3 Steelers that need to see more time on the bench in 2021

Steelers Isaiah Buggs

While no singular defensive lineman was going to be able to replace the talent of Tyson Alualu, Isaiah Buggs has been a clear step down that has hurt this run defense. Since he has become the starting nose tackle, the team has been regularly gashed by opposing running games. This has opened up the passing game and made the defense a worse overall unit.

Buggs hasn’t been a horrible player, but his run defense has been lacking. He has easily been outplayed by fellow backup Chris Wormley, who has stepped in admirably for Stephon Tuitt, and it could be argued that fellow reserve lineman Henry Mondeaux and Isaiahh Loudermilk have been as good as Buggs. Again, he hasn’t been abysmal, but his drop-off in play has been noticeable.

In all honesty, Carlos Davis needs to get healthy in order to compete for the starting nose tackle job right now. He has flashed far more than Buggs has, and he is a more natural fit for the job than Buggs. Until he heals up, perhaps mixing Cameron Heyward in as an untraditional nose tackle could benefit this defense. No matter who it is, the defense could use a little less Buggs moving forward.