4 reasons Steelers LB Devin Bush will be better in 2022

2. The Rest of the defense should be healthier

While it is undeniable that Devin Bush had a bad season last year, the defense was depleted for much of the season. Stephon Tuitt missed the entire season with a knee injury, and Tyson Alualu fractured his ankle in week 2 and missed the rest of the season.

While Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt were playing at an All-Pro level, the defensive line was much weaker this season, as Heyward was the only starter playing from the previous season. Chris Wormely impressed in an increased role and had a solid season, but he was intended to be a depth player, and the lack of depth on the defensive line showed this season, as the team was gashed in the running game in the second half of the season.

While this is not an excuse for Bush’s poor play, it definitely didn’t help. With Alualu expected to return next season, and Kevin Colbert acknowledging that the team would welcome back Tuitt, there could be stronger play up front in front of Bush which could make his job significantly easier and could improve his level of play.

Add to that the potential for the Steelers to add more to the defensive line this offseason for depth, or a starter if Tuitt doesn’t return and the defensive line will undoubtedly be better than it was this season. And, with the expectation being that Joe Schobert will be released to free up cap space, Bush could see improved play alongside him, and the additional money could be used to improve the rest of the defense.