Linebackers, Inside and Out

The television broadcasters we have had to listen to the last couple of weeks have driven many of us nuts with their lack of knowledge regarding the Steelers. These aren't the traditional Steelers. They don't have a good run defense. The main reason for this is their problems at linebacker.

We have many threads about the problems at inside linebacker, specifically Bush's awful play. I thought he was actually a little better yesterday, but I still think he is going to be a major weak spot that opposing offenses attack with their running game.

Of course, it doesn't help that they haven't had their starters on the outside most of the preseason. I'm not saying they should have played more. I'm just concerned about Highsmith. He missed the preseason with a rib injury. Supposedly, he is close to ready and he said he expects to play in the opener, but I'll feel a lot better once he is back on the field. I've been surprised by how little mention there has been of his absence. Of course, the broadcasters who aren't local didn't seem to notice. Genard Avery seemed to get much of the time there against the Jaguars and did it poorly enough to be cut. Hamilcar Rashed got the start against Detroit and played most of the game. I didn't notice him doing anything great. Maybe others have a different opinion.

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-notes-alex-highsmith-inching-closer-to-readiness/

 

After OL, LB is the position that's most troubling. I really hope someone decent shakes loose during cuts and/or we are able to make a trade. I'd definitely consider a Claypool-for-good-LB/OL trade.

 

I'm sure it will help some if Highsmith and Watt are out there and playing at 100 percent, but that spot next to Jack looks like it is going to be a big concern all season.

 

We can cover up the ILB spot with exceptional interior D line play.

I'm hoping the starting 3 gel quickly and there are no injuries.

 

Jack has looked ok / good, so at least they have one dependable starter in the middle. I don’t think they can get anybody in by trade, there aren’t that many very good do-it-all linebackers in the league to begin with and any team that has one won’t give them up easily. Camp cuts are all going to be guys with big flaws.

I think the run defence has to improve once all the starters are back along the defensive line, and they can always get Bush off the field in sub packages. They’ll just have to figure it out because getting meaningful outside help at this stage is not realistic. Staying relatively healthy across the rest of the defence is going to be hugely important.

Agree that the depth behind Watt and Highsmith is also a huge concern. The most you could hope for if any of the backup guys they have get on the field is that they won’t kill you.

 

Buddy Johnson has been a disappointment, you would've liked to see him step up in his second year, he has shown nothing in training camp or preseason games.

 

i thought tuszka had a pretty good preseason. so did spillane on the inside.

 

Yeah, I thought the same. Tuszka's come along well since last year.

 

Quincy Roche is apparently going to be released by the Giants. Maybe he gets brought back.