Lost in the disappointing start to the Pittsburgh Steelers season on offense is just how poor the Steelers defense has been. This group has allowed almost 800 yards of offense in two games and has been particularly weak against the run.
This week the Steelers travel to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders and despite their struggles, present some interesting challenges. Here are the Steelers four keys to victory on defense.
5 downlinemen
One way opposing teams have been able to control the line of scrimmage against the Steelers has been to utilize four and even five down linemen. This is a strategy we’d love to see Pittsburgh utilize against a Raiders team that is going to want to run the football.
Scheme around the edge rushers
The two best players on defense are outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin needs to recognize just how disruptive this tandem can be and build the rest of the defense around them to maximize the impact they can have.
Fly to the football when Josh Jacobs is close to it
The start of the season hasn’t been great for Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. Nevertheless, Jacobs and the Raiders coaches have to be watching what is happening when running backs work against the Steelers and hope Jacobs can get started this week. Because of this, the defense has to key on Jacobs and do not let him turn routine plays into splash plays.
No more excuses for lack of communication
The Steelers are giving the green dot to inside linebacker Kwon Alexander this week which means he’s the guy to communicate the calls. Players actually said the crowds at Acrisure Stadium were so loud it made communication on defense more challenging. They won’t have that excuse this week.
