The Pittsburgh Steelers did not have a lot of positives in their 17-0 loss on Friday evening. One of the few great things to take away is how well the front seven played, especially against the run. They managed to hold the New York Jets to just 2.6 yards per carry, and they also forced a pair of sacks. When all else fails, at least Pittsburgh can fall back on the fact that everyone in the box forced their ways to the other side of the line of scrimmage and did a good job of wreaking havoc back there.
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Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Yahya Black (94) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Even the underrated pieces to the defense keep making themselves known. During a recent press conference, Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham completely raved about one young player in particular for everything he's doing for the defensive line, as transcribed by Christopher Carter.
"The thing I love about Yahya [Black], his energy. He's a big human being," Graham said. "When he runs and hits people, he stands out in terms of his pursuit and how he enjoys playing this game. You talk about someone generating energy, I love that about him. He's improving as a young defensive player in the league. Seeing the blocks, understanding how to respond to them, playing with his hips more ... he's giving his best effort. I really enjoy being around him."
Defensive lineman Yahya Black has cemented himself as the starting nose tackle for the 2026 season with how well he has played recently. He has always been a high-quality run defender, but he has been making his mark as a pass rusher as well. The former fifth-round pick may have been the steal of the 2025 NFL Draft if he keeps developing as well as he has been.
His physical traits and infectious energy have always been there, and that was what attracted the Steelers to him in the first place. He did not get a lot of game action to begin his career, but he still managed to rack up two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2025, including one recovery in the Wild Card game. The potential was there, but it had not been realized yet.
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Steelers' Yahya Black chases Justin Fields in the backfield while playing the New York Jets in 2025.
Black was able to use his large frame to lock down his gap and make an impact in that way. Now, Graham is raving about his technique and ability to adjust on the fly. Instead of being a guy that can just sit in his gap, he can figure out what the offensive lineman is doing to try and stop him and pick from the different tools on his belt to get past him and cause chaos in the backfield.
In basic terms, Black is now the complete package. If he plays as well as nearly every indicator says he will, the Steelers will finally have the dominant nose tackle that they have been sorely missing ever since they let Javon Hargrave walk in free agency. Pittsburgh's run defense has been very weak for years, but that is finally changing, and it starts with the big man up the middle.
Steelers' Run Defense Has Done A Complete 180
It's been years since the Steelers' run defense has been among the best in the NFL, as the linebackers have had to do a lot of the work. The team addressed the line in 2025 when they drafted Derrick Harmon in the first round and Black in the fifth. There was no real depth, especially with an undersized Keeanu Benton being pigeon-holed into the nose tackle role.
Now, Black is at his natural position at nose tackle. Benton will be able to get plenty of rotational reps at the three-tech, which is where he thrives. Sebastian Joseph-Day was signed to be quality depth at every position as well. Sixth-round rookie Gabriel Rubio has thrived as a run defender and is forcing himself onto the 53-man roster. Not only is this unit talented, but it is also very deep, especially at stopping the run.
What do you think about Graham's endless praise of Black? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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