The question has been floating around the Pittsburgh Steelers’ organization since Mike Tomlin walked in the door and for the first time we are finally getting some answers. Fans have wondered if Tomlin would ever consider changing the Steelers’ patented 3-4 into his more favored ‘Cover-2’ defense.
Dale Lolley of Steelers Nation Radio and the Washington Observer-Reporter reported last evening that Tomlin worked exclusively with the secondary during practice. He was teaching the ‘Cover-2′ and was also instructing drills that enhance a player’s ability to play in this type of defense.
We already know that new Steelers’ Defensive Coordinator Keith Butler is changing up things in 3-4 by changing the responsibilities of the defensive line and linebackers. This move is seen as conforming to the strengths of the young players and will be welcome in my opinion.
You aren’t going to see a complete transformation to the Cover-2 but with the Steelers spending so much time in nickel and dime defenses, it appears we will see more of the look in 2015.
If you look at the personnel, the use of the Cover-2 could really help a guy like Gerod Holliman, the ball-hawking rookie safety. It’s going to be fascinating to see how Tomlin and Butler use the Cover-2 elements as camp and the season wear on.
Steelers’ Camp Notes from Day Three (Info courtesy @ChrisG_BR)
Cortez Allen appeared to bounce back from a tough Sunday practice.
Wide Receiver C.J. Goodwin, who is battling for that last receiver spot had some athletic catches yesterday that really helped his chances.
Safety and Special Teams guru Ross Ventrone left the field with a lower leg injury. It didn’t look good.
The team is off today as Tuesday is the mandatory players’ day off.
photo courtesy witf.org
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[…] There’s been plenty of reporting early on in camp about the implementation of the Steelers practicing some Cover-2 alignments defensively. Marc wrote a little about that already. […]