The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves vying for the top of the AFC North right now despite numerous struggles on offense. The main reason for their success has been the play of the defense. In particular, the run defense has been stifling in recent weeks.
A big reason for the success has been the presence of big man Yahya Black in the middle of the defense.
The former fifth-round pick was quietly a quality rotational player last year. The expectation was much the same: a solid run-defending nose tackle with little to no value on passing downs.
Black has taken a significant step forward in his play, though. While his snap count has increased due to the loss of Derrick Harmon, it has also led to a dominant stretch for the Steelers. It isn’t all on Black, but he is blossoming into a great player.
Yahya Black is quietly having a breakout season for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Black is the type of player that you have to judge by the tape. Stats and grades won’t typically favor a big space eater like the former Iowa player.
His PFF score is only 62.7. His 16 total tackles and one sack won’t light up the stat sheet. On paper, he just looks like a fine rotational player for the team.
The run defense tells a different story. While the Steelers have played the run well so far, since Black has seen his role grow due to injury, the defense has shut down opposing backs. Jonathan Taylor and Bucky Irving were effectively stonewalled. The Saints compiled 18 total rushing yards in Paris.
All you really have to do is flip on his tape, though. The man is a dominating presence in the trenches right now. He can absorb double teams with relative ease, and his power allows him to clog running lanes and force running backs to change direction.
It feels like teams have to dedicate two players to him to give their running game a chance. This is a great asset to the defense despite it not leading to gaudy stats.
Where I am really surprised is his pass rush. Black has never been a great pass rusher; it isn’t his game. Yet he has seen his ability to get to the quarterback expand this year.
He is still a limited rusher – he has a bull rush that lives or dies by his strength. However, it has been effective when matched up in one-on-one opportunities.
He isn’t ever going to be a sack artist, but he can at least be a viable threat there so he can play on all three downs.
The entire defensive line is playing well right now for the Steelers. However, Black is stepping into his own and has been an impressive asset on defense. The ceiling is still capped, but the talent is there to far exceed his draft position.
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