As the 2023 season heads into October, the Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to try and find their identity on offense but are showing signs of having a defense that could help carry them back to the playoffs–or at least that’s what they’ve led us to believe. After a horrible opening week against the 49ers, the team bounced back with two straight wins, showing positive signs on both sides of the ball. But just when Steelers fans thought their team was taking a step forward, they suffered a humiliating 30-6 loss in Houston.
As they continue the start of the season in a hot and cold fashion, many fans yearn for a defense that resembles the past. The famed “Steel Curtain” defense of the 1970s established Pittsburgh as an NFL powerhouse, winning four Super Bowls in a six-year stretch. Sadly, the unit last Sunday looked anything like the Steel Curtain. While this year’s group may not reach those lofty heights, the pieces still seem to be in place for the defense to give them a shot at the AFC North if they can rectify their issues and generate some rhythm.
This article will take a look at some of the positive things the team has going for them, along with some of the obstacles they must overcome to get to the next level.
A Dominant Pass Rush is the Foundation
T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, the outside linebackers for the Steelers, have the potential to be one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, but they need to be more consistent in applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks because they did not show that at all against the Texans. Watt is arguably the league’s top defensive player, having won Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 after leading the NFL with 22.5 sacks. And this season, he needs to prove that again. Despite a rough going on Sunday, he still has six sacks through four games.
Questions at Cornerback
The Steelers are counting on Levi Wallace, acquired from Buffalo in 2022, to be their top cover man. The team also added veteran Patrick Peterson, although many believe he is past his All-Pro prime at 33. Given some of the early season concerns, they have struggled with pass coverage, particularly at the cornerback position. They need to give more playing time to rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr., whose father was a legendary Steelers player, four-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl winner.
Opportunity for Growth at Linebacker
Pittsburgh’s linebacker corps sees a blend of experience and potential. Key players include veterans like Kwon Alexander, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and T.J. Watt, who bring veteran leadership. Young talents like Alex Highsmith and Mark Robinson offer fresh energy. Robinson, transitioning into his role as a second-year player, shows a lot of promise. The mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents provides Pittsburgh with a solid foundation and growth opportunity at linebacker, crucial for a robust defense in 2023.
All that said, the linebacking corps has not been a strength thus far. They’ve allowed at least 139 rushing yards in three of the four games thus far this year and are coming off a dreadful performance, giving up 451 total yards against the Texans.
With this mix of experienced and young talent at the linebacker position, they cannot expect miracles from their veterans in every game. They need to continue developing their young players and improve their overall play if they plan on collecting some ‘W’s and being a real threat this season.
How Good Can the Defense Be?
Despite some uncertainties, all the elements are in place for Pittsburgh’s defense to become a top-ten unit in 2023. They showed their muscle in wins over the Browns and Raiders, where the unit had some stellar moments. The pass rush and defensive line can control games, masking potential issues in the secondary. What happened the last two Sundays could be the story for the season–expect a rollercoaster of a ride.
While the playoffs are no guarantee, the Steel Curtain rising again would make this season a success in Pittsburgh. The odds to win the AFC North reflect the belief that this defense can carry the Steelers back to contention, especially with the division-favorite Cincinnati Bengals off to a rough start. The Steelers face a massive game this Sunday, hosting the division-leading Baltimore Ravens. A win here and the Steelers would be tied for first place.
Conclusion
In summary, with elite pass rushers in Watt and Highsmith, playmakers at all three levels, and depth on the defensive line, the Steelers have the pieces in place to play well defensively. Some guys just need to gain some more experience, and the unit needs to gel as one. Also, the offense can help the defense; if they can sustain drives and score points, it gives the defense more time to rest and takes the pressure off them.
