Batman and Robin. The Hawk and Animal. Porter and Gildon, even.
Steelers outside linebackers Vic So'oto and Howard Jones have walked out of two preseason games drenched in the residue of blowback from splash plays. Against the Giants, So'oto tipped a lateral and Jones scooped it up and ran it in for the Steelers' lone touchdown in the loss. Against Buffalo, So'oto blew past rookie right tackle Cyrus Kouandijo, stripped quarterback Jeff Tuel of the ball and Jones recovered it, nearly scoring again. It set up the game-winning field goal, the Steelers' first preseason win since 2012.
Was Jones disappointed he didn't score?
"Not really," he told reporters, including BTSC's Dale Grdnic, after the game. "I was just happy we were doing well on defense and made a big stop. (So'oto) hit the quarterback and knocked the ball out."
A simple way to describe the growing trend of big plays being made by the Steelers' reserve defenders. While their counterparts on the offensive side of the ball have been slagging, it's clear the depth of this team rests on the defensive side, the guys in the yellow practice jerseys.
And they will comprise the most difficult cuts for this team.
The first roster trimming, from 90 down to 75, will likely come after the Steelers take on the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, their third preseason game. It's one last chance for So'oto - a veteran journeyman who's had an unfortunate rash of injuries in his career - and Jones - the Division II undrafted free agent who's gone above what was expected of him this camp.
On a veteran defense that's transforming into a youth movement, So'oto and Jones are showing with each game they are taking advantage of the Steelers' requests for younger players to stand up and be counted. None of the third-teamers are standing up and making coaches take notice more than them.
So'oto is making plays on the ball and Jones is hustling and magnifying the efforts of his battery mate. While they're both competing for reserve positions, it seems clear at this point at least one of the two of them needs to make this roster.
The team's outside linebacker positions appear set behind Jason Worilds, Jarvis Jones and Arthur Moats. Chris Carter got the start over Jones (hamstring) Saturday, and he has to notice the hard-charging duo in his rear view mirror.
Perhaps Carter is kept because of his experience, but the Steelers have the opportunity to make what could be the best kick coverage team in the league with the presence of players like So'oto and Jones - not to mention inside linebackers Sean Spence and Ryan Shazier, both of him have made significant impacts of their own, both on defense and 'teams during the preseason.
Special teams are a winning edge and it's possible the team doesn't wish to expose So'oto or Jones to waivers.
It's also possible, with reduced depth at the running back position (the top three, Le'Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount and Dri Archer, have been excellent through two preseason games), the team looks to make a trade, much like they did last season, dealing OLB Adrian Robinson for RB Felix Jones.
It will be awfully tough to cut or trade either So'oto or Jones, and the team may simply be forced to keep them for the sake of development.
A great coverage team certainly is an acceptable downside.