There is no doubt that the strength of the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers will be the defense. The organization has the highest paid defensive unit in all of football and there is a ton of star power to prove that. The group has the capability and talent to be as efficient and dominant as the Troy Polamalu-led defenses. Some of those teams, however, didn't really have a weakness on the defensive side. Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin don't have that luxury this year. There are some holes that need to be patched up if the Steelers wish to have a game-altering group to help out a fresh and young offense. Here are the main concerns:
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Myles Jack (#51) participates in the organized team activities (OTA's), Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
1.) A Counterpart To Myles Jack At Inside Linebacker
Myles Jack will be the constant here, barring injury. He looked solid in the team's first preseason game versus the Seattle Seahawks and isn't going to be the problem for the linebackers inside and their production. The issues come into play when the one playing alongside him is looking like it will be a sluggish Devin Bush or a drop back in coverage nightmare who is Robert Spillane.
Toying around the idea of trading for a disgruntled Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears is fun because it would immediately catapult the defense into the discussion of being the best in the NFL. But, that is unrealistic based on his likely contract requests and what it would take to land him. The Steelers need to hope Bush's play picks up because he has the talent to perform, but hasn't since his torn ACL. There is no doubt whoever is next to Jack could be a liability for the defense.
2.) An Established Run Defense
The team is coming off of a year allowing over 146 yards per game against the run. It was the biggest flaw for the defense and there was no sign of improvement last Saturday in the preseason opener. The Seahawks rushed for 159 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Although most of the key players weren't in to defend against the run, the trend from last year continued in a disappointing performance. The issue can be connected to the inside linebacker conundrum.
Last season, Minkah Fitzpatrick often played close to the line of scrimmage to try and help a struggling run defense. It seemed like every few runs he was making a tackle after the opposing team's running back had already picked up a significant gain. This will be the biggest defensive flaw for the Steelers this season if it is not corrected quickly. A group that has the chance to be forceful and dominant will be in the middle of the pack if it isn't shutting down the run game.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) participates during 2022 training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
3.) Cornerback Depth
If the Steelers have one or two injuries at the cornerback position during the season, it could be a huge issue. Ahkello Witherspoon and Arthur Maulet are already banged up and while Joe Haden remains a free agent, the defense has just two strong options at cornerback with Levi Wallace and Cameron Sutton. The only thing that could make a poor rushing defense seem even worse is if the secondary struggles as opposing offenses consistently use the play-action pass.
The group only allowed 215 passing yards per game in 2021, but with the offensive firepower that exists in the AFC, teams could absolutely tear the Steelers defense apart. The answer may be going out and signing Haden or putting faith in a guy like James Pierre. Regardless, the rushing defense is already a concern and a lack of depth at cornerback could be a recipe for disaster.
The defense isn't perfect, but is certainly the strong suit for the franchise in 2022. If they have the capability to button up these certain issues, we could be watching an extremely authoritative defense in 2022.
What do you think the Steelers defense still has to do to be a force in 2022? Let us know in the comments below!
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