Steelers' Teryl Austin Gives Glowing Compliments About His Linebackers' Mentality

The Pittsburgh Steelers training camp on Wednesday was full of intensity. A little scrum broke out after linebacker Elandon Roberts made a hit on quarterback Justin Fields, but that is going to happen when the pads come out. Roberts, who had a standout year in 2023 for the Steelers after many of his fellow linebackers went down with injuries, kept making plays and helping Pittsburgh back into the playoffs. Going into the 2024 season, Roberts has received some backup thanks to Omar Khan. From going out and signing the former Baltimore Ravens standout Patrick Queen, and drafting Payton Wilson, it would seem there is a new swagger to the linebacker room.

Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin was asked after camp on Wednesday by the media about the mentality that Roberts and Queen brings to the team. He talks about the toughness he sees with the linebackers and defense as a whole. Bringing that edginess and old school football back in Pittsburgh -- something he is not going to discourage from his group.

"A lot of defense is about temperament in how you play and what you're willing to dish out. They are going to try to give back to you (referring to the offense), but I think our guys are tough, they're edgy. I like that and I would never discourage that at all."

The Steelers known for their defensive production, only giving up 19.1 points a game last season (6th best in the NFL). Adding a two young linebackers with Roberts is just what the Steelers need to ensure that their identity for their defense stays the same. Austin believes their identity is their tough, hard nose play, which has always been the "Steeler Way."

"We want our identity on defense, we are going to be tough, physical, hard nose, that's what we are."

Roberts and Queen are both looking forward to building off a 2023 season where both players found success. Roberts finished the year with 101 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two and a half sacks, and six quarterback hits in 16 games with the Steelers. Queen enjoyed his best season with the Ravens last year posting 133 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hits, adding a forced fumble and interception. 

With both Roberts and Queen looking like the starting inside linebackers and the rookie Wilson who has been impressive in his first training camp, this linebacker core is looking forward to showing the NFL that the Steelers' defense is still top dog. Their mentality is what Austin hopes spreads through every member of the defense, making offenses earn their yards and points, Austin is encouraging more players to buy into that.

The Steelers have a tough schedule especially playing all six of their AFC North games after the Week 9 bye. Those games are won through grit and toughness, with this being the identity that Austin wants within his defense, he is already preparing for that tough road to the playoffs.

Will The Steelers Defense Terrorize The NFL?

The Steelers' defense has been the reason why they have won as many games as they have in the Matt Canada era. They got even better this offseason, as well as the offense hiring Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator. With the toughness that this defense is going to bring, will fans finally see the Steelers dominate opponents and no longer have to sit at the edge of their seat in the final minutes of a game? Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the team has been sometimes labeled as an organization that "plays down" to their opponents. With the toughest schedule in the league in 2024, they won't be able to let any winnable games slip away.

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