The 2018 season wasn’t one to remember for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but many members of the team are looking to rebound in 2019.
The Steelers defense was the weak point of this team last year. But after making adjustments and getting one more year of experience together, this group of stars is looking to prove they’re as strong on the field as they are on paper. With new members of the team and draft picks still to come, 2019 could be the year the Steelers find their dominant defense yet again.
From start to finish, this defense is looking to prove themselves this season. Stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are using the offseason and each week as motivation to come together and begin to find the success they know they’re capable of.
"“We have to make sure when we go into camp that we are prepared for something serious when we get started,” said Joe Haden. “When the season starts we are right in it. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who we are playing, we just have to be ready.”"
When the season starts this unit will need to continue to work, though. Last year, it was back and forth between strong and weak defense. But this year, they’re hoping that isn’t the case, taking each game as it comes.
"“The most important thing, though is we have to get back to being ourselves and playing Steelers football and not caring who is on the schedule, who the other team is, and just playing our brand of football,” T.J. Watt said."
2019 could be the year of resurrection for the Steelers defense. Adding Steven Nelson and Mark Barron, they’ve filled the holes they needed to from last year. If everything clicks, including the anticipated drafted defensive players, this unit should finally see the success they’ve been pushing for.
It’ll come down to the stars like Watt, Joe Haden and Heyward all becoming major contributors. For the rest of the defense, they need to show they can fill in the rest of the field, allowing each player to show their skill set. If all 11 players on the field can find success, there’s no question this defense is going to improve.
With strong defense comes a stronger overall team. One the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to break out after a long and drama-filled offseason.