Can the Steelers Hide Their Inside Linebacker Problem?
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers Defense has had a consistent identity for 50 years. Since the dawn of the Steel Curtain, with few exceptions, the Steelers have had a menacing assembly of pass rushers that gave them a considerable edge on one side of the ball.
Leading the league in sacks for five consecutive years, prior to T.J. Watt’s injury a year ago, was a badge of honor of Pittsburgh, yet it didn’t always translate to winning. Primarily, this has been because of the lack of quality coverage in the middle of the field. It’s been an issue since the gut-wrenching end to Ryan Shazier’s career, and the issue has gotten worse each season. Fans assumed Devin Bush would be a step in the right direction, but after an ACL tear in his sophomore season, it was quickly apparent he was not the player Pittsburgh needed.
Once again, the Steelers have overhauled the position, saying farewell to Bush, Robert Spillane, and leading tackler Myles Jack. In their stead are Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson, and Kwon Alexander.
This certainly isn’t a group you want to run into in a dark alley. They’re hard-hitting, tough, and aggressive. It’s is the ideal roster for a game similar to last January’s showdown against the Baltimore Ravens without Lamar Jackson. But, frankly, that assignment comes only once a year, and maybe not at all if Lamar Jackson can stay healthy. This will hold this defense back down the stretch, especially if they make their way into the playoffs, as teams with dynamic pass catchers from the backfield and at tight end will expose their inefficient coverage.
So, what does that mean for an AFC team surrounded by highly dynamic offenses? They’re going to need some help from their friends.
With the consistent development of Alex Highsmith, T.J. Watt being, well, T.J. Watt, and Larry Ogunjobi and Cam Heyward inside, the Steelers have built arguably the NFL’s most dynamic pass rush. The defense often found success last year getting to the quarterback only rushing four, which can create nightmares for offensive coordinators and quarterbacks. Yet, it hasn’t in recent years, at all. Instead, teams have exposed Pittsburgh’s inside linebackers, and that trend is likely to continue in 2023.
Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts seem to be the two most heavily featured players of the group. Both have struggled in pass coverage. Holcomb, the superior coverage player, is allowed a passer rating right around 100, while Roberts allowed a 113 passer rating last year. Compare that to premier linebackers like division rival Roquan Smith’s 74 range going into last season, and it is obvious there is a deficit. This is the main concern for the defense right now, considering the firepower, particularly at tight end, that the Steelers will face. Without a legitimate coverage linebacker, the Steelers will need to get creative, and it seems like they are working towards that this offseason and into camp.
With the quarterback under pressure from the Steelers’ elite front, the secondary will need to pick up the slack. It seems like the front office anticipated this in their drafting. Both Cory Trice and Joey Porter Jr. have a frame that gives them Big Nickle potential. Furthermore, Patrick Peterson’s continued reps at safety free up Minkah and Kazee to fill in other coverage packages as well.
This is a response to the loss of Terrell Edmunds who seemed the ideal size and frame for the big nickel role. Of course, Levi Wallace and Peterson will need to provide stability outside for these mix-and-match roles to be viable, especially early in the season. However, if the two young corners are able to develop, the defensive packages should expand and the inside linebackers will be well supported.
If not, and the secondary is stretched thin, the Steelers will be at risk of entering shootouts with high-octane AFC offenses this season, which the offense may not be capable of winning.
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