Steelers' Ex-Cornerback Levi Wallace Likely Spilling Pittsburgh's Defensive Secrets To Broncos' Sean Payton

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 2 clash with the Denver Broncos is shaping up to be a game filled with intriguing storylines. The most prominent is Russell Wilson’s return to Denver, the team that recently cast him as a scapegoat for their shortcomings. Wilson, who spent his last two seasons with the Broncos, managed only 11 wins during that period. Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton had notably placed a significant portion of the blame for the team's struggles on Wilson.

Wilson, currently dealing with a calf injury, is listed as questionable for the game, with many expecting he won’t suit up. Despite this, he has been leveraging his experience from his time in Denver to assist Justin Fields in preparation for the game. While Wilson's potential absence is a setback, his insights could prove valuable to the Steelers' game plan.

Another subplot to watch is the presence of Levi Wallace, a former Steelers cornerback now with the Broncos. Wallace, who saw limited action in Week 1 with just two defensive snaps, brings a unique perspective to the matchup due to his previous experience with Pittsburgh's defense. 

Payton was recently asked about Wallace’s background with the Steelers and whether it could offer any strategic advantages for Denver. The familiarity Wallace has with the Steelers could play a role in the game, adding another layer of interest to this Week 2 showdown.

"That's a fair question because they're running the same defense," Payton said. "You might ask him about fire-zone rules or certain coverage rules and indicators. That would be much more relevant than having coached a player that's with another team. It kind of comes up week to week. In other words, it's not uncommon to have players that were on our roster that are going to be on an opponent's roster. So you get some, but not a lot."

Payton doesn't view having a player who previously played for the opposing team as particularly unique, given the frequent player movement in the NFL. However, he does acknowledge that Wallace’s familiarity with the Steelers' defense could be advantageous. 

Payton’s belief stems from the notion that the Steelers' defensive scheme has remained largely unchanged since Wallace’s time in Pittsburgh.

Wallace spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Steelers, showcasing a solid performance. In 2022, he recorded four interceptions, 48 combined tackles, and 13 passes defensed, although he started only nine games. 

His 2023 season mirrored the previous year, with nine starts, two interceptions, and 11 passes defensed. Following the 2023 season, Wallace signed a one-year deal with the Broncos. Despite the routine nature of player relocations in the NFL, Wallace’s insights from his time with Pittsburgh might offer Denver a valuable edge in this matchup.

The Steelers aren’t expecting to see much of Wallace in Week 2, as he’s listed as a backup behind starters Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss on the Broncos' depth chart. Nevertheless, Wallace’s knowledge of the Steelers’ defensive schemes could still provide Denver with a potential edge.

Steelers' Justin Fields Likely To Have Another Big Opportunity

This matchup is intriguing for several reasons, though Wilson’s likely absence dampens the revenge narrative. If Wilson is sidelined, he’ll be rooting for Fields to deliver a standout performance against his former team. The Steelers are in a fascinating position with both Fields and Wilson. 

Fans are eager to see what the offense can become with Wilson, but Fields has already shown promising glimpses of what he can bring to the table. Another win for Fields could further complicate the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh, adding another layer of excitement for Steelers fans.

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