The 2024 Steelers’ Defense Can Be Mike Tomlin’s Mona Lisa
Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Much has been made of Mike Tomlin’s legacy in recent years. Many have criticized his lack of postseason success over the past decade, and rightfully so. Equally, media types and fans have lauded his long track record of winning seasons. In short, he has managed to do a lot with little, and little with a lot. To further the complexity of the Tomlin legacy, NFL fans are quick to highlight that the head coaches’ two Super Bowl appearances and one victory were “with Bill Cowher’s team.” That could of course be argued away, but ultimately, a fully Tomlin-built team has yet to have any meaningful success. That is about to change.
Since the departure of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have maintained the most expensive defense in the NFL, and, in turn, the most inexpensive offense. This is the year that spending will finally pay off majestically. Tomlin has managed to create a team with the help of both Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan that is reminiscent… (relax, I said reminiscent) of the Steelers’ 2008 defense. Before all yinz grab your parking chairs ready to swing them my way, let me elaborate.
While this 2024 defense was likely made in the image of the 2008 powerhouse which led the league in every meaningful defensive category, it will surely not bring the same level of viciousness. It may be as talented, though, and in the confines of the modern NFL, it will be elite.
Arguably the worst positional group for the 2024 defense is the interior line. That you could call any part of the defense the “worst,” however, is laughable considering Cameron Heyward still leads the group. His play may have dipped last season, but it is reasonable to expect Keanu Benton’s to rise. Throw Larry Ogunjobi into the rotation and you have a highly formidable group. Is it in the same league as Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, and Brett Keisel? No. But they will get the job done.
Outside linebacker or “Edge” is where the comparison to 2008 really begin to take shape. Lamaar Woodley and James Harrison were an elite combination. So is TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Highsmith and Nick Herbig will support TJ Watt, who should be the reigning DOPY. These names speak for themselves, there isn’t much more to say on the matter.
Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts even may be an upgrade from the 2008 pairing of James Farrior and Larry Foote. On top of that, Pittsburgh gained Payton Wilson and there’s potential for Cole Holcomb to return. This fast, run-stopping, tight-end covering group will be among the top in the NFL this season.
The corner position has been a concern all off-season. Suddenly, it isn’t. Joey Porter Jr. will continue to emulate Ike Taylor in every way, down to his number, while former team captain in Carolina, Dontae Jackson, will serve as a strong No.2. Meanwhile Corey Trice and Darius Rush are vying for the starting role. Cam Sutton will fill in at his ideal position of slot corner.
Now, it has to be said: Troy Polomalu is the greatest Steeler I have ever watched live. Still, Minkah Fitzpatrick is really, really good at football. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, has openly admitted that Fitzpatrick was handcuffed by personnel issues last year, and it is reasonable to expect Minkah will return to true form. Accompanied by Deshon Elliot, who is not known for shying away from contact, the safety tandem will capture a similar dynamic to the Troy and Ryan Clark duo.
While we shouldn’t (and hopefully won’t) see the gruesome hits many of us recall from the likes of Harrison and Clark, we should all see a similar caliber of play. This is crucial as the Steelers straighten out the inevitable kinks in their new offensive system. The first few weeks may feel more like the 2023 season than the 2008 season. But when the offense finds its stride, the Steelers will emerge as contenders, and hopefully cement Tomlin’s legacy on the backs of his tenure-defining defense.
Up Next