Is the 2-4-5 defense really working for us?

In watching the KC game (for the third time because I am an addict), I noticed the Steelers defense would start off with the 3-4 base on first downs. Then they would shift to 2 DL and 4 linebackers on 2nd and 3rd downs.
I want to know from folks on this board if you guys really think this 2-4-5 is really effective in today's game?

luckily for the Steelers, Tuitt and Heyward were bringing pressure all day and they are studs. But going forward and with us only having studs at the inside linebacker positions (assuming Worlids and Harrison are gone), should we draft stud linebackers/edge rushers or do we make the switch to the 4-3?

I guess if we do go to the 4-3, it really won't matter as much because we would be back to the 2-4-5 on second and third downs?

am I right or did I confuse everyone?

 

I was at the game, and they were hardly in the 3-4 all game.

I think KC's short passing game dictated the need to play this formation though. Steelers really never stopped Alex Smith, they were just lucky to contain him.

It is good to see Tuitt becoming a force though. I think this bodes well for us going forward.

 

We aren't switching to a 4-3.

 

I think the effectiveness will rely on the mixture of LB's, Safeties, and CB's. I think smaller safeties and CB's give up something when facing larger pass catching TE's and can also be ineffective when having to play run support. If you take a guy like Shazier and place him in a safety type role where he has the speed to match a TE, the size to really thump it in the run game you improve both aspects of your game. In the falcons game they had Troy up in run support and blitzing more than they did in a traditional safety role, that is going to cause coverage problems. So it is my hope that they keep tweaking these sub packages, one thing is for sure Cam Thomas needs to not be on the field either at DE or spelling a NT, the man has a tell that you can see from space, he simply does not give 100% effort when he isn't part of the designed pass rush.

 

that's what i saw too

 

Definitely.

 

What you witnessed was our nickel defense which is on passing downs. Lose the NT and bring in an extra CB. If they go Big Nickel they bring in an extra safety instead. Dime is 6 DB's.

Also if you noticed they also alternate ILBers to play along side Timmons. They switch out Williams who is the more run stuffing LB with Spence who's more into coverage. When Williams is in there Timmons plays the Buck LBer meaning he calls the plays and is more into coverage but when Spence plays he plays the Buck calling the plays and Timmons goes to mack keying in on the run and blitzing.

Cajun-

 

They have been utilizing this all season. The need is there due to the pass happy league the Liar wants to see to keep the fantasy football craze pumping. I wonder what's going to happen when that craze loses it's luster? It will...

Seeing Tuitt on the field in his rook year and making a difference might be key for the stretch run. I like the leadership Keisel was bringing, and at times this season it seemed he was the only one on defense that was stepping up. Only through an injury will we see what Tuitt brings and the run defense has gotten better since he has been starting. Look how long it took to get Heyward starting. Hood was in front. Now does anyone think that Hood brought more then Heyward? This is the main problem I have with LeBeau. Staying with vets even though what's behind them can contribute more. I was pleasantly surprised that they benched Cortez Allen even at the expense of the contract. I'm hoping for the stretch run they keep Ike on the sidelines. He as well as Troy are a liability. Although Troy can bring some splash but not as a starter anymore.

 

I am getting to like this defense. they are not dominate so let teams move the ball and keep them out of endzone. keep everything in front of u. they are playing better whatever formation they are in