The Steelers are counting on one of the stalwarts on the defensive line to have a productive season
In 2019, the Steelers played 16 regular-season games. Stephon Tuitt, DE, unfortunately, only played in 6 of those games. Including last season, Tuitt has missed 20 games because of injury. Obviously, injuries are part of the game and are unfortunate when they occur, but, for the defense to thrive, key players, like Tuitt must stay healthy.
What’s interesting to me is that we traded with the Baltimore Ravens for Chris Wormley, who is officially listed as an ‘NT’ or Nose Tackle on the Steelers website. A Nose Tackle and a DE are two different positions, but it is possible the Steelers traded for Wormley as insurance for Tuitt.
We do have Tyson Alualu and Isaiah Buggs, who were both on the active roster last season, listed as ‘DE’, but beyond that, the Steelers are thin at defensive end. If Tuitt can plat the entire 2020 season and play up to the level at which the Steelers believe he can play, I think the ‘D’ line will be solid.
With Cameron Heyward still playing at a high level, there is no reason to believe that he and Tuitt will not be a force with which to be reckoned. For our ILBs to do what they need to do, the ‘D’ line has to be able to their own against the opposing offensive line.
Let’s continue our discussion.