Steelers vs. Titans: What you need to know about Pittsburgh’s defensive changes

An undefeated juggernaut of a matchup, Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin provides clarity for their preparation against the Tennessee Titans.

“We are humbled and excited to be in these five-star matchups.” Spoken by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, in his weekly team-press conference, he met questions about his upcoming chess match of a game against the Tennessee Titans, with respect. However, not just mutual respect and the kind that you would expect when you hear Tomlin speak. It was revered and expounded upon in great detail for the day they have ahead of them in week seven.

Fresh off his injury report update, Tomlin commented on what to expect from DB Mike Hilton – hinting what it could mean for the rest of the defense.

"“Mike Hilton’s role is oftentimes defined by the personality of the group we play, and to be quite honest with you, Tennessee is not in a lot of sub-package personnel groups. I don’t know what Mike’s role might be in this environment this week. They play old-school style football.”"

Despite Tomlin’s affirming words that the defensive back would be able to log a practice this week, it has been confirmed after Friday’s injury report that Hilton will not suit up against the Tennesee Titans.

In his place as the starting nickel cornerback, we can expect a heavy dose of Cameron Sutton. It’s also possible that Justin Layne could see his first sizable workload at right cornerback if they chose to kick Steven Nelson inside in certain packages.

Steelers immovable object meets the unstoppable force

The philosophies behind such sub-title range far and wide, but on Sunday, one will prove itself right. The Steelers arrive in Nashville for the first time since 2014 when Pittsburgh rallied late to win 27-24. The significant difference then is that the Titans team was down bad on the season, 2-8 rushing for the season to end.

Six years later, they defend Nissan Stadium undefeated at 5-0, with the NFL’s rushing leader, RB Derrick Henry. The unstoppable force to an offense that is amplifying empty stadiums off the echoes of his powered runs, the Steelers will be in for a day that with a new body in the middle of the field.

Referencing Tomlin’s quote, the floating question of who and how LB Devin Bush will be replaced was slightly answered. Even after his confirmation that they are intending and confident with the in-house options, we inquired about the possibilities ourselves. For example, do the Steelers aid in the lacking LB depth by kicking down a DB such as S Terrell Edmunds?

Speculating in the media, Tomlin did what was much needed—publicly extending his faith in his mid-interior guys once again. The confidence has to be high for the level of efficiency that’s in store for the Pittsburgh defense, especially them.

Titans are what the Browns want to be

As Henry is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 117.6 rushing yards per game, and it’s the only cherry on top of what they can do as a collective unit.

Reigniting his career, QB Ryan Tannehill is quietly threading through defenses week in and week out. Although they average the 2nd most rushing attempts (32.6), Tannehill and company are still completing 24.2 passes per game (11th), meaning their reliant for success isn’t one-dimensional as highlights may suggest. While Henry has accounted for the most broken tackles (13), Tannehill is responsible for the most air yards (873).

Titans will be without LT Taylor Lewan, possibly making things a bit easier not only in defending the run but hopefully against a passer who excels under pressure as well.

And yes, your Steelers have the number one pressure rate, which makes this game for an array of headline matchups.

A key is to certainly watch LB Robert Spillane in his likely first professional start replacing a vital piece, but also how the rest of this front seven and defense reacts as a whole. The Titans rarely find themselves on third downs (12.0 per game – tied 27th in the NFL) converting at a 48.3% rate, are tied-first in turnover margin per game (1.2), and second in PPG (32.8).

They are a timely team that has been battle-tested, as Tomlin describes it. If the defensive response is likely to push for LBs Marcus Allen and Ulysses Gilbert III in a linebacker rotation with Spillane, the Titans will undoubtedly challenge them in multiple ways.