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New York Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
One thought on T.J. Watt and every other Steelers defensive player
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense finished eighth-best in scoring (20.4 points per game), tied for the league lead with 33 turnovers and helped carry the team to two wins in which the offense failed to reach the end zone. However, that same defense wilted down the stretch against quality quarterbacks and physical rushing offenses. Over the final four games of the regular season and in the wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, opponents averaged 27.4 points per game. Advertisement After making coaching changes in the secondary (Gerald Alexander) and at inside linebacker (Scott McCurley), as well as some schematic tweaks, can their performance match their oversized cap hit? In a world where expectations are often tied to compensation, the Steelers will spend $27.7 million more on defense than the second-highest paid group. As we countdown to training camp, here's one thought on every player from the defense. In case you missed it, we broke down the offense yesterday. Minkah Fitzpatrick: The ballhawking prowess that made Fitzpatrick one of the highest-paid players at his position disappeared, as he's intercepted just one pass over the last two years combined. Some like to blame the defensive decision-makers, but they have played Fitzpatrick in two different ways with no difference (in 2023, he was in the slot and near the line of scrimmage more than ever, and last year, he focused primarily on playing the deep middle). However, with schematic changes to the defense that mirror Fitzpatrick's college assignments at Alabama, a better third safety (Juan Thornhill) who will put Fitzpatrick in different places, a new secondary coach and corners more capable of playing man coverage (which often leads to tips and overthrows), it wouldn't be surprising to see the splash return. DeShon Elliott: He was one of the best bargains in football last year, as 49 NFL safeties (including Miles Killebrew) made more. His instincts and run-stuffing prowess earned Elliott a new contract. Will the Steelers still lean into his strengths by continuing to play Elliott in the box or will he have a more diverse role? Juan Thornhill: A sneaky important player on the roster, Thornhill's addition gives the Steelers solid depth and, more importantly, should allow them to lean into their three-safety defenses (a big nickel version and a dime version). Will the Steelers like the look of the big nickel enough to make that one of their primary packages? Advertisement Miles Killebrew: He's a Pro Bowl special teamer with a knack for blocking punts. However, even when the Steelers endure numerous injuries to safeties (like in 2023), they have been hesitant to play Killebrew on defense. While his special teams contributions are significant, is this money well spent if he's not even a backup? Sebastian Castro: The 5-foot-11 and 203-pound DB had a draftable grade by many analysts but didn't hear his name called on draft weekend. A versatile defender, he played the 'Cash' position at Iowa, functioning as a hybrid LB/DB. While that could make him a fit as a backup in the three-safety defenses, numbers will be tight at DB. Joey Porter Jr.: How much will he shadow the opponents' No. 1 WR and can he cut down on the penalties? Darius Slay: While so many have focused on his age (34), he's still an upgrade over last year's No. 2 CB and could give the Steelers more opportunities to play man or zone match. (They played more Cover 3 last year because it fit Donte Jackson's playing style). Brandin Echols: He played primarily on the outside during OTAs and minicamp but also has appeared in the slot. Does he unseat someone to become a starter or just provide depth and special teams contributions? Cory Trice Jr.: An intriguing seventh-round pick in 2023, who had much higher grades by most, Trice lost his rookie year to an ACL injury and dealt with hamstring issues last year. When he did play, it was mostly as an extra DB in dime. Will he be the first outside corner off the bench? Beanie Bishop: He learned as an undrafted rookie last year that just because you begin the year as the starter doesn't mean you'll finish the season that way. James Pierre: He somehow always finds a way to stick around. Will he be able to continue to do so with several additions at DB? Advertisement Donte Kent: Teams don't like to cut their draft picks. But when you crunch the numbers, this seventh-round pick could find himself near the roster's fringe. He's listed as CB/PR, so maybe his return ability helps him stick as he fights for more in the nickel. D'Shawn Jamison: A relatively unknown player has the chance to surprise in training camp. The 5-foot-9, 186-pound defensive back's fluid and athletic movements stood out during offseason workouts. He's a dark horse candidate to find a role on special teams and as a reserve in the nickel. Quindell Johnson: He played in nine games for the Bears last year and intercepted one pass.' Cameron McCutcheon: A 6-foot-3, 200-pound corner who played mostly outside in college. Kyler McMichael: A 6-foot, 210-pound DB, McMichael is another UDFA looking to stick somehow. Cameron Heyward: Last year, Heyward had a strong case for Comeback Player of the Year (had it not been for Joe Burrow), as the Steelers defensive tackle returned from a pair of surgeries to produce his seventh Pro Bowl season in the last eight years. Can he post another to strengthen his case for Canton while he chases the elusive Lombardi? Keeanu Benton: Benton has been more than solid since his rookie season, but the Steelers are looking for him to become dominant. Will he and how much will his usage grow in sub-packages when the Steelers go to a four-man front? Derrick Harmon: The Steelers have made it no secret that Harmon will immediately step into a starting role at the left defensive end in the 3-4 defense, where he'll play alongside T.J. Watt. But it will be more interesting to see how he looks in sub packages after leading interior defensive linemen in pressures at the college level. Can his finish more plays after also leading his position in missed tackles (12)? Advertisement Isaiahh Loudermilk: After four years, Loudermilk probably is what he is: A rotational backup. Is it possible he gets leapfrogged by some newcomers or is he still one of the first replacements off the bench? Yahya Black: At 6-foot-6 and 336, Black brings outstanding length and size to defend the run. Long term, the dream scenario would be for Black to develop enough at nose tackle that he's part of a youth movement on the defensive front. (He could line up between Benton and Harmon, eventually). Short term, how much can he become part of the rotation as a rookie? Daniel Ekuale: After staring just five games over his first five seasons combined (all in 2020), Ekuale started 16 last year for the Patriots due to injury. As a backup nose (who can also play some 3-4 defensive end), he could be a rotational contributor. Logan Lee: After missing his entire rookie year with injury, this 2024 sixth-round pick will be interesting to watch during preseason games when backups get a ton of snaps. DeMarvin Leal: Will he ever figure it out? After flashing promise as a rookie, Leal has never done enough to become a factor on defense. Domenique Davis: The former Cincinnati Bengal has appeared in just two games (2022) and could be headed to the practice squad. Esezi Otomewo: He's played in just nine games in his NFL career, five in 2022 with Minnesota and four in 2024 with Jacksonville. Jacob Slade: A former Michigan State Spartan, Slade has yet to make his NFL debut. Patrick Queen: Signed to be the quarterback of the Steelers' defense, Queen was solid last year but is looking to produce more splash. I noticed him often working on the JUGs machine by himself while the offense was on the field during OTAs and minicamp. Payton Wilson: Last season, Wilson earned the majority of his playing time in nickel packages, where his coverage ability shined. With Elandon Roberts gone, how much will Wilson's usage expand in other packages? While Wilson brings elite speed for his position and a tenacious mentality, he needs to get off blocks better to be a factor on run downs. Advertisement Malik Harrison: Is it too simple to think of him as a one-for-one replacement for Roberts in the base defense alongside Queen? With a physical playing style and bruising body type, he'd fit the mold. It's also worth wondering if the Steelers get creative with Harrison, given his experience playing OLB. Cole Holcomb: After a gruesome knee injury in 2023, Holcomb deserves credit for battling back. Of all the defensive players, it's hardest to determine where he fits in what's usually a three-ILB rotation. He's been playing some special teams to try to earn his spot in another way. Mark Robinson: A training camp darling during his rookie year, Robinson's football IQ and instincts have never caught up to his fearless, downhill style in the years since. The Steelers will have to decide if Robinson's special teams contributions are worth a roster spot or if his stint in Pittsburgh could be nearing an end. Carson Bruener: One of the best stories of the rookie class, Bruener was in the exact same seat in his family's cabin as his father was decades earlier on draft night. His straight-line speed makes him a special teams candidate. Devin Harper: A former Cowboy and Bengal, Harper has played 12 games from 2022 to 2023 but didn't see the field last year. T.J. Watt: Will the Steelers make him go through the same song and dance as his last negotiation or will they resolve this contract dispute before camp? Alex Highsmith: He recorded 14.5 sacks in 2022 to earn a contract extension but was limited to seven in 2023 and played in just 11 games last year due to injury. Can this fan of superheroes prove he's another Batman off the edge? Nick Herbig: How many creative ways can the Steelers find to get this talented, young edge rusher on the field? They dabbled with a one-dimensional rush package last year that featured Watt, Highsmith and Herbig on the field together before Highsmith's injuries. Advertisement Jack Sawyer: The Steelers weren't targeting an edge rusher in the draft. However, when Sawyer was available in the fourth round, Pittsburgh selected the best available player on their board. If there's an injury to one of the two top dogs, Sawyer could be utilized on run downs, while Herbig is the choice in passing situations for a by-committee approach. Jeremiah Moon: At 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds, he has great length, which helped him block a punt last year. He earned opportunities when Highsmith was injured last year and might be able to fight his way onto the 53-man roster because of special teams. The practice squad seems more likely. Eku Leota: The 6-foot-5, 257-pound linebacker played in one game last year and could be a practice squad candidate. Julius Welschof: The German-born athlete impressed during preseason games last year before sustaining an injury. He's a free roster spot on the practice squad as a part of the NFL's International Player Pathway, but can he surprise and become more? (Top photos of Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt: Joe Sargent and Cooper Neill / Getty Images)
New York Times
16-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Steelers OTAs/ minicamp takeaways: Defense evolving, position battle updates
PITTSBURGH — Wearing dark sweat pants and a hoodie in the middle of June, new Steelers defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander jogged off the field with a purpose following the last practice of the offseason. The 40-year-old former NFL safety rejoined the Steelers in February after a one-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders. At the time, it might have been easy to overlook the shakeup as a minor tweak to the coaching staff. But during OTAs and minicamp, Alexander was nearly impossible to miss. Advertisement 'He's a guy who's played the game,' safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said. 'He doesn't just know the X's and O's of the playbook; he knows the ins and outs of the game. He knows how to put us in position to not just execute our playbook, but make plays.' Alexander's hands-on approach and energetic coaching style aren't the only things that are new on the Steelers' defense. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said that the Steelers have made several changes to their personnel and schematics after the highly compensated unit allowed 27.4 points per game over the final four weeks of the regular season and the playoff loss. Two of those five losses came at the hands of the rival Baltimore Ravens. 'We had a Baltimore problem last year,' Austin said. 'There's no way to get around it. They ran the ball down our throats, and we have to fix that if we want to contend in this division.' While rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon's addition should bolster the run defense, and the Juan Thornhill signing should allow the Steelers to lean more into their three-safety packages, Pittsburgh's problems went beyond Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. The other main problem? Miscommunications and missed assignments, which popped up most often against opponents like the Ravens and Chiefs, who like to flood zones with stacks, bunches and the en vogue 4×1 formation (which puts the running back on the same side as a trips formation, giving the offense four eligible receivers to one side). Isaiah Likely and the @Ravens jump out in front. 📺: #PITvsBAL on FOX📱: Stream on #NFLPlus — NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2024 'Those are the things that are trending,' Austin said. 'The 4×1 stuff and bunches, (the offense is) trying to confuse you so you don't get right on the guys right away.' That's where the schematic changes come in. Whether the new ideas came from Alexander himself or from the top, the new defensive backs coach was often responsible for the hands-on installs during OTAs and minicamp. Advertisement 'We're throwing in a couple new calls,' second-year defensive back Beanie Bishop said. 'Some new zones, a couple new mans and a couple new blitzes and things like that. … Obviously, teams aren't going to be prepared for certain things, like, 'Oh, we've never seen the Steelers run this.'' While Bishop didn't explicitly say what those changes will be, last year's tendencies provide clues. In 2024, the defense played a ton of single-high coverages that put Fitzpatrick in center field as the post safety. According to Pro Football Focus, Cover 3 was the Steelers' primary coverage, utilized on 38.4 percent of snaps (eighth-highest rate). Man coverage with one high safety was the second most common, played on 29.6 percent of snaps (fifth-highest rate). The Steelers also sprinkled in Cover 2 on about 12 percent of snaps (20th) and some other split-field coverages like Cover 6 (quarter, quarter, half). One coverage the Steelers didn't play a lot was quarters, or Cover 4 — a four-deep zone defense that has gained popularity in recent years. According to PFF, the Steelers played quarters at the second-lowest rate in the league (5.5 percent). Interestingly, they were the most effective team in the league when they did, producing a 0.28 EPA per play. That could change this year. It may not be a total makeover, but it is another tool in the toolbox. Why play more quarters? • One of the strengths of quarters is that it is malleable, allowing for various adjustments and checks to match the offensive formations. While quarters is time-intensive to teach initially, the coverage is self-regulating once players know the rules. That should help streamline communication. It's worth noting the Philadelphia Eagles played quarters at the sixth-highest rate in the league last year and obviously did a much better job than the Steelers at handling the Chiefs' unbalanced formations. The Steelers don't play the Chiefs in the regular season but will see plenty of 4×1, stacks and bunches against the Packers, Ravens, Colts and others. Advertisement • Adding quarters to their toolbox should also allow the Steelers to disguise more of their coverages. For a man-heavy team like Pittsburgh, quarters can often look like man coverage pre-snap. • This change should also benefit Fitzpatrick. He may be the defensive player with the most experience in quarters, as former Alabama coach Nick Saban helped popularize the defense at the college level. In some of these new looks, Fitzpatrick's role will evolve, as he goes from primarily a post safety to a more versatile defender. As we wait to see how the defense continues to evolve during training camp, here are more takeaways from OTAs and minicamp. Before the Steelers got Aaron Rodgers' signature on a one-year contract, Bishop had it on a pair of footballs. As an undrafted rookie out of West Virginia, Bishop intercepted the future Hall of Famer twice in a 37-15 victory last October. At a news conference after the game, he made a public request for Rodgers to sign the keepsakes. Rodgers agreed. The Steelers mailed the footballs to New York, where Rodgers signed them and shipped them back. Steelers rookie DB Beanie Bishop said he wanted @AaronRodgers12 to sign his two INT balls. The future HOF QB was a good sport and returned the footballs today. — Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) November 6, 2024 About seven months later, Rodgers himself arrived at the Steelers' facility. 'Every time he sees me, he says something funny,' Bishop said. 'He told me, 'Yeah, those two are going to be the last ones you get.'' For the 5-9, 182-pound nickel, adding footballs to his collection starts with solidifying his spot as the starter in a position battle with no shortage of candidates. While the offseason additions of former Jet Brandin Echols and seventh-round draft pick Donte Kent have complicated the nickel conversation, Bishop took a strong step forward through OTAs and minicamp. He confirmed he played extensively with the first-team defense. However, Bishop knows from last year that just because a player begins the year as the starter, it doesn't guarantee he'll finish the season the same way. Advertisement By the Week 9 bye, he was averaging 44.3 defensive snaps a game and had just intercepted three passes in a two-game stretch. However, when Cam Sutton returned from suspension, Bishop's role changed. He was still used at times in nickel. But most of his playing time came in the other sub-package, dime. As a result, he played less than half as much in the second half of the season (21.5 defensive snaps per game). Especially down the stretch, his playing time dwindled, as he appeared on the field for just six defensive snaps combined over the final two games. 'At the end of the day, they still don't have a lot of money invested in me,' Bishop said. 'They obviously drafted a guy (Kent) this year. Brought in (Echols). So I'm never just comfortable and like, 'Oh yeah, this is my spot.' No, I'd never think like that. I always got to have the chip on my shoulder because I still don't forget where I come from.' To keep his spot, Bishop needs to improve his communication, as he was one of the players often in the middle of breakdowns. He also admitted that sometimes he had 'bad eyes' in man coverage. While his ball skills helped him earn an NFL opportunity, he'll need to become more well-rounded to have a long NFL career. The Steelers drafted Harmon in the first round, knowing they'd need a Day 1 starter. In case there was any question, defensive line coach Karl Dunbar made it clear that's where the former 6-foot-4, 313-pound defensive tackle will begin his NFL career. 'He's our left starting defensive tackle,' Dunbar said. 'You can write that.' While the Steelers have, in some instances, broken in their rookies slowly, it's no surprise to see Harmon atop the depth chart already. Offseason addition Daniel Ekuale started 16 games last year for the Patriots, but that was due to Christian Barmore's absence. Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, Logan Lee and others fit better as rotational pieces. The real question when it comes to playing time along the defensive line is: How do the Steelers split playing time among interior defensive linemen in sub-packages when there are just two on the field with two outside linebackers to create a four-man front? Harmon, who led FBS interior defensive linemen in pressures last year, looks the part with his quickness and strong hands. I'm looking forward to seeing him in pads. Advertisement In a similar way to Dunbar, wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni gave his depth-chart update. 'I think that No. 2 spot is all Calvin (Austin III)'s right now,' Azzanni said. Austin often has been the receiver first through the lines in drills. His speed took the top off the defense last year and was highlighted by Russell Wilson's deep ball. With a new QB, his detailed route running will need to shine. While Austin seems poised to build upon what was a bit of a breakout 2024 campaign (36 receptions, 548 yards, four touchdowns), a potential trade or Roman Wilson's growth could change that dynamic. Regardless of whether the Steelers add a pass catcher or not, they will use all of their receivers in a variety of roles. It's just a matter of how much more Austin is used compared to the others. When Rodgers arrived in Pittsburgh, he had a question for QB coach Tom Arth. 'The last thing I want to do is start talking in the meeting and take time away from you,' Arth remembers Rodgers saying. 'But he's like, 'If I see something, do you mind if I share what I see?' ' 'I'm like, Aaron, please,' Arth laughed. 'That's going to be one of the greatest benefits — to me, to all of us, especially to Will.' Sometimes when a veteran comes in at a certain position, there are easy narratives about mentorship. But in the case of Rodgers, his interest in helping the rookie feels genuine. Rodgers sits next to Howard in the QB room. On numerous instances during minicamp, Rodgers was giving Howard pointers on his dropback and other fundamentals. 'He's a great mentor,' Howard said. 'There's already some things he's said to me that have already helped me. I'm just excited to learn as much as I can from that guy and take everything he says and try and put it in the bank.' (Photo of Beanie Bishop: Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Coach Reveals Keys to Porter Jr.'s Development
Steelers Coach Reveals Keys to Porter Jr.'s Development originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers are often defined by their physicality and potency in the trenches, but the back seven threatened their season in 2024. They looked out of sync late in the season and played worse than their collective talent would suggest. Advertisement Subsequently, Pittsburgh is still waiting for corner Joey Porter Jr.'s breakout. It's been a rocky two years for the second-generation Steeler, but his pedigree and physical tools lend themselves to optimism. Pittsburgh reinforced the secondary with veteran Darius Slay Jr. in the offseason. If this defense is going to ascend toward the league's elite, he'll need to be joined by the improvement of several young starters. On Tuesday, Steelers defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander explained the keys to Porter's development. 'There's a little bit of both (trust and technique fixes),' Alexander said, via Nick Farabaugh. 'I mean, there's a process to having success within a given play and obviously not dealing with an error of penalizing yourself due to maybe a lack of technique within the route. Joey does a great job. I think he's one of the elite guys at the line of scrimmage as far as disrupting releases and getting hands-on and stuff like that. Advertisement 'And so it's really post-that. It's not necessarily getting aggressive beyond that combative stage within that five yards, and now it's just time to trust his transition, trust his process, trust his coverage ability, and then obviously when he's in a position to be able to defend the ball down the field, it's getting his eyes up and challenging that and going for the ball instead of trying to think about 'How do I keep the receiver from not receiving the ball.'' Defenses can live with inconsistencies; it's par for the course for a young cornerback refining his game. But it's a lot easier to survive those bumps in the road when splash plays, in the form of ball production, erase some of those mistakes. For Porter, those flashes haven't come in bunches. He's logged just two interceptions and 17 passes defended through two seasons. He hasn't forced or recovered a fumble, either. Unlocking that part of his game is critical to creating Pittsburgh's most dangerous defense. Advertisement 'A lot of the elimination of those things comes in the form of how do we develop and continue to detail some of the technique,' Alexander continued. '... And so I try to get those guys to understand the mentality that it takes in order to be able to play the ball down the field and not so much worry about if the receiver catches it. And you're not thinking about failure. You're thinking about 'How do I put myself in position to finish this play versus preventing him from making one.'' Between head coach Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Alexander, and Slay, there are plenty of quality voices in Porter's ear. For the sake of the Steelers' defense, they'll hope that the supporting cast plays a significant role in Porter's next step. Related: One Position Defines Steelers Trading Pickens Related: Inside How Much Aaron Rodgers Signing Helps Steelers' Bottom-5 'Triplets' Ranking This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
