Can Steelers rely on their defense to survive a difficult schedule?

With the strongest ranked 2021-2020 regular-season schedule, the Steelers must find their winning formula.

On May 12th, 2021, the NFL released the league’s schedule for its upcoming season. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ upcoming schedule was ranked as the league’s strongest with a .574 rating. During this upcoming season, Pittsburgh will have to face ten playoff teams from last year. These teams include the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Green Bay Packers. With such a difficult task ahead, many do not believe the Steelers will have a successful season.

To have success this year the Steelers must be able to lean on their defense. When Pittsburgh’s defense controls the game, they have seen success. The defense has always been a large part of the winning tradition for the black and gold. In 1970, Pittsburgh’s defensive line received the nickname the “Steel Curtain.” This name was given to the defensive linemen due to their outstanding performance on defense which led to four Pittsburgh Championships.

Since then, the Steelers have always been known to execute well on the defensive side of the ball. Last season the Pittsburgh’s defensive front was able to record 52 total sacks. The disruption that was caused at the line of scrimmage helped the secondary protect the endzone against pass-first NFL teams. At the end of the season, the Steelers finished with the second most takeaways and they were ranked third in the league in defense. Although Pittsburgh’s season ended in an ugly fashion, fans and spectators can feel some comfort in knowing that most of the defensive starters will be returning for the 2021 NFL Season.

Steelers defense will be key

During the off-season, the Steelers have made moves to enhance their defense even more. After losing one of their best edge rushers in Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh was able to sign Melvin Ingram to a one-year deal. Ingram is a former first-round draft pick that has been able to have success in the league. After a disappointing season-ending knee injury in 2020, Ingram is ready now ready to make up for the lost time. aid T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick in protecting the endzone.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have all of the tools needed to be successful for the 20201-2022 NFL season. In addition to their stout defense, they have acquired the offensive pieces needed to help the team in general. Najee Harris is a player that the Steelers are looking at for immediate production. When the 2020 NFL season ended, Pittsburgh was ranked at the bottom of the league in rushing the football.

As the season inches closer, the Steelers are anxious to see how their new running game and defense perform. They will certainly be keys to success in 2021.