Just in case you were wondering...

... we are not a 34 defense anymore.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/02/steelers-2015-final-defensive-charting-notes/

Percent of Defensive Snaps by Formation
Nickel - 66%
34 - 27%
Dime - 6%
Goal line - 1%

We are a base nickel, that plays some 34 against run formations on early downs. Time to draft accordingly

 

I would say we have. Our highest picks on the defense are 2 DEs and 4 LBers. That is what you need in the nickel. You have to be stout up there in order do the system to truly work. Still though you have to have a good NT for when you do go into the 3-4 or run teams are just going to grind it out.

 

Well, I'd say with 5 DBs on the field, you need DBs. And guys who can bend the edge. In that sense, we've invested 1 high pick (Dupree)

McClendon is a fine NT. His metrics vs the run are outstanding, and most Steelers fans seem to think he's a weak link.

I'm fine with opponents trying to "grind out" running game wins against our offense.

 

that's true. Defensive transformations take place over multiple seasons

 

Im not lol

 

you'd prefer they throw against our secondary? Interesting, since we were 5th against the run. I mean, Who would want teams trying to play into our strengths...

 

sorry mistook that as wanting teams to be able to "effectively" run the ball on us. my bad lol

 

Yes, he's fine as the NT, but I think most would love to see him as a DE because he takes a beating at NT and has the ability to be an outstanding DE in a rotation with the other guys on the team!

 

3-4, 4-3, or 4-4 are base defenses. It's darn near impossible to play in a base defense now. Just get ur best athletes on the field and I think we actually started doing thaat.
I mean will Allen lined up 5 yards from line of scrimmage just as much as 8 or 10 yards deep. I really am excited for what this defense can do. Call it a hybrid, 4-3 , 3-4 I don't care. I think this draft we will look at guys and make a spot for them instead of in the past pickaguy for a certain scheme.
I hope those days are gone anyway

 

The Steelers are still a 3/4 defense, who play a lot of nickel defense.

 

Good point

 

When the Steelers start a game they play a 3/4 defense with McClendon on the field, therefore they are still a 3/4 defense that's their base defense.

 

That's simply not true.

I mean.... good guess. but no.

 

could also show a lack of safety played a part too. we had to use an extra corner more than we may have liked because of it. we did use the nickle more and more under DL in 2014 as well. troy had become more of a liability in coverage, again pointing towards our back end as a problem then too.

 

True.

The way they play the defense now, the safety has to be in the correct position. Too often that's not happening! The safety's late either diagnosing where the play is going or just getting over. At the rate they're going, I'd like to see a reall ball hawk back there. Someone who has a nose to get there.