Stephon Tuitt was a nightmare for offensive linemen prior to his injury in 2019. Here’s why Steelers DL coach Karl Dunbar is raving about him.
In years past, a season-ending injury to defensive lineman, Stephon Tuitt, wouldn’t have been the end of the world for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tuitt has always been a solid player and a terrific run defender but wasn’t exactly a star either. While he’s never been considered a busted pick despite his former second-round status, Tuitt hasn’t reached the hopes that fans have had for him; that is, until last season.
Injuries have been the story of Tuitt’s career through his first six seasons in the league. After flashing dominance at times, the big defensive lineman would be set back by a nagging injury that would alter his play.
Last year, however, was a bit different. Though Tuitt ultimately ended up suffering the biggest injury of his NFL career in Week 6 against the Los Angelos Chargers, his play before that point was remarkable.
Tuitt was all over the field for the Steelers – earning 3.5 sacks, 6 tackles for a loss, and 7 quarterback hits in just over 5 games, according to Pro Football Reference. In comparison, Javon Hargrave managed just 4.0 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, and 6 quarterback hits in 16 games last year.
This year, Stephon Tuitt is reportedly looking stronger and better than ever. Steelers defensive line coach had some kind words for the big defensive lineman, according to Gerry Dulac of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
"‘I guess it’s a thing you know when he’s on the field, you can’t double team everybody. He’s a big human being who can move. He’s trouble to block.”"
This statement couldn’t be more true. How are opposing offenses going to account for everybody on the defensive line this year?
Now that T.J. Watt has emerged as a defensive superstar, he alone will require a double team more often than not. If attention is brought over to Watt (which it should be), how are teams going to double a player like Cameron Heyward or Stephon Tuitt?
The Steelers have an incredibly talented front four in pass rush sets with Watt, Bud Dupree, Tuitt, and Heyward. The most attention an offense could afford to devote to this group is adding two extra blockers (though this is rare) – meaning that at least two of Steelers front four pass rushers will be single-blocked on any given play.
In the article from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tuitt also talked about his recovery from his torn pectoral muscle he suffered last season and how Heyward, who suffered the same injury a few years back, has been an inspiration to him:
"“I’ve had a chance to get my pec back stronger than it even was before. Cam [Heyward] went through this situation within a couple of years ago from me. He’s been a great, reliable resource to talk to and understand from a recovery standpoint and how to handle my injury.”"
Tuitt turned just 27 years old this offseason, and should still have his best football ahead of him. It’s encouraging to see him get this kind of praise from his defensive line coach.
Though Tuitt hasn’t been able to play a full season since his rookie year in 2014, we’ve seen glimpses of how dominant he can be when healthy. If he stays on the field in 2020, offenses won’t be able to double everyone on the Steelers talented defensive line.