive game the Saints' defense became an asset rather than a liability. The unit slowed down the highly potent Green Bay Packers the previous week and played well enough to topple the Lions in Detroit two weeks prior.

The Saints were 4-4 and on the cusp of a three-game homestand. That certainly was thought to be the turning point, when the Saints would regain the form that made them a top-notch defense in 2013. Instead, the elevator ride back down to futility commenced slowly.

The lack of stops on third- and/or four-and-long and a leaky run defense were exposed against San Francisco.

Against Cincinnati a week later everything fell apart. No pass rush. Again an inability to leave the field on third down. No run defense. No energy.

Not much changed last week vs. Baltimore. Besides one takeaway, everything remained status quo or even regressed (run defense). Consecutive weeks of poor third-down defense dropped the Saints to the basement of the NFL in the category.

Next up for the Saints? A Pittsburgh Steelers offense at Heniz Field probably playing its best in the Ben Roethlisberger era. Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown look like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, plus the Steelers employ at bowling ball at running back with Le'Veon Bell in the midst of a Pro Bowl season.

"It looks like the best one we've seen on tape. We've seen some good offenses. And I know everybody is, 'Oh, you've made them look good.' Oh, bull----," Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said. "They've (opposing offenses) been pretty good. This one is on point. There's no question."

Ryan's comments don't exactly lend themselves for many, if anyone, to believe the defense can climb out of its malaise.

Saints coach Sean Payton expressed optimism, believing his wayward defense can again find its way. He said trying to improve a sub-par aspect of any team is the essence of coaching. The players seem to be buying in.

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