As you've seen by now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made it a point of emphasis to shore up the offensive and defensive lines this offseason. Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, that was seen as a big area of need. General Manager Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl achieved their initial plan of action in both free agency and the draft.
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Steelers general manager Omar Khan speaks to the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
In his press conference on Friday, Weidl was asked about whether or not the team looks around the league when evaluating its needs. The team's model this offseason is quite opposite as to what the elite offenses have built over the years. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, while still being solid in the trenches, have reloaded with playmakers surrounding their elite quarterbacks. Weidl is sticking to his ways that he learned when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"We want to be big, we want to be physical, we want to be tough. We want to be able to impose our will on teams. That's the Pittsburgh Steelers. You go break the other team's sword in the second half of a game. Be able to go win on the road. That's what we're building. That works in this business."
Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers assistant general manager, Andy Weidl speaks to the media.
The Cincinnati Bengals are the most notable team within the division that have adapted to the quicker-paced offenses in the NFL. They have built one of the best offenses in the league, led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Steelers have struggled to stop them for the past few seasons now, and some of these moves can be seen as a counter to the elite offenses in football.
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New Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton is a perfect example of the team's model of getting back to the trenches.
Weidl's reference to wanting to "impose our will" is something the team has really been slacking for a few seasons now. The defensive line has been pushed around far too often, particularly in the running game. It has resulted in the team having its worst run defense in years. The addition of Keeanu Benton, for example, will certainly help. Their other additions in the trenches this offseason will also help them get back to their old ways.
Will Steelers Start Benton Right Away?
It would be ignorant for Pittsburgh to not look at what other teams are doing around the league. At some point, the league trend will go back to favoring defenses. It seems like Weidl and the Steelers are trying to get ahead of that curve. Do you expect the defensive line to make huge improvements in 2023? Do you think countering teams' identities, like the Bengals, is a smart idea for the future? What will the team's record be? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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