Tyson Alualu is the best run stuffer in the middle we've had since Big Snack. Change my mind.
Alualu has performed admirably as a surprise fill-in after loss of Hargrove. But what makes him a dominant run stuffer outside of 10 game data set this year.
Discarding the Baltimore game (injury)—his highest snap count has been at 60% (Titans) and he’s playing 43% of all defensive snaps otherwise.
Compare that with Heyward (85%) and Tuitt (82%). Even in the early part of the season (when rush defense was performing higher level) there were games Alualu played literally less than half the # of snaps of his linemates.
He’s playing considerably less than Hampton did, even when Hampton was no longer at his peak.
No, the run defense has not been keyed by Alualu at close to the same level. Not to discount his contribution—which deserves full marks. But teams having success against run has been more than one player.
#1–it’s been a team effort that has been impacted harshly by losses of Hilton & Bush.
#2-teams get film and study to find areas to attack.
#3-Steelers D is purposely playing more aggressive sets—result of offense being able to generate points at 29/game. Turnovers have increased even though sacks have decreased (pressure remains constant).
Hampton was never a “run stuffer” to begin with. 3 inches shorter & 30 lbs heavier—his role was to command 2 blockers so his LBs could make plays — run or pass.
The NT position that Hampton played doesn’t exist anymore in the NFL now.
Alualu is a valuable part of the team’s defensive effort, but he’s not even the most critical element of stopping the run on the team now... take Heyward or Tuitt out and you’d see the extent
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