By: Sean McGeown, @seanpmcgeown
SteelerNation.com
If you watched and paid attention to the NFL last season, you know that the Pittsburgh Steelers defense was a force to be reckoned with. The unit finished fifth in yards allowed and points per game, and first in takeaways and sacks. They helped the team finish with an 8-8 record and make a playoff push that was ultimately unsuccessful. It was still a year to build off of especially with multiple injuries on the offensive side of the ball which caused the unit to struggle. The defense definitely picked up the slack.
Fast forward to present day and the reports from training camp at Heinz Field are that the defense hasn't skipped a beat. If you want proof just check out these tweets:
Ben Roethlisberger said it plain and simple ... defense is winning 11-on-11 in practice.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) August 27, 2020
This defense is SWARMING the offense right now. No room to run for the Steelers offense. These backs if they're getting anything are creating the yards for themselves. This is a heck of a showing thus far from the run defense.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 28, 2020
Even though the offense is still adjusting to some new pieces and the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, this is still a sign that the defense is just as dangerous and hungry as they were last season.
It starts with a front four that were responsible for 38.5 of the teams 54 total sacks in 2019. Edge rushers TJ Watt (2019 First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler) and Bud Dupree will look to keep being nightmares for opposing quarterbacks and display their well developed chemistry after three seasons together. All-Pro defensive captain, Cameron Heyward and returning defensive end/tackle Stephon Tuitt will keep adding interior pressure to compliment Watt and Dupree. These four together set the tone for the entire defense.
Behind the line running the defense in the middle will be second year stand out Devin Bush and veteran backer Vince Williams. Coming off a spectacular rookie campaign, Bush will have the pressure of calling the defense added to his plate, but will be assisted by Williams who is familiar with the system. With the blend of Bush's athleticism and Williams experience and willingness to lay wood, I think the middle of the field is in good hands.
The secondary, which is among the leagues best, may only get better after a full off-season (to an extent) together. Cornerbacks Joe Haden (2019 Pro Bowler) and Steven Nelson (aka Batman and Robin), are ready to continue making life difficult for receivers, and their pair of first round safety help, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds. Fitzpatrick's transfer to Pittsburgh last year was impressive to say the least, making the First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl after being traded to the team from the Miami Dolphins. Now that he has a full off-season studying the playbook, he may even take his game even higher this season. Edmunds will focus on building off his pros from his sophomore campaign last year and leaving behind the cons. The two of them could very well end up being one of if not the best safety duos the league has to offer. Cornerbacks Mike Hilton and Cameron Sutton will swap reps at the nickel corner slot. Hilton has made splash plays in coverage and as a blitzer for the team year in and year out since signing with team. Sutton hasn't seen the field as often as Hilton, but has been impressive in the time he has played and has had a lot of positive buzz thus far at camp.
When you add all of this together and the continuity the unit already has, bringing back 10 of last years 11 starters, the sky is literally the limit. Opposing offenses beware.
With the offense trending up as well, Pittsburgh could very well break their two-year playoff drought, and have a shot at bringing a seventh Lombardi Trophy back to the Steel City.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will the defense continue to dominate? Will they take a step back? Let us know how you feel in the comment section on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
#SteelerNation
