On paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers have all the pieces to have the best defense in the NFL. They have one elite star at every level and lots of quality young talent with athleticism. What is missing? Consistency.
Steelers star defensive tackle Cam Heyward said as much when he was on the 3 and Out podcast with John Middlekauff. Heyward went right down the line of all the players who are going to make the Steelers defense great beyond himself, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick but was quick to point out this defense can’t take weeks off.
Unfortunately, this has been a problem with this unit going back further than last season. And it isn’t a matter of taking full games off. This group can come out and just be on lockdown for a half and then in the second half get gashed or vice versa.
A big part of this was depth. Particularly depth on the defensive line. Fortunately, this was an area the front office hit hard in the draft and free agency. The additions of Breiden Fehoko and Keeanu Benton give the Steelers big, physical bodies who can rotate in with the starters and keep them fresh.
