Steelers' Defense Still a Work in Progress

Even for a coach who espouses “no explanations, no excuses,” it’s just preseason, and players are bound to be nervous and rusty. The biggest test is usually Preseason Week Two, when starters are often afforded a few more series to work out the kinks.

In Jacksonville this past Saturday, the Steelers’ defense trotted out the aforementioned Myles Jack, a former Jaguar who was clearly playing with a chip on his shoulder. The competitive edge Jack displayed ignited a defense that responded well to their head coaches’ challenge, and perhaps answered lingering questions regarding their toughness and physicality.

Aside from Jack, fellow free agent acquisition Larry Ogunjobi won battles against the Jaguars’ offensive line while veteran strong safety Terrell Edmunds made plays around the line of scrimmage. All together, the Steelers held the Jaguars to fewer than 100 yards rushing on the day. Clearly, the remedy for the Steelers’ defense this season is stopping the run, even if it means robbing the backfield to re-enforce the defensive front.

One thing to watch for this Saturday is whether the Detroit Lions will be able to exploit these wrinkles in the Steelers’ defense and attack downfield. Going forward, this presents a big test for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and assistant Brian Flores, who’ve been simultaneously tasked with solving the defense’s running game woes while ensuring the pass defense remains solid.

It’s this fine balance that will keep the Steelers on their toes all season long. Whether it’s Edmunds or Fitzpatrick, it will be all hands on deck to ensure the running game is contained and opposing offenses are behind in down and distance. This comes with the expectation that the defense forces turnovers as well.

Last year, defensive turnovers were down from the year previous, a fact largely attributed to Minkah’s presence around the line of scrimmage.

“Believe me, there is nothing wrong with Minkah or his turnover ability or tally,” Tomlin said in a media call according to Steelers.com. “Sometimes it’s circumstantial. We didn’t stop the run well enough a year ago. So if you are looking for something to blame in regards to that or a storyline relative to that, Minkah’s a great football player. There was no lack of production in that area from him.”

For the Steelers’ defense, it’s never been a question of talent or ability. It’s usually a question of scheme and oftentimes, a question of desire as well. The Steelers’ coaches are searching for the right combination of players and the right formations to keep opposing offenses off-schedule. But more than anything, they want to see that desire.

While coaches such as Brian Flores have attested to being satisfied with the progress of defensive starters in training camp, they know players such as Robert Spillane are waiting in the wings. Behind him, rookie Mark Robinson is making some noticeable splashes to warrant further playing time as well. This competitive edge will push every member of the Steelers’ defense, leaving no one - from Devin Bush to Mark Robinson - feeling comfortable in their current spot.

There’s no doubt been a considerable amount of time and money spent in rehabilitating the team’s run defense, as they were last seen surrendering heaps of yards to the likes of Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray in their previous two meaningful matchups. The pressure is on, and it’s being felt on both the players and coaches. “The standard is the standard,” and upholding that standard entails the desire to play physical, smash mouth football on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.