Pittsburgh Steelers defense should impress in 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the third quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the third quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

There’s no denying the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has only gotten better over the offseason.

Even if you disagree with the signings of Jon Bostic and Morgan Burnett, or believe that Terrell Edmunds isn’t a first-round pick, you should agree that this defense has gotten better. Because despite still lacking a superstar inside linebacker, Pittsburgh has put together a unit that is covered on all ends.

It all starts with the front seven. Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave didn’t need to improve that much this offseason. The three have already proven they’re a top tier defensive line unit last year. Add another year of experience for Tyson Alualu as the backup, and this down three could become one of the best in football.

Then, there is the linebackers. While Ryan Shazier’s absence is huge, like HUGE, it still doesn’t take away from the remaining pieces. T.J. Watt looked like a superstar in year one, so there is nothing saying he won’t be one in year two. A move from left to right could make an impact for Bud Dupree. Many are saying this is his year to shine, and if it’s correct, he’ll be looking at a Pro Bowl season on the outside.

Vince Williams proved to be a starting inside linebacker last season. He’s a stronger run stuffer than coverage man, but he shouldn’t need to drop back much with two rookies working behind him.

Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen may have been drafted as safeties, but that doesn’t mean they’ll only be playing one position in their rookie season. Expect both to spend time at inside linebacker, behind Williams and Bostic/Matakevich.

Knowing who’s going to replace Shazier is still up in the air. Bostic was signed to be the starter, but so far, hasn’t played with the first team. Right now, it looks like the job is Tyler Matakevich’s to lose, meaning Bostic could be the primary backup to protect against the run. This could lead to a lot of sets with Edmunds and Bostic on the inside.

Finally, there’s the secondary. If you don’t believe the defensive backfield got better, you didn’t see guys like William Gay and Mike Mitchell miss play after play last season. Without having to worry about either of them, Pittsburgh has already upgraded.

Sean Davis and Artie Burns need to improve. They both hit a sophomore slump last season, and cannot afford to miss the long ball like they did in 2017.

Edmunds and Allen will be significant upgrades off the bench at safety. Both are hard-hitting, athletic players who can cover the entire field. Both should be used during the season, and will have an impact at a number of positions.

Cameron Sutton is the biggest upgrade, though. Some may say that’s a stretch, but having Mike Hilton and Sutton on the slot will make life a lot easier for the entire defense. For starters, it stops Dupree and Watt from dropping into coverage so much. This adds a pass rush on the outside, and two of the scariest edge rushers in the game to an already scary pass defense.

Then, it makes life easier for Burns and Joe Haden. Now, they can drop even further back and not have to worry about poor coverage on the bottom.

What makes this defense lethal is the veterans. Joe Haden proved he’s a man on a mission last season. Without the injury, he would’ve been up there as one of the top bounce back players of 2017. Now, with a whole offseason to train and a year under the defense, he’s looking to do some damage in Pittsburgh.

And then there’s Morgan Burnett. I don’t know why no one has confidence in this man, but they should. He’s not a Pro Bowler, but he’s a reliable man alongside Davis. He’s a better coverage option than Mitchell was, and brings winning experience from Green Bay.

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He’s not the best player in this secondary, but he’s certainly a strong presence. As long as he can stay healthy, he’ll complete this secondary, and defense, moving forward.

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