Pittsburgh Steelers: Keith Butler hints at Morgan Burnett’s role on defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a unique dilemma of having too many safeties all worthy of playing time.
Keith Butler never gives the exact answer. The defensive coordinator always seems to answer questions so the media and fans can interpret them. This time, nothing was different, but Butler did make it clear that he has plans for his group of safeties.
Starting with Morgan Burnett. The offseason signing moves Sean Davis to free safety and is taking on a veteran role ahead of Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen. After a successful career in Green Bay, Burnett isn’t someone who should be fighting for a job. Which isn’t the case.
Instead, Butler is looking to keep all his safeties involved in a number of ways. Earlier this week, the team started using a new package called “dollar.” This has four safeties on the field at a time, which allows Davis, Burnett, Edmunds and Allen to see time in the secondary.
But that isn’t the only change occurring. Butler told the media after practice that he intends to use Burnett at a number of places during the season.
"“Versatility, more than anything else. Not just playing on 1st and 2nd downs, but maybe playing in the box on 3rd downs, and stuff like that. We have to see if our guys can do that.”"
That should be fine with the fans. Burnett proved to be a reliable coverage option in Green Bay, but he can also do a number of other things. Like Davis, Burnett can play the run and blitz, but also drop into the box.
All four of the team’s safeties can play throughout the field. This makes it easy for Butler to fit them into the scheme, by using them at a number of positions. Leaving expectations for all four to play at more than one spot once the season comes around. Especially if the rookies continue to play well during the preseason.