L.J. Fort: Stock up
Fort has been a big help in trying to fill Ryan Shazier‘s shoes at inside linebacker. He is faster than Vince Williams or Bostic so he does better in coverage.
His ability to play inside in a sub package has given Pittsburgh better match-ups on passing downs for their linebackers. He has stepped in and done a great job racking up 35 total tackles, three QB hits, one sack and one fumble recovery playing sparingly.
Fort gives this team much more flexibility in what personnel they have to work with in any given situation. However, just because he is better doesn’t mean we should have him covering receivers, right? (I am most definitely looking at YOU Keith Butler)
With the way he has played all year, he should begin to carve out a larger role in the defense. He is also a key contributor on special teams as he had a blocked punt on Sunday as well.
The Steelers need to increase their production and decrease the mental errors. With Baltimore right on their heels, they need to go to Oakland and take care of business before back to back games against the Patriots at home and New Orleans on the road.