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Five things the Steelers should do during the bye week, but probably won’t

By Eric Hassel

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals cannot make a catch as Mark Barron #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals cannot make a catch as Mark Barron #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks onto the field ahead of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks onto the field ahead of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

The Steelers should perhaps rethink the current defensive scheme

Before anyone blows a gasket, I know the Steelers defense is the strength of the team right now. The group is currently ranked 15th in yards surrendered per game.  The defense is generating turnovers and accumulating sacks at a nice clip, but the style of defense we play presently is a ‘double-edged sword.’  Allow me to elaborate.

If you’ve watched any Steelers games this year and last year, for that matter, you undoubtedly noticed that either the FS or the SS is ‘in the box’-lined up close to the line of scrimmage.  In other words, there is only one safety in the defensive backfield to serve as the last line of defense.

This deployment, ‘Cover 1’, is effective against the run, most of the time, but is ineffective against the pass.  If the opposing offense decides to go ‘play-action’ and bomb it over the top, we are asking one safety to cover the entire field.  That generally results in a big play, e.g., a TD for the opposition.

The other formation you may have noticed the Steelers deploying with some alacrity is ‘Nickel’; however, the type of ‘Nickel’ the Steelers like to run has only two down lineman.  Effective against the pass, but ineffective against the run, particularly if one or both ILBs gets blocked out the play.

So what should the Steelers do, but probably won’t?  In our base 3-4 defense, play more of a traditional ‘Cover 2’ look.  If we drop a linebacker in coverage, that would serve as a ‘Cover 3’ look.  If the Steelers want to play ‘Nickel,’ try three down lineman instead of two, which would be better against the run.  This would require the one ILB to be able to cover some ground, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

Next. Heading into the bye week, the Steelers defense is reaching new heights. dark

The Steelers should do five things during the bye week, but will they?

Let’s wrap this up by stating that what I think the Steelers should do is immaterial.  The defense is playing well; the offense has yet to get on track and, the harsh reality is this:  We are a two-win football team.  We need to do something maybe unconventional and/or uncharacteristic to assure that the Steelers will not be watching the playoffs in the comfort of their living rooms come January.

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