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The run defense with and without Derrick Harmon this season

Discussion in 'Steelers Talk' started by Steelersfan43, Dec 7, 2025 at 6:37 PM.

  1. Steelersfan43

    Steelersfan43 Well-Known Member

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    Steelersfan43, Dec 7, 2025 at 6:37 PM
    Steelersfan43, Dec 7, 2025 at 6:37 PM
    #1
    • Winner Winner x 2
    • Informative Informative x 1
  2. Blast Furnace

    Blast Furnace Staff Member Mod Team

    46,050
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    Oct 16, 2011
    Yeash
     
    Blast Furnace, Dec 7, 2025 at 6:39 PM
    Blast Furnace, Dec 7, 2025 at 6:39 PM
    #2
    • Winner Winner x 1
  3. Chucktownsteeler

    Chucktownsteeler Well-Known Member

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    Blessing or curse; one rookie that important.
     
    Chucktownsteeler, Dec 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
    Chucktownsteeler, Dec 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
    #3
    • Winner Winner x 2
  4. D0bre Shunka

    D0bre Shunka Well-Known Member

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    We gave up over 200 yards rushing to the Ratbirds.
     
    D0bre Shunka, Dec 8, 2025 at 3:34 AM
    D0bre Shunka, Dec 8, 2025 at 3:34 AM
    #4
  5. AskQuestionsLater

    AskQuestionsLater Writing Team

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    SHOCKING!!!!



    On a serious note, do people now understand why I have been pounding for the likes of Peter Woods from Clemson since Week 4?! Losing Derrick Harmon is already bad enough. The depth behind him is even worse. Yahya Black gets grace for me as he is literally tapped stamina wise by the time the second half is at the midway point. Why that is?! Pittsburgh literally has no one else but Black and Harmon.


    Keeanu Benton isn't it. Heyward isn't getting any younger and this could be it for him no less. Pittsburgh seriously needs to invest in that position early in 2026. If there truly is no QB on the board by then and Peter Woods is still available?! To hell with it and trade up for him.


    Quasi Generational talents like Peter Woods don't grow on trees.
     
    AskQuestionsLater, Dec 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
    AskQuestionsLater, Dec 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
    #5
    • Winner Winner x 2
  6. AskQuestionsLater

    AskQuestionsLater Writing Team

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    Curse. 100%


    That falls 100% on lack of Coaching, Drafting, Development and Scheme. That much falls heavily on both Tomlin and Austin. Keeanu Benton regressing since his Rookie Season is a major factor.
     
    AskQuestionsLater, Dec 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
    AskQuestionsLater, Dec 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
    #6
  7. Steel_Elvis

    Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

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    I’ve only watched Woods on live TV during a few games and in highlight cut ups, but yeah, he pops on film for sure. There is a lot to like, but what stood out for me immediately was how well he maintains control and ability to change direction on a dime while flowing along the line vs. zone blocking. It’s very rare for a D lineman to be able to control the O lineman who is trying to block him while flowing laterally, and be able to immediately shed either direction. It effectively takes away two avenues for the RB. A D lineman who can do that can have a huge impact on the run defense.
     
    Steel_Elvis, Dec 11, 2025 at 7:36 AM
    Steel_Elvis, Dec 11, 2025 at 7:36 AM
    #7
  8. Karl

    Karl Well-Known Member

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    Jan 19, 2022
    Definitely need some beef up front.
    I think Harmon is facing knee surgery in the off season to be honest. Not a major one, but just to clean things up as long as he doesn't do more damage.
     
    Karl, Dec 11, 2025 at 7:43 AM
    Karl, Dec 11, 2025 at 7:43 AM
    #8
    • Agree Agree x 2
  9. Bubbahotep

    Bubbahotep Well-Known Member

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    Mar 19, 2022
    Unfortunately for the Steelers DT is the weakest position in the 2026 draft. "The Godfather" Dontae Corleone might not be a bad option. At least one site comps Corleone to Steelers Hampton. Not a pass rush demon but a guy you aren't going to run through.
     
    Bubbahotep, Dec 11, 2025 at 7:56 AM
    Bubbahotep, Dec 11, 2025 at 7:56 AM
    #9
  10. 86WardsWay

    86WardsWay Well-Known Member

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    Corleone is very overrated.
     
    86WardsWay, Dec 11, 2025 at 8:36 AM
    86WardsWay, Dec 11, 2025 at 8:36 AM
    #10
  11. AskQuestionsLater

    AskQuestionsLater Writing Team

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    Apr 21, 2016

    It isn't just what he can do on the inside. Peter is a deadly stuntman as well; further evidenced that he can hit the 7 to 9 gaps while looping from even the 2 to 4 gaps. IDL isn't a position I'd typically pound the table to trade up for.


    Peter Woods though is an exception to the rule. Unless Dante Moore declares, Peter Woods has my vote for who the team should trade up for.
     
    AskQuestionsLater, Dec 11, 2025 at 10:24 AM
    AskQuestionsLater, Dec 11, 2025 at 10:24 AM
    #11

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