Pittsburgh Steelers: Stock rising/falling after disappointing loss to Chargers

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to rush the pocket against Sam Tevi #69 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Team defense: Stock – down

The Steelers defense has rankings in the top 10 in both passing and rushing as well as total defense. They are also currently 16th in the league in scoring defense.

The defense really let the team down in the second half. What I cannot decide on is whether to blame the players or the coach.

I tend to lean toward the coach, specifically Keith Butler. His lack of adjustment after Phillip Rivers exploited the team having linebackers on Keenan Allen was baffling and I cannot decide why no one on the Steelers didn’t put him in his place for such a poor strategy in guarding the opponent’s number one weapon.

The defense held strong in the first half allowing just seven points up to half time. That all went by the wayside when they watched Los Angeles kick the game winning field goal.

The defense has talented players and I believe they could have done better Sunday. I realize Cameron Sutton and Morgan Burnett being down affected personnel and sub packages but when Butler had poor Jonathan Bostic on Allen in a crucial situation I was left scratching my head.

This team’s defense has had its ups and downs but I think a lot of the downs are more due to lack of adjustments and that comes from the coaches. The talent is there and the coaches need to do a better job of utilizing it.

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