Pittsburgh Steelers: What’s wrong with the Steel Curtain?

Can the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff find answers for a troubling defense?

Originally, I was writing an article on the offensive line, but after watching the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive performance last night, I was compelled to write this article.

Collectively, the defense was pathetic. An embarrassment. Shoot, the Green Bay Packers looked like Super Bowl champs.

The defense played so poorly, I thought I stumbled into an alternate reality.

A reality where backup Packers quarterback, Brent Huntley, looked like a world beater. No. Huntley isn’t good. To quote what Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, said about another QB; Huntley “is decent at best.” Yet he did whatever he wanted against the Steelers’ defense.

Both preseason games made it painfully obvious the Steelers have four glaring defensive issues.

First, the defense is too slow. Last week, cornerback, Dashaun Phillips, got burned on a simple go-route for a 63 yard touchdown.

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Then, last night, Nat Berhe couldn’t rundown Packers wide receiver, Jake Kumero. Resulting in an 82 yard touchdown. Most disturbing, though, is the fact that rookie inside linebacker, Matthew Thomas, is faster than the corners. During the chase, he passed Berhe and almost caught Kumero. No way a 240 lb. linebacker should outrun a 195 lb. defensive back.

Second, the defense can’t tackle. This was a major reason why the Steelers didn’t make the Super Bowl last year. They can’t continually allow opponents to break tackles and get first downs. They’re not good enough to atone for mistakes. They can’t give offenses extra plays.

Third, the defense can’t cover. All night long, they couldn’t stop passes over the middle. For goodness sake, four QBs repeatedly torched them. Receivers, tight ends, or running back. It didn’t matter. Everyone looked like an All-Pro.

Fourth, the Steelers can’t sack to the quarterback. Sure, they created pressure, but couldn’t finish. Instead, each QB managed to escape the pocket and run for positive yardage. Bud Dupree made one sack, but after that he disappeared.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There were a couple glimpses of hope. Rookie Terrell Edmunds generally played well, especially, on special teams where he made numerous tackles and recovered a fumble.

Jimmy Graham schooled him on the first quarter touchdown, and Edmunds gave up another touchdown through the air. But in his defense, he had pretty good coverage. The quarterback just made a better outside shoulder throw.

Matthew Thomas also played well. He’s starting to resemble the solid linebacker I’ve been writing about. Tackling all over the field. Stopping the run for little to no gain. Hustling in coverage to make downfield plays and demonstrating tenacity. Something he didn’t always do at Florida State University.

Despite these rays of light. There’s no denying the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is a mess and changes are needed. With only two preseason games left there is no time to waste.

The pass rushing should improve with the return of T.J. Watt. But other guys like Bud Dupree and Anthony Chickillo must step up.

The tackling and coverage problems won’t be as easy to fix. In fact, the Steelers haven’t found answers to these issues in years, and I’m not convinced they have the personnel to do it.

Without upgrading the speed on defense, I don’t see the coverage getting much better. Morgan Burnett, Dashaun Phillips, Nat Behre, Tyler Matakevich and Anthony Chickillo are too slow.They aren’t fast enough to cover receivers in the passing game. Nor are they fast enough to seal the rushing edge.

How many times last week did four Eagles running backs outrun pursuit angles and turn the corner?

The Steelers’ front office and coaching staff have a daunting task in front of them – Can they improve a porous defense? I’m not sure.

I don’t want to see a repeat of the 1980’s San Diego Chargers, where Dan Fouts and company would score 42 points and lose by three.

Hopefully, the Pittsburgh Steelers can find a gem or two from other team’s castoffs. More speed and better tacklers are a priority. Otherwise, we’re in for another disappointing season.