The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense struggled throughout Week 1 at MetLife Stadium. The unit allowed a total of 32 points to the New York Jets despite the victory, as the Jets' running game was extremely successful. Pittsburgh will need to stop the run at a much more effective rate in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, as both Kenneth Walker lll and Zach Charbonnet are explosive running backs with excellent play-making ability.
Kevin Clark / The Seattle Times
Steelers' Week 2 opponent and Seattle Seahawks running back, Kenneth Walker (9).
The Steelers signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers earlier this week. Peppers finds himself in Pittsburgh after he was released earlier this offseason by the New England Patriots, as the veteran is expected to fill DeShon Elliott's role following an MCL sprain suffered against the Jets. A number of fans throughout the NFL world were surprised by New England's release of peppers, as the former Michigan Wolverines standout has put together a very solid career since being drafted in 2017.
Katie Stratman / Imagn Images
Steelers safety Deshon Elliott prepares to walk off the field as Pittsburgh played a professional football game on the road.
Peppers recently took a moment to share his thoughts during a media scrum regarding his release, as the veteran safety claims whatever happened, happened.
"It just is what it is," Peppers stated. "Sometimes, you know, you aren't good enough. You play a long time in this league, you're going to get traded or cut. So it is what it is."
Peppers continued to speak about his connection with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, as the former Patriot claims he has wanted to play for Tomlin for a very long time.
"I'm happy Tomlin made the call, he was a coach I definitely said I wanted to play for before I retired, and it happened a lot sooner than I thought. It's awesome," Peppers explained.
Peppers has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons. The veteran safety appeared in just six games last year as he dealt with a number of shoulder and hamstring injuries throughout the entire season. Peppers could quickly find himself playing a legitimate role in the secondary following Elliott's injury, as the veteran will look to get back on track in Pittsburgh.
Boston Globe Images / Terry Sullivan
Current Steelers and Former New England Patriots strong safety Jabrill Peppers flexes his muscles after a big time road win in the 2024 NFL season.
Peppers could quickly prove to be an excellent and risk-free addition to the Steelers' defense. Elliott will be back on the field as soon as he is healthy, but Peppers could quickly emerge as the perfect mentor for younger members of Pittsburgh's secondary. The Steelers will face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday as Peppers will likely find himself making his debut with the team.
Steelers' Jabrill Peppers Could Be An Excellent Resource In Week 3 Against The Patriots
Peppers spent a total of three seasons in New England despite being recently released. The Steelers will face Peppers' former team during Week 3, as the former Patriot could still have a good understanding as to what plays his former team may run. Peppers is expected to be a significant contributor on the field as well, as the veteran will enter Week 3 with something to prove against New England.
Peppers had an extremely frustrating 2024 season and could quickly get back to playing like the former version of himself. He finds himself in Pittsburgh for his ninth season in the NFL. The veteran's release came as a surprise to a number of people, but the Steelers could quickly benefit from adding Peppers to the secondary.
Were you surprised by the Patriots' release of Peppers? How do you think the veteran will play against his former team next weekend? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!
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