Which problem on D is worse?

We all know there are 2 big problems with the defense. I actually think the LBers are good, to me, and this is just what I see, is the lack of depth on the DL and the secondary. If I had to focus on one area in the draft it would be the DL, and the reason is you can have the best DBs in the league, if the QB has throwing lanes and time with the rules in place, no DB will be able to cover a good receiver. Good QBs will also carve up teams that have to blitz in order to get pressure, especially with our team as the CBs constantly play 15 yards off the line in order not to get beat deep. The other reason I think DL over DB is to take a look at teams that have it, look what teams that get pressure with just 4 guys does to the Steelers offense, it completely neutralizes it. We have 3 good ones, 1 that is great, another that will be great and a third that has the potential to be great but after that there is nothing, McCullers's time is fading away and I'd say it there isn't much better behind him. With a good DL we could make other teams one dimensional by being able to stop the run, and this goes back to the Tebow game when the Steelers had to play with no safety help as the only way they could stop a running attack was to put 9 guys in the box every play, Tebow only completed 10 passes but it was for 316 because the team had to keep the box stacked and even against a bad QB it spelled disaster. I want to know what you all think, I use to be all in on secondary help but this team is unable to generate pressure without blitzing and good QBs look great and mediocre QBs look good against our unit.

 

The biggest problem is no pressure. Whether that's on the DL or LB's i have no idea as I don't know the playcalls. All I know is someone needs to start getting to the QB or we'll be lucky to make the playoffs

 

Need outside pass rush, and probably a nice back up to rotate on the DLine.

Baltimore has a nice pair of Dlinemen in Jergan and Williams. We need some guys like that on this team. Not just penatrators , but guys who take up space.

 

That's a really long paragraph.

 

Defensive pressure. From somewhere. Anywhere.

 

There you go - fixed it for you.

 

One word........."plastics"!

Actually the word is "chemistry'. Not playing as a unit - just parts - with some overt breakdown on virtually 90% of the defensive plays - blame spread on ALL facets and D players.

 

D as in defense would be lack of pressure.

The other D is a toss-up between warts and the herp.

 

The problem is OLBs hands down. If we had one legit edge rusher this defense would be top 15 or better. Chick, Harrison, Moats, Jones, Dupree are the worst group the Steelers have fielded since returning the the 3-4 defense.

I would roll with our current secondary and use any potential draft choices on OLBs. I would draft at least 3 next year and a couple of UDFAs and look at the free agency as well.

 

I think it is hard to blame the olbs period. sure they rush but damn they drop a ton anymore. I seen Harrison in coverage more last 2 games than I think all games previous 2 years.lol


I think it is a scheme thing. they just try not to give up big play. hope teams become less patient. if we play that way sunday it will be a long day because dallas is patient

 

They drop more because they are not talented enough to get to the quarterback. Butler has to either send them or put them in coverage and its obvious they are not getting to the OLB.

The 3-4 defense or having 4 linebackers on the field is predicated on getting to the quarterback. Especially the OLBs. That is their number one job.

Put it this way, if they were getting to the quarterback I'm pretty sure Butler wouldn't have them dropping into coverage.

 

You might be right on Dupree, but based on all things right now the overall group leaves a lot to be desired.

 

DL and DB. We keep focusing on linebackers but can you name linebackers(more then 1) on the top defenses in the league? No. The 3-4 is out.

 

Attack and let the chips fall were they may. This defense we are playing now
is not entertaining to watch and has not been successful. Lets get after it and let players
use their God given ability and stop thinking instead of reacting and we will be a lot better off.

 

In Dupree's defense he hasn't contributed at all this season. Jarvis is what he is, no more, no less. Moats is a solid back up who is starting. Chickillo has upside potential. I would like to see a Chick/Dupree tandem next season. Harrison had a nice game against the crows but it's over. This is to me the collective weakest link. Doesn't bod well for a Defense that asks a lot of the OLB'ers.

I posted last season that the depth at DE was critical. When Heyward and Tuitt are out the unit obviously weakens. Need to hopefully address this in the draft getting a player at least close to the two mentioned above. Hargrave is doing a decent job.

The ILB'ers. Timmons last ride. Shazier when healthy is a game changer. Williams is solid.

The secondary. I like the move starting Burns. Cockrell is solid. Gay to the slot is a good move. Now to the weak links. The safeties. Mitchell is slow footed, not good in coverage. Time for an upgrade next season. The days of the hitter FS are over. Need a solid cover FS. Golden is a nice player but to me is a back up. Dangerfield came in when he was injured and played above the line. Time to get Davis some rotation.

So collectively this unit needs upgrading. Also Butler's scheme comes in to play.

 

We haven't had a legimate run stuffer since Big Snack... hopefully Hargrave will develop into that player for the Black and Gold.

 

Mcullers