The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a pivotal moment in their team-building strategy. The departure of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers marked a significant shift, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the future makeup of the team’s wide receiver corps.
With additions like Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, and Quez Watkins, alongside a promising draft pick in Roman Wilson from the University of Michigan, it seemed the Steelers were set to revamp their offensive lineup extensively.
However, as rumors about potential trades involving high-profile players like Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and D.K. Metcalf fizzle out without fruition, a more critical need has come into sharp focus. The Steelers’ defense, particularly their performance against the pass, calls for immediate attention.
Pittsburgh Steelers Seek Secondary Improvement Solutions
In a league where aerial assaults are frequent and fierce, a team’s ability to counteract these offenses is paramount. Despite boasting the 2023 NFL sack leader T.J. Watt and achieving an impressive total of 47 sacks last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ pass defense remained a glaring weakness.
Ranking 17th in the NFL against the pass, the Steelers allowed 23 touchdowns through the air out of 32 offensive touchdowns scored against them in the regular season. This statistic alone highlights the dire need for strengthening their secondary.
Block Numbers are perfection 👌 #steelers pic.twitter.com/gLzZTpZLN8
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) May 7, 2024
The cornerback position, in particular, has seen significant turnover and inconsistent play. The releases and departures of players like Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, and James Pierre underscore a growing concern. While rookie Joey Porter Jr. showed potential, his season was marred by rookie mistakes and growing pains.
Pittsburgh Steelers Rebuild Cornerback Corps Strategically
This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a strategic move by acquiring former Panther Donte Jackson in the trade involving Johnson. Additionally, the draft brought in Ryan Watts from Texas, and there are high hopes for Cory Trice Jr., who missed his rookie year. These steps are part of a broader strategy to rebuild and fortify the cornerback position.
Moreover, the market still holds potential fixes with seasoned professionals like Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson, both of whom could offer immediate improvements to the secondary. Xavien Howard, recently released by the Miami Dolphins, is also on the radar, potentially bringing experience and a new dynamic to the defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers Pivot Focus to Defense
As the NFL evolves, so too must team strategies. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the focus has historically been on maintaining a robust offensive lineup, particularly at the wide receiver position. However, the current state of their defense, especially the pass defense, necessitates a shift in priorities.
By bolstering their cornerback roster, the Steelers are not just addressing a weakness but are also adapting to the demands of modern NFL play. This strategic pivot could well define their success in the challenging seasons ahead, proving that sometimes, the best offense is a good defense.
