Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NFL: Bud Dupree Update

Bud Dupree made a name for himself for sacking Tom Brady in the Pittsburgh Steelers season kickoff against the New England Patriots. However, after a lackluster performance in the preseason, fans knew they wanted to see more out of Dupree, and boy did his playing improve in their second game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers. Not only did Dupree’s playing improve including logging his second sack of the season, everything seemed to be going right for the Steelers today.

More from Former Cats in the NFL

Jacob Klinger of Pennlive.com has what Dupree had to say after the Steelers big win over the 49ers.

"Rookie outside linebacker, Bud Dupree said, a simpler defense led to a better one on Sunday in the team’s 43-18 win over the 49ers at Heinz Field. Easier communication enabled instinct, which built a victory and a confidence that Dupree will only further feed the Steelers’ less-heralded unit in the long run.The Steelers defense had to have more basic communication, Dupree said. Breakdowns in that area were crucial to basic defensive failures against the Patriots in Foxborough. Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree (48) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports“Just small things communication-wise, Dupree said after laughing when asked if the defense was simplified this week. “We shortened a lot of stuff down. Makes you play pretty fast.”The final sack of the game from the Steelers’ unrelenting pass rush came off a pure speed rush from Dupree on the left edge early in the fourth quarter.Dupree said he personally was anticipating less and reacting more, but the defense as a whole was too.“Don’t worry about nothing,” he said. “Just play.”The Steelers did. Dupree’s sack was one of five and one of nine combined tackles for a loss.And with the defense reacting and excelling collectively, Dupree said, assuredness in other members of the unit only builds, making them all the more dangerous.“So once you have more confidence as a group then you can be out there, going and play. Then when we start trusting each other more, the sky’s the limit.”"

Dupree will make a name for himself for the Steelers in no time, he may even become a fan favorite like he was at the University of Kentucky.

More from Wildcat Blue Nation

Home/Former Cats in the NFL