4 takeaways from Steelers embarrassing preseason loss vs Panthers

Steelers defensive line depth is legitimately good

This is one of the positional groups I’ve been the most interested in all summer. After possessing one of the league’s best defensive lines in 2020, it looked like this unit was about to lose two quality rotational players in Tyson Alualu and Chris Wormley this offseason.

However, not only did these two veterans elect to rejoin the team, but the Steelers also beefed up this unit in the NFL Draft by trading future capital for Isaiahh Loudermilk. So far, it already looks like they are starting to reap the benefits.

Pittsburgh’s top three defensive linemen did not suit up against the Panthers, but the ones who did held their own against Carolina’s starters. Though the same can’t be said for most Steelers in the preseason finale, I thought Wormley had a fantastic night getting pressure on the quarterback and closing running games. While this resulted in just one tackle in the box score, it’s important not to read too much into this. He was good.

In addition, Loudermilk earned an impressive sack and was routinely in the backfield while Isaiah Buggs and Carlos Davis each made a few really nice run stops. The Steelers are going to have a heck of a time deciding who the odd man out will be at the bottom of the depth chart. This is a very strong group.