3 ways the Steelers defense will continue to improve

Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Stephon Tuitt #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop during the second half in the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Stephon Tuitt #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop during the second half in the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Stephon Tuitt will return next season

I want you to imagine what this defense will be like if Devin Bush reaches his potential. Now think about that same defense, but add Stephon Tuitt back into the mold.

Tuitt was arguably the best player in a Steelers uniform in 2019 before suffering a pectoral injury that ended his season. He recorded 3.5 sacks in his first three games this year, but was eventually injured against the Chargers in Week 6.

Prior to going down, Tuitt posted an overall grade of 89.4 on PFF, and was one of the best rated defensive linemen in the league.

T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick are already emerging as the faces of the franchise, and Pittsburgh’s defense stands to be good again next year. Stephon Tuitt is still just 26 years old. If he can pick up where he left off, there’s a chance the Steelers could be more dangerous in 2020 than they are in 2019.

Next. . dark

The Steelers can’t expect to continue creating takeaways at such a high rate. However, with Devin Bush’s potential, the emergence of young defensive players, and Stephon Tuitt set to return next season, there’s no telling what this defense might be able to accomplish.