4 reasons the Steelers already have the best defense in the NFL
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a remarkable defense again in 2021. Here are four reasons why they already have the best defense in the NFL.
It wasn’t the most memorable offseason by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. After the salary cap plummeted due to the pandemic, Pittsburgh lost a handful of quality starters this offseason and didn’t do much in the way of replacing them. During the NFL Draft, the Steelers prioritized offense as they made it a point of improving the run game this year.
Despite all of this, the Steelers defense has the makings to be the best in the NFL in 2021. While the team lost some quality players in Bud Dupree, Steven Nelson, and Mike Hilton this offseason, Devin Bush is returning from injury and other young players are on the rise. Here are four reasons why Pittsburgh already has the best defense in the NFL:
Steelers have a fantastic defensive line
You can argue that some positions on the Steelers have gotten worse since the end of the 2020 season. The defensive line is not one of them. Though Cameron Heyward and Tyson Alualu are getting up there in age, this unit could very well prove to be the best group in the league in 2021.
Last year, the Steelers finally got a healthy Stephon Tuitt. The talented defensive lineman offered up 11.0 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, and 25 quarterback hits in 15 games. Despite entering his 8th NFL season, Tuitt turned just 28 years old in May and still has his best football ahead of him.
In addition to not losing a single defensive lineman from last year’s roster, the Steelers also added a big, powerful defender in Wisconsin’s Isaiahh Loudermilk, while young players like Carlos Davis and Isaiah Buggs should be improved with another year. With a defensive front that includes players like Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, and Chris Wormley, this unit could have a big hand in helping the Steelers to the best defense in 2021.