Pittsburgh Steelers: Three changes that need to be made before Week 3

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs is wrapped up for a tackle by Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Defensive pre-snap communication must improve

According to Pro Football Reference, the Steelers’ defense has already given up 9 TDs. In just two games! Of which, 7 TDs came through the air. Five of the TD receptions were from 15 or more yards. Which explains why they are ranked 28th in red zone defense.

For goodness sake. Tyrod Taylor and Patrick Mahomes looked like All Pros. Averaging a combined 56% completion percentage and a 108.9 QB rating. Are you kidding me?

This abysmal early season showing is largely attributable to the lack of pre-snap communication between the LBs and DBs. For example, the Chiefs’ first TD resulted from both Mike Hilton and Bud Dupree completely ignoring the WR lined up in front of them. Artie Burns left he man and tried to help. But he had too much ground to cover.

It’s apparent, to anyone watching the games, that the safeties are consistently coming over too late on sideline patterns and, aren’t moving forward to help out in zone defense. In both instances, WRs, TEs and RBs are wide open for easy catches.

We know Coach Bradley was brought in this offseason to improve communication. But so far it isn’t working. However, I have confidence he can fix it. But there’s no time to waste.

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