It seems pretty clear that the days of calling the Pittsburgh Steelers a “3-4 team” are over. Over the course of the last two seasons, we’ve seen a steady decline in the amount of base 3-4 defense the Steelers have played. This isn’t all their doing as the increase in passing in the NFL has necessitated this as much as anything.
Having said that, Pittsburgh must be progressive in terms of their roster when it comes to these changes. Trying to maintain a 3-4 roster while only playing it around 25 percent of the time isn’t smart business. So what we are seeing is Pittsburgh jettisoning some the more traditional guys (like Steve McLendon and Cam Thomas), and them moving toward a very different look on defense.
But what would a full time “nickel” or 4-2-5 defense look like for the Steelers? And how much adjustment is still needed to make it work? Let’s take a look.
Defensive Line:
The Steelers have a trio of player along the defensive line right now that are tailor-made for this sort of scheme. Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Bud Dupree form three-fourths of what could be a dominating 4-man front. The last two years, the Steelers have tried using undersized guys in the defensive end roles and you see them wear down.
But the decision that has to be made here is about Heyward and Tuitt. I’ve said for years that Heyward is an All-Pro defensive tackle if he were allowed to focus all his time there. But what to do about that fourth spot? Does Tuitt move to a strongside defensive end spot opposite Dupree, or do the Steelers bring in another defensive end and keep Tuitt inside? I think both plans have merit, so long as the Steelers don’t try and get too cute with moving guys around along the line.
Linebackers:
Obviously if the majority of snaps are made with only two true linebackers on the field, it creates something of a logjam at the position. Counting Dupree as a DE, it leaves several guys vying for limited reps. However, the choice is pretty clear. Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons, both inside linebackers now, would be ideal three-down guys in this scheme full time. They are smart, athletic players that can do lots of different things.
The odd guys out in this are Jarvis Jones, Arthur Moats and Vince Williams. While they would provide depth and be helpful in sub packages that require more LB, none of them bring to the table what Shazier and Timmons do.
Secondary:
This is where things get a bit more interesting. The Steelers would need to have three cornerbacks they can count on for a huge number of snaps. One would be William Gay, but after him there are a number of directions they could go. The hope is that Senquez Golson and Ross Cockrell assume those other two roles. That would leave Cortez Allen and Doran Grant to round things out. This is one spot where a draft pick is a heavy possibility.
At safety, it looks like the Steelers are going to look to the draft for someone to play opposite Mike Mitchell. Neither Shamarko Thomas or Robert Golden add much to the defense, and neither give the Steelers that true center field presence a defense like this needs.
Summary:
On paper, this defense is probably worse than last season right now. Considering the current makeup of the roster, don’t be shocked if three rookies are playing prominent roles in 2016, if the draft falls right. If this team is serious about a Super Bowl run this year, this could be the biggest year ever or rookie contributions.
