The Steelers defense really needs to improve significantly if the team wants to push for a Super Bowl run. They were ranked number 18 in overall defense. With lots of holes to fill in both linebacker positions (specifically the outside linebackers), what will become of the unit, the lifeblood of this Steeler defense?
Starting with the easier situation, the inside linebackers seem set. Lawrence Timmons is coming off a Pro Bowl season and 2nd year player Ryan Shazier, who I expect to win the starting spot opposite Timmons, has shown flashes of brilliance. Their back ups, Vince Williams and Sean Spence, are very capable of spelling either of them.
To be completely honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if Vince Williams ends up being the successor of Lawrence Timmons. Although it seems a while off, Lawrence isn’t getting any younger. Williams has the skill set to compliment Shazier in the long run.
The inside linebackers performed admirably last season, proving that they were one of the more complete corps on the defensive side of the ball.
Moving on to the outside linebackers, this is where things get a bit murky.
The supremely talented Bud Dupree was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. With the lack of play from 2013 first round pick Jarvis Jones, Dupree was brought in to compete for a starting job.
Bud has all the measurables and skill to be the next great Steelers linebacker. If he can harness all that talent into production, there’s no telling how high his ceiling will go.
Part time human and full time beast LB James Harrison was brought out of retirement to be the ointment for a pass rush that had one too many broken wrists. He was out there terrorizing quarterbacks like the old’n days.
His presence was immediately felt, as were his tackles. He brought back a physicality that was sorely lacking.
Another player I’m excited about is Arthur Moats. He shone brightly during his limited snaps. He had 4 sacks to his name last season, and I expect that number to rise.
That being said, I believe Arthur Moats and Jarvis Jones will be the starters come opening day, with James Harrison and Bud Dupree on their heels pressing for playing time.
If all goes well, we’ll witness a revival of the most important cog in the network of gears that is the Steelers defense.
Stats and info courtesy of NFL.com and Steelers.com
5 comments
I see our LB group as average, poor drafting on the defensive side of the ball is just now beginning to be seen. Ok fine let’s give everyone a chance but the proof is in the pudding and numbers don’t lie.Does this group have potential, sure but so does very other teams LB’s.my prediction for starters are. J. Harrison, Shazier, Timmons and Jones [who i believe will quickly lose his job]. I think that Dupree will be inserted as his replacement with moats as the primary backup. the situation is a little better at ILB but i would like to see more of a rotation a fresh Spence or Williams is better than a worn out Timmons. Now with that being said come on football season!!
Considering how young and inexperienced most of our linebackers are, we should be lucky they’re at least average. On the other hand, average is not the standard. Its not something we should expect. I see this unit with a glass half full approach. These guys are only going to get better.
Fact Timmons is at his peak if not beyond Harrison is our best OLB And his best days are behind him [but he’s still formidable] Moats is a good player The rest of the group is totally unproven. To be honest when i first saw Lloyd, Harrison, and even Woodley play i could see great potential right away. With this group of young LB’s i just don’t get that feel. Granted i haven’t seen Dupree in a pro situation yet. But even with the brutal schedule in see us at 10-6. The only weaknesses being a average o-line and defense. granted teams have won the Superbowl in that situation.
The “Silver Back” Not Starting ? ! “C’MON MAN”, You Must be Joking !
The “Silver Back” Harrison Not Starting ? “C’MON MAN” ? !!!!!