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

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Sammy Watkins #14 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs upfield after a catch as Sean Davis #21 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a tackle in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Defensive personnel packages need to be re-configured

Coach Butler and his staff must do a better job of evaluating players. They need to understand what each player’s strengths and weaknesses are. And what each player can realistically accomplish.

For instance, most NFL LBs aren’t Ryan Shazier. They aren’t freakishly fast, with the capability of covering any RB, WR or TE.

They must understand that Jon Bostic, Tyler Matakevich, Anthony Chickillo and TJ Watt can’t cover fast receivers. Watch the tape. It’s obvious! Too many times this season, opponents have caught passes with no defender in sight. Look at Sammy Watkins TD last week. You’ll see Watt at least 5 yards behind him when he makes the reception.

As mentioned earlier in the week. In many, many instances, Steeler defenders aren’t even close enough to a receiver to draw a holding penalty.

If offenses are going to continue using 4 and 5 WR sets, Coach Butler needs to scrap his basic defense (lose the LBs) and counter with 5 or 6 DB alignments.

Heck, over the past two years, the Steelers have stockpiled DBs through FA and the draft. So use them. Unless they’re just window dressing.

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