A topic of conversation this offseason centers on how to improve the pass rush of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite leading the league in sacks, The Steelers are middle-of-the-pack in overall pass rush defense. The conclusion from this is if the Steelers don’t get the sack, they typically don’t get much effective pressure at all.
But last season they might have suffered by underutilizing their secret weapon in the pass rush. This would be inside linebacker Vince Williams. In 2017, Williams had eight sacks but say this number fall to 4.5 in 2018.
In spite of this, Williams still checked in with the fourth-highest pass rush grade among linebackers last season according to Pro Football Focus.
What we saw last season was Williams still on the field for essentially the same number of snaps as 2017 but getting fewer opportunities to rush the passer. With Bud Dupree so inconsistent, the Steelers would be wise to give Williams more chances to get after the quarterback in 2019.
