In the aftermath of the Steelers’ tough 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, one glaring absence stood out: safety Deshon Elliot. The former Texas Longhorn, signed by Pittsburgh in the offseason to a two-year deal, had made a significant impact on the defense ever since his arrival.
Elliot’s presence on the field has been instrumental in helping coordinator Teryl Austin’s defense thrive, particularly in creating turnovers and shutting down opposing run games. But against the Ravens, with Elliot sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Steelers' defense took a noticeable hit. This underscores just how valuable the safety has become to the unit.
Elliot’s ability to cover ground, read plays, and deliver punishing hits has made him an essential part of Pittsburgh’s defensive backbone. His aggressive style and keen awareness make him an ideal fit for the Steelers’ physical defensive scheme.
When on the field, Elliot is often seen coming up to stuff runs at the line of scrimmage, making it difficult for opposing running backs to break free. His presence has been a key factor in the Steelers’ ability to contain elusive runners, and his skill set was missed against Baltimore.
In his absence, the Steelers struggled to contain the Ravens’ ground attack, and the running back they faced on Sunday, Derrick Henry, had a field day. The Ravens fed Henry the ball 11 more times than they did in their earlier matchup in Week 11, and the results were stark.
Henry rushed for 162 yards, 97 more than his total in the previous encounter, showing just how much the Steelers missed Elliot’s ability to clog running lanes and deliver key tackles. The lack of his physical presence allowed the Ravens to exploit gaps in the Steelers’ defense, particularly in the running game.
Deshon Elliot has a promising future with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite the tough loss, Elliot’s absence inadvertently proved how important his signing has been for the Steelers this season. Pittsburgh’s defense, normally known for its ability to stop the run, struggled without the safety’s hard-hitting capabilities.
The performance against Henry only highlights that Deshon Elliot is far more than just a role player—he’s a key cog in the team’s defensive engine.
Looking ahead, Elliot’s return to full health should provide the Steelers with a much-needed boost as they continue their playoff push. His impact on the defense is undeniable, and his ability to stymie the opposition’s rushing attack will be critical as the team works to regain its footing.
With the postseason on the horizon, Deshon Elliot has proven to be an invaluable piece of Pittsburgh’s defensive puzzle, and his role will only grow more significant as the season progresses.